​​State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

SALARY INFORMATION

Description

This series specification describes four State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) classes.

The State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard), State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard), State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I (Lifeguard) and the State Park Peace Officer Supervisor II (Lifeguard) classes perform professional and technical duties. The duties include public safety and law enforcement, patrol, park operations, education or interpretive services, resource protection/management, assisting with program management activities, visitor facilities operations and services, and may supervise and/or lead seasonal and lower-level permanent staff.  Incumbents may also perform staff functions of comparable difficulty and responsibility in an academy training assignment. The work is performed in State Park field districts and units throughout the State of California.  Districts and units include State Park reserves, historical units, recreational areas, beaches, wayside campground, underwater parks and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and Boating and Waterways Division. Rotation in assignment between visitor services and instructor positions is planned experience for the State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) series development.

Incumbents are trained and designated as sworn State Park Peace Officers. Their authority extends statewide (on or off duty). They perform patrol duties primarily by vehicle, boat, and foot patrol; enforce park regulations and issue citations; write reports; make physical arrests for misdemeanors, felonies, and warrants; conduct criminal and administrative investigations; take command in emergencies; perform search and rescue activities, including detecting and rescuing persons or vessels in distress; assist in wildland and structural fire suppression; provide emergency medical assistance and aid; may also perform traffic control and radio dispatching; operate, inspect, and perform maintenance on emergency rescue equipment, vehicles, and vessels; train personnel in all phases of life-saving activities and operation and maintenance of emergency rescue equipment; and may do other related work.

Incumbents may 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 as a canine team handler.

Incumbents are required to use protective equipment. The equipment includes various types of firearms, batons, chemical agents, and handcuffs. Incumbents are regularly trained and tested in physical defensive tactics and firearms use.

State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard)

This is the entry and training level class in this series. Under close supervision, incumbents learn the duties of a State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard). Incumbents participate in public safety and basic law enforcement; patrol; public contact and visitor facility operations and services; educational and interpretative services; and resource protection/management training programs.

State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard)

This is the journey level in the series. Under supervision, incumbents perform visitor services duties within a park district which include: law enforcement, aquatic/public safety, administration, interpretation, and resource protection/management; and may serve as lead persons.

State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I (Lifeguard)

This is the first supervisory level in the series. Under general supervision, incumbents supervise lower level permanent and seasonal staff in a visitor services program in a less complex district, geographical sector, or satellite unit; may act in the absence of the District Superintendent or Chief Ranger; in addition, may perform the duties of Lifeguard and, and do other related work.

State Park Peace Officer Supervisor II (Lifeguard)

This is the second supervisory level in this series. Under direction, incumbents plan and direct visitor services or aquatic programs in the visitor services functions. Primary responsibilities include aquatic safety services, safety and enforcement, patrol, administrative services, interpretation, resource protection/management, and visitor facility operations in a designated aquatic district. Incumbents may also serve as sector, satellite, or visitor services supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels

Applicants may be admitted into the examination without meeting the requirements within the “All Levels" section, but the applicant must meet those requirements prior to appointment. For the education requirement, students who have completed 30 semester units of the required education may apply, but they must satisfactorily complete the required education before they can be appointed.

Six months of experience performing the duties of a lifeguard in locations other than swimming pools; and

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles; and

Must meet the peace officer selection standards developed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training per Penal Code section 13510(a).; and

Applicants for positions in this class 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; and

Must pass a swimming/running performance test as conducted by the Department prior to appointment; and

Education: Completion of 60 semester units at an accredited college or university including a minimum of 21 semester units satisfying the General Education Curriculum standards as identified for colleges and universities accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard)

All of the above.

State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard)

In addition to what is required for all levels:

Possession of (1) a valid Red Cross Advanced First-Aid Certificate or a valid First Responder Certificate, and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. (A valid California Emergency Medical Services Authority issued Emergency Medical Technician Certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates.) (Applicants who do not possess the required certificates will be admitted into the examination, but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.); and

Completion of any California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) accredited Basic Training Law Enforcement Academy. Out-of-state candidates who possess a POST Basic Course Waiver may use it to substitute for the required completion of any California POST accredited Law Enforcement Academy. Candidate must obtain a POST Basic Certificate and a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate within 12 months of appointment. (Candidates without a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate may be admitted to the examination and may be appointed, but must obtain a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate within 12 months of appointment). (Applicants who do not possess the required POST Basic Course Waiver will be admitted into the examination, but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I (Lifeguard)

In addition to what is required for all levels:

Possession of (1) a valid Red Cross Advanced First-Aid Certificate or a valid First Responder Certificate, and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. (A valid California Emergency Medical Services Authority issued Emergency Medical Technician Certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates.) (Applicants who do not possess the required certificates will be admitted into the examination, but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.); and

Completion of any California POST accredited Basic Training Law Enforcement Academy, and  possession of a valid POST Basic Certificate, and possession of a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate (Candidates without a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate may be admitted to the examination and may be appointed, but must obtain a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate within 12 months of appointment) (Applicants who do not possess the required POST Basic Certificate will be admitted into the examination, but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.); and

Either I

Two years of experience in California state civil service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard), Range B; or

II 

Experience: Three years of experience as a peace officer in the State of California. 

State Park Peace Officer Supervisor II (Lifeguard)

In addition to what is required for all levels:

Possession of (1) a valid Red Cross Advanced First-Aid Certificate or a valid First Responder Certificate, and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. (A valid California Emergency Medical Services Authority issued Emergency Medical Technician Certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates.) (Applicants who do not possess the required certificates will be admitted into the examination, but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.); and

Completion of any California POST accredited Basic Training Law Enforcement Academy, and possession of a valid POST Basic Certificate, and possession of a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate (Candidates without a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate may be admitted to the examination and may be appointed, but must obtain a Parks Lifeguard Training Certificate within 12 months of appointment) (Applicants who do not possess the required POST Basic Certificate will be admitted into the examination, but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.); and

Either I 

One year of experience in the California state civil service performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I (Lifeguard); or

II

Experience: Four years of experience as a peace officer in the State of California, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.

Knowledge and Abilities

State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard)

Knowledge of: Basic principles of dealing with the public; basic mathematics as required in accounting for funds; basic grammar and spelling as required in preparing reports and records; general resource management and protection; principle recreational areas of the State of California; and surf, ocean, lake, and river swimming, bathing, and boating hazards. 

Ability to: Swim at a level sufficient to perform lifesaving activities; follow written and oral instructions; learn the principles and practices used in the conservation and interpretation of natural resources; learn to use tools and equipment used on the job; work safely; learn to deal tactfully with individuals and groups; apply theory to practical situations; interpret and apply rules and instructions; communicate effectively; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; perform duties which require physical strength and agility; and learn law enforcement rules, regulations, and procedures as a State park peace officer, including arrests and the use of firearms.

State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles and practices involved in operating, interpreting, and protecting State park districts; purposes, organization, policies, procedures, and rules of the Department of Parks and Recreation; methods and materials used in preparing and interpreting natural science displays and exhibits; techniques and procedures used in law enforcement; methods of conducting search and rescue; advanced emergency first aid procedures; and first aid and rescue equipment use and maintenance.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, organize, and direct the work of others; carry out programs in accordance with plans and specifications; establish and maintain cooperative relations with public groups and organizations; and lead and train seasonal staff.

State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I (Lifeguard)
State Park Peace Officer Supervisor II (Lifeguard)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and basic principles of supervision, personnel management, and business and public administration; State administrative procedures; the full range of aquatic services; the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives; and a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment.

 
Ability to: All of the above, and supervise or assist with the visitor services operation of State park districts; organize, coordinate, and plan programs for operations, interpretation, safety and enforcement, and resource management and protection in park districts; analyze situations and take effective action; establish and maintain cooperative relations with the public and with representatives in other jurisdictions; coordinate mutual aid operations with other agencies; plan and implement in-service training and write effectively; work with community organizations and public officials; assist with the development of effective operating programs to protect visitors and the resources of the State park system; participate in aquatic-oriented public relations and information programs; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

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 sufficient to assume the responsibility of protecting lives of others; dependability; punctuality; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence; sensitivity to needs and attitudes of others; and neatness and courtesy.

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

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

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

State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard)

Paid or volunteer experience in law enforcement, or in the operation, protection, and interpretation of a public recreational area.

All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

Class History