The City is seeking dedicated and professional individuals to join our team as a Police Park Ranger. This position ensures the safety and enjoyment of Modesto’s parks through minor enforcement duties and by providing a uniformed presence.


 

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)

5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

Application Process

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."

Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.  

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.

Tentative Testing Schedule

Online Exam

October 5, 2026-October 12, 2026 

Those who pass the test will then be screened to the most qualified candidates for interviews.

Essential Functions:
 
Provide a uniformed presence and perform proactive patrol duties; educate and provide assistance to visitors.
 
Issue warnings and citation for observed violations.  
 
Perform patrol enforcement activities of city, county, and state regulations in parks, trails, and open spaces including but not limited to patrolling by vehicle, motorcycle, all terrain motorized vehicle, bicycle and/or on foot.
 
Participate in crime prevention activities by working with various departments, groups, and individuals on addressing issues, concerns, and complaints.
 
Perform administrative support and data entry functions, as required.
 
Direct traffic at special events, crime and accident scenes, and signal outages. 
 
Monitor City streets and enforce parking laws, regulations, and municipal codes applicable to non-moving vehicles and issue citations.
 
Process and storing of found property.
 
Assist Police Officers and Community Service Officers with non-emergency duties and conduct non-hazardous investigation. 
 
Provide technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; explain rules and regulations; receive and respond to complaints and reports of routine violations from the public.        
 
Gather information from individuals or reference sources to complete and process various routine forms, records, and applications; contact individuals to obtain additional information.
 
Identify and tow abandoned vehicles, as authorized; recover stolen vehicles when found unattended.
 
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
 
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
 
Marginal Functions:
 
Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of law enforcement and community regulations. 
 
Procedures and techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful but firm manner. 
 
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

Ability to:

Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.  
 
De-escalate hostile and aggrieve behavior and handle sensitive or tense situations with tact and diplomacy.
 
Navigate police records management system. 
 
Respond appropriately to difficult and sensitive matters.
 
Speak and write clearly and effectively

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of education and experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year of experience dealing with the public in an enforcement, inspection, investigation or customer service capacity.  Previous experience enforcing municipal codes is desirable.  

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency. 

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Possession of a P.O.S.T. approved PC 832 Arrest and Control Training Certificate within one (1) year of appointment.
 
Possession of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card within one (1) year of appointment.
 
Possession of a current First Aid card within one (1) year of appointment.
 
Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.