It Takes a Team: The Passionate People Powering California’s 280 State Parks 

California’s state parks are vital to our collective well-being. These public green spaces offer refuge, connection, and renewal — not just through nature itself, but through the people who care for it. While many imagine parks as untouched nature, the truth is more dynamic: parks are living systems stewarded every day by staff who repair trails, welcome visitors, protect wildlife, and share stories that connect us to place.   

Parks need people as much as people need parks. That truth has only become clearer since 2020, as visitation surged, and Californians sought connection outdoors. Most park professionals don’t pursue this work for recognition or high pay — they do it because they love these landscapes and believe everyone should be able to experience them. Their dedication shapes every visit. 
 

That commitment is embodied by Luis Rincon, Community Engagement Coordinator in the Angeles District, who received this heartfelt thank you:  

“Luis straddles the worlds of California State Parks and Los Angeles communities,” his anonymous nominator explained. “He is a naturalist, historian, cultural interpreter, as well as a community organizer. Luis' enjoyment of the local flora & fauna and its cultural roots enchants all the people who come to visit or volunteer to build and maintain these two parks. He invites and involves folks to care for and maintain the natural world that exists all around us in the city. He encourages us to make these places 'ours.' As Angelenos, we all get to have a kind of 'ownership' and a responsibility for this world around us. This is Luis' contribution.” 

Staffing shortages and funding challenges are threatening public lands nationwide — and California is not exempt. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 4,400 federal public lands jobs have faced elimination, and our state park system is vulnerable to similar cuts. When budgets shrink, it’s often the people who steward these places— our rangers, scientists, interpreters, and maintenance crews — who feel it first.  

State Parks employed nearly 2,000 permanent full-time staff members, and over 1,500 temporary or seasonal employees. Spread across 280 parks, that’s fewer than 10 park staff per park, handling every aspect necessary to keep parks open to the public — cleaning the bathrooms, clearing trails, responding to emergencies, educating school groups, helping visitors navigate the park, protecting wildlife, and more.  

It’s an extraordinary responsibility, carried by a deeply dedicated team. And it’s one reason why California State Parks Foundation exists. Founded in 1969, by former California State Parks Director William Penn Mott, Jr., to be a partner to the California State Parks in protecting and preserving the California state park system. The core group of founders believed that parks needed an independent nonprofit partner to help engage a broader audience of park supporters, inspire philanthropy, and better serve more diverse communities.  

It takes all of us to protect and preserve our public lands — especially those who have dedicated their careers to public service. From interpreters who share stories that connect us to land, to maintenance staff who keep parks safe and accessible, to environmental scientists working to ensure our parks are climate resilient, to seasonal and part-time staff who keep parks running smoothly during the busy summer season — each member of the California State Parks team plays a vital role in carrying out its mission.
 

Frontline Faces: Rangers, Interpreters, and the Welcoming Staff Who Make Every Visit Memorable

When asked to picture park staff, rangers likely come to mind. At California State Parks, you’re probably thinking of two different sorts of jobs — Interpreters and Peace Officers. 

Interpreters bring the park to life. They lead hikes, identify plants and animals, run campfire programs, and connect visitors to land and history. As Libbie Scheding, Interpreter I in the San Luis Obispo Coast District, says: “I facilitate a fun time in parks!” 

Peace Officers, on the other hand, are trained law enforcement officials tasked with keeping the park and its visitors safe. As Stephanie Collin-Sowers, Supervising Ranger (or Peace Officer) at Auburn State Recreation Area  puts it, “My job is different every day, depending on what’s going on. I might be down by the water one day teaching people about water safety. I could be up on the trail the next day working on a medical where someone got injured.” 

When we invited our community to celebrate California’s State Park staff, the most frequent shout-outs were for part-time or seasonal employees like Park Aides and Camp Hosts. They are often the first face you meet, and their kindness sets the tone of the whole experience. One visitor shared: 

“I went for a drive and ended up at the beach at Point Mugu State Park. I was pretty much in tears by the time I arrived. The two kind employees were very caring and understanding as they explained the closest place to park to the sand so I could attempt to show my nine-month-old service puppy in training the beach for the first time. I was a little worried she could pull me over. What I did not know until I was leaving was one of the employees kept watch over me as I walked to the water edge. On top of it being a really difficult day for me, it was also my 70th birthday. The two of them made my day more special than they will ever know. So thank you to them and to the State Park system for hiring such compassionate staff!!!” 

Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes Keeping California State Parks Thriving 

Rangers and Interpreters aren’t the only staffers working on the ground in parks.   Behind every visitor experience are professionals like maintenance workers, environmental scientists, museum curators, and others whose specialized skills keep parks running smoothly and ecosystems healthy — even though you may not see them during your visit.  

Maintenance work is integral to park functioning. Jason Finlay, Angeles District Trails Coordinator, was praised multiple times for his leadership at Topanga State Park and Malibu Creek State Park. One visitor wrote:  

“Jason is great with trails and is hard working and well organized,” said one admirer. Another person went into more depth on their interaction with Jason: “A couple weeks ago, Jason escorted a group of us hikers through the Palisades Fire burn zone in Topanga State Park, allowing us to complete a 7-day-long hike of the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains safely. His help and guidance were invaluable, and we really enjoyed his company.” 

Many of California’s historic state parks rely on curators to tell the full story of California’s history. Taylor Moore, Museum Curator I at State Indian Museum & Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, explained:  

“I’ve always loved museums, and I have a passion for working with tribal communities, so it worked out perfectly for me.” 

Keeping our state parks’ natural resources protected is the full-time job of professionals like Joanne Kerbavaz, Senior Environment Scientist at Half Moon Bay State Beach. One park visitor, Jayme, shared their experience volunteering with Joanne as past of a corporate group:  

“I went down to Half Moon Bay State Beach to volunteer with a corporate group and Joanne greeted us. She was cheery despite the weather (a spitting rain) and helped our group get ready for the task at hand. She taught us so much in those three hours, about the local ecosystem, the ice plant we were removing, and some of the native species we were making room for. She walked around and chatted with everyone; half of our group were ready to quit our jobs and join Joanne's team by the end of the day. She's amazing and I'm so glad I got to meet her and support her work ever so briefly.” 

Supporting Park Operations: Office-Based Roles Powering California State Parks’ Mission Statewide 

Not all state parks staff get their boots muddy every day — and not everyone behind the mission would call themselves “outdoorsy.“ It takes all kinds of people working 9–5 jobs in human resources, communications, grantmaking, and administration to keep our parks system strong and responsive.  

Brandon Littlejohn, Chief of Talent Acquisition at California State Parks, helps recruit the incredible staff at our parks.  

“There are no more passionate people than California State Parks employees. We all align with the mission, the vision, the values” he said. “There is no other organization in the world that has this type of community as California State Parks.” 

Jennifer Grady, Grants & Cooperative Agreements Manager at Off-Highway Motor Vehicles Recreation Division, spends her days overseeing a funding  program that increases OHV opportunities statewide. For her, the work is deeply personal:  

“I am inspired to do my work because I’ve been in public service my entire life. I enjoy recreating on my dirt bike and being able to give back to the community that I support is a great triumph in my life.” 

Another vital position is held by Vivian Matuk, Environmental Boating Program Manager with both the California Coastal Commission and California State Parks. She leads efforts to improve clean boating practices across the state. 

“We are building welcoming spaces. Through our work, we are creating healthy, equitable, and environmentally resilient communities. We are empowering Californians to be able to access education and tools that they can use to go out into our beautiful state parks and enjoy our natural and cultural resources in a responsible and sustainable way.” 

These are just a few of the many people whose dedication, compassion, and quiet expertise shape the California state parks experience every single day. Whether it’s a kind word, a moment of safety, or a lifelong memory — their impact is profound,  and we’re grateful for all they do. 
 

Stay inspired — follow up on Instagram and Facebook @calparks, and Bluesky @californiaparks! 
 

Please note, some of the quotations featured in this article have been lightly edited for clarity.