California has bolstered its state park system with the addition of 32 new rangers and lifeguards during a graduation ceremony. These new graduates have completed an intensive eight-month training program and are now set to serve in 13 state parks across the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the group, stating, “California congratulates the 32 new state park rangers and lifeguards who will now serve in 13 parks across the state. I thank these dedicated individuals for their valuable public service – ensuring our parks remain enjoyable and safe destinations for all Californians.”
The graduates are part of this year’s BVST 50 class, which includes 27 rangers and five lifeguards chosen from nearly 830 applicants. The new staff members will be stationed in various regions, including the North Coast Redwoods, the Central Valley, and the Santa Cruz, Orange Coast, and Inland Empire districts.
State Parks Director Armando Quintero addressed the significance of the graduates’ role, stating, “We welcome 32 new guardians of California’s most cherished places. These men and women have not only trained hard, but they have chosen a life of service, of standing in the gap between preservation and destruction, between safety and danger. They will be the steady hands guiding lost hikers home, the first responders in times of crisis, and the storytellers who connect us to our past. Their duty is not just a job, but a promise to protect the lands and waters that define who we are as Californians.”
The new park employees will undergo a further 13-week Field Training Officer Program to receive practical, on-the-job training.
The training program they completed covered various skills, including strategic communication, search and rescue operations, and park resource management. This cohort’s motto, “Water and Land, Together We Stand,” highlights their commitment to safeguarding California’s diverse environments.
Those who may be interested in exploring a career with California State Parks are encouraged to visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/jobs for more information.
