State Park Superintendent Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established April 25, 1973

Scope

This series specification describes five State Park Superintendent classes used in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Definition of Series

The State Park Superintendent series describes professional positions within the State Park System responsible for the protection and management of natural and cultural resources, public safety and law enforcement functions, visitor services, interpretation programs, real property management, and facilities maintenance. Incumbents in this series work throughout the State primarily within districts of the State Park System which include State parks, reserves, historical units, recreation areas, beaches, wayside campgrounds, and underwater parks. Positions in the series may also be assigned to Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Units or to headquarters functions.

Typical Tasks

Positions in the series work as district superintendents, chief rangers, sector superintendents, unit superintendents, program supervisors, staff supervisors, staff specialists, or community program managers. Incumbents typically direct the overall activities of a district or direct or supervise one or more of the following activities: natural and cultural resource management and protection, visitor services, public safety and law enforcement, interpretation, aquatic programs, facilities maintenance, capital outlay engineering, landscaping, property management, historic properties preservation, concessions, equipment, and administration including budget preparation and review, revenue collection, employee development and performance evaluation, and employee discipline. Incumbents also work with cooperative associations and volunteer groups, community and allied public sector groups, and the media.

As designated State Park Peace Officers whose authority extends statewide (on or off duty), incumbents supervise and must also be prepared to perform public safety and law enforcement activities which include patrol by vehicle, boat, and foot patrol; issuance of citations; report preparation; making physical arrests for misdemeanors, felonies, and warrants; conducting criminal and administrative investigations; providing incident command; performing search and rescue activities; assisting in wildland and structural fire suppression; providing emergency medical aid; and occasionally performing traffic control and radio dispatching. Incumbents also supervise and may personally perform specialized assignments in cliff rescue; ski patrol; scuba diving; ocean, surf, river, and lake rescue; horse patrol; off-road vehicle and motorcycle patrol; or canine team handling. Incumbents supervise and use protective equipment which includes various types of fire arms, batons, chemical agents, and handcuffs, and are trained and tested in physical defensive tactics and firearms use.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level, variety, and complexity of work; nature and sensitivity of public contact; scope of administrative and management responsibility; supervision exercised and received; latitude for independent judgment and action; decision-making and sector or geographic responsibilities; program control and influence on program direction.

Standards and core/primary factors that affect district position allocation are: (1) acreage, (2) campsites, (3) picnic sites, (4) parking facilities, (5) available swimming, (6) annual visitor attendance, (7) permanent staff, (8) seasonal staff allocation, (9) operating expense, (10) revenues, (11) interpretive programs and facilities, and (12) natural and cultural resource values. Additionally, a group of unique workload elements used in determining position allocation include: geographic spread; interagency/community involvement; scope of law enforcement activities; complexity of maintenance operations; diversity of district operations; development, acquisition, and planning activities; political sensitivity of the assignment; special programs; and concessions operations.

Definition of Levels

State Park Superintendent I

This is the entry level in the series. Positions in this class supervise a geographic sector within a level III, IV, or V district, or a level I unit within the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division; or serve as the chief ranger within a level II district; or a supervising ranger within a level III, IV, or V district; or serve as a staff specialist in a headquarters office or division.

State Park Superintendent II

Positions in this class supervise all or part of a geographic sector within level IV and above districts; or supervise level II and above field units within the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division; or serve as an assistant district superintendent or a chief ranger within level III and above districts; or serve as a staff specialist performing more difficult functions in a headquarters office or division.

State Park Superintendent III

Positions in this class serve as a superintendent of a level III district or as an assistant district superintendent or chief ranger within a level IV or V district; or supervise an entire sector in a level IV or V district or a level III unit within the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division; or serve as a staff specialist performing the most difficult functions in a headquarters office or division. Supervision may include staff at the State Park Superintendent I or II level.

State Park Superintendent IV

Positions in this class serve as superintendents of level IV districts. Supervision may include staff at the State Park Superintendent I, II, or III level.

State Park Superintendent V

Positions in this class serve as superintendents of level V districts. Supervision may include staff at the State Park Superintendent I, II, or III level.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

The following is part of the "Minimum Qualifications" for all classes in the series.

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of the license before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) Graduation from a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic course academy within 12 months after appointment. and Education: Successful completion of two years (60 semester units) of study from a State accredited college or university of which a minimum of 21 semester units must be successfully completed satisfying the General Education Curriculum standards as identified for colleges and universities accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities. Courses which meet this requirement include: Natural/Social Sciences, Language, Humanities, Mathematics. and Possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Regular Basic Certificate within 24 months after appointment.

State Park Superintendent I

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Supervising State Park Ranger or Lifeguard Supervisor I.

Or II

Experience: Four years of experience in the management or administration of a park, public recreational, or historical area, at least two years of which must include supervision of staff. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a Supervising State Park Ranger or Lifeguard Supervisor I.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

State Park Superintendent II

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent I or a Lifeguard Supervisor II.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Supervising State Park Ranger or Lifeguard Supervisor I.

Or III

Experience: Five years of experience in the management or administration of a park, public recreational, or historical area, at least three years of which must have included supervision of staff. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a State Park Superintendent I or a Lifeguard Supervisor II or two years in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a Supervising State Park Ranger or a Lifeguard Supervisor I.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

State Park Superintendent III

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent II or a Lifeguard Supervisor III.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent I or Lifeguard Supervisor II.

Or III

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) experience in the management or administration of a park, public recreational, historical area, or a resource or recreation management organization, at least four years of which must have included the supervision of staff. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a State Park Superintendent II.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

State Park Superintendent IV

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent III or a Lifeguard Supervisor IV.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent II or a Lifeguard Supervisor III.

Or III

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) experience in the management or administration of a park, public recreational, historical area, or a resource or recreation management organization, at least two years of which must have included management of multiple programs through subordinate supervisors. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a State Park Superintendent III.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

State Park Superintendent V

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent IV.

Or II

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Superintendent III or Lifeguard Supervisor IV.

Or III

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) administrative or management experience, at least three years of which must have included management of multiple park, recreation, or resource programs or organizations through subordinate supervisors. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to a State Park Superintendent IV.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge and Abilities

State Park Superintendent I

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of administering, interpreting, protecting, and maintaining State park districts; mission, goals, organization, policies, procedures, and rules of the Department of Parks and Recreation; principles and techniques of natural and cultural resource management and protection and enhancement of biological diversity; principles of public safety including: law enforcement management, hazardous materials management, critical incident command, and aquatic safety; principles of business and fiscal management; budgeting and budget administration, grant development and administration, concessions management, revenue generation, auditing practices and procedures; principles of personnel management, supervision and leadership, labor relations, volunteer program management, Equal Employment Opportunity laws, occupational health and safety, employee development techniques; modern management methods including: data collection strategies, data analysis tools, problem solving, and long-range planning; principles of public administration, nonprofit organizational structure, political process, social and economic trends, intergovernmental planning processes, community and media relations techniques; principles of facilities maintenance, construction, repair, restoration, housekeeping, groundskeeping, equipment maintenance, water and waste water systems management, and preventive maintenance practices; methods of interpretation and education relative to natural, cultural, and recreational resources; and real property management methods and procedures and land acquisition practices.

Ability to: Supervise a State park sector or park operation or serve as a program supervisor within a State park; organize, coordinate, plan, and supervise programs for resource management and protection, public safety and enforcement, administration, maintenance, interpretation and special services of park districts; develop and provide staff services and programs to support and monitor field activities; analyze situations, solve problems, and take effective action; define a clear link between actions, long-term goals, and department mission; ensure efficiency of work processes; determine and respond to changing needs and expectations; establish and maintain effective relations with community organizations, special interest groups, local State and Federal agencies, legislators, legislative staff, and the media; coordinate mutual aid operation with other agencies; build and maintain relationships across work groups; plan and facilitate effective teams and coalitions; work with a variety of persons and organizations having diverse issues, concerns, agendas, and values; provide leadership to public and private sector working groups to achieve workable solutions consistent with departmental goals; analyze and interpret data in decision making; evaluate and measure the effectiveness of processes; understand and utilize modern information systems; plan and implement personnel practices, motivate and support staff, plan and implement employee development and programs; and effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity programs.

State Park Superintendent II

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and supervise a level II sector, unit, or park program operation within a State park district or division.

State Park Superintendent III

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and manage the operation of a level III State park district or supervise a level III sector, unit, or program operation within a State park district or division.

State Park Superintendent IV

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and direct the operation of a level IV State park district.

State Park Superintendent V

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and direct the operation of a level V State park district.

Age Requirement

Must meet minimum age requirement to be appointed as a California peace officer per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and in accordance with existing law.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Aptitude and demonstrated interest in park and recreation work, philosophy, and principles; willingness to wear the prescribed uniform and conform to departmental personal appearance standards; willingness to work at various locations throughout the State; willingness to work on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and at odd or irregular hours; willingness to perform law enforcement duties; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; aptitude for interpretive and public relations work; emotional maturity; dependability; punctuality; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence; sensitivity to needs and attitudes of others; neatness and courtesy.

Special Physical Requirements

All Levels:

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; demonstrate sufficient swimming ability for self-preservation and to direct aquatic and lifesaving operations.

Drug Testing Requirement

All Levels Except State Park Superintendent V

Applicants are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Special Requirements

All Levels:

Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as a peace officer. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.

Existing law provides that a background investigation be completed on or prior to appointment date. Persons who are not successful in the investigation cannot be appointed as a peace officer.

Existing law provides that physical and psychological suitability examinations be completed on or prior to appointment date. Persons who are not successful in these examinations cannot be appointed as a peace officer.

Existing law provides that a reading and writing ability examination consisting of an entry-level test battery or equivalent as determined by POST must be completed on or prior to appointment. Persons who are not successful in this examination cannot be appointed as a peace officer.

Existing law provides that a candidate for a peace officer position be fingerprinted for search of local, State, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.

Citizenship Requirement

All Levels:

Existing law provides that persons in the State Park Superintendent and Ranger class series be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to the final file date for this examination. The one-year requirement is waived for a permanent resident alien who either applied for a peace officer position prior to his or her 19th birthday or applied for a peace officer position in California prior to September 10, 1982. A permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall apply for and meet all of the requirements for U.S. citizenship as soon as legally possible and shall be disqualified from holding that position if three years have passed without so obtaining citizenship since filing of application for the employment position. Any peace officer who is ultimately denied citizenship must be separated from employment.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Possession of (1) a valid Red Cross Advanced First-Aid Certificate or First Responder Certificate (EMSA approved) and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. (An approved Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician Certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates.)

Bachelor of Arts/Science with specialization in Park Administration, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Law Enforcement, Business, or other related field.

Possession of a valid instructor certificate for: Advanced First Aid, First Responder (EMSA approved), Basic First Aid, and/or CPR from American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Completion and current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician Level I or II.

Successful completion of California State Lifeguard Training.

Class History