Backcountry Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employer

State of Colorado

Salary

$18.00 Hourly

Location

Mesa County, CO

Job Type

Temporary (9 months or less)

Job Number

2026TEMP- PMA021

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

01/02/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address N 6/10 Rd, Colorado 81624, USA Hiring Pay Rate 18 FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information josh.martinez@state.co.us Type of Announcement This is a temporary position. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. How To Apply Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS)- PAY starting at $18.00 PER HOUR EMPLOYMENT STARTS May THROUGH September or October, 2026. To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early. Housing may be available to applicants that are applying from out of the area/state. The mission of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) Our Mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. Colorado Parks and Wildlife.Description of Job

At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park's high-mountain lake sits in a beautiful montane meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado. Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol our State Parks. They perform a wide variety of jobs, and most work is conducted outside in all seasons and weather conditions. Park Rangers work where everyone comes to play! They wear many hats because of the diversity of the State's geography, visitors, and recreational opportunities. This is an unarmed law enforcement position (Title 33 Commission). Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact while enforcing Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. Specific duties may include but are not limited to:

• Issuing citations for violations
• Conducting patrols of park areas by vehicle (Off-Highway vehicles, snowmobiles, bicycle, etc) or by foot.
• Responding to emergencies and resolving visitor complaints.
• Completing reports and may be required to appear in court.
• Assisting in all areas of daily park operations which may include:
• Revenue/fee collection, verification, basic accounting, and deposits
• General park or facility maintenance such as cleaning of public facilities (restrooms, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc) as needed.
• Visitor services operations which may involve education and interpretive programs.
• Lake, river and backcountry recreation parks may have additional, separate duties.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This position is up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration.

Housing may be available to applicants that are applying from out of the area/state.Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have a current & valid driver's license required for operating a state vehicle and acceptable driving record (will be verified as part of comprehensive background check process).
• IMPORTANT - Federal law maintains prohibition of illegal drugs. If you have used marijuana within the past 12 months and/or used any illegal drugs within the past 36 months you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further.
• If you have been convicted of a felony or any domestic violence charge, and/or been convicted of any misdemeanors which prohibit POST certification for Colorado Peace Officer standards (see link: Decertifying Misdemeanors Colorado POST (Download PDF reader)), you will be disqualified from the process. Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required.
• Must be available to work various shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays and may involve working during inclement weather.
• This position requires outdoor physical work that may require climbing in and out of vessels/vehicles and/or under trailers to perform job functions.
• The work-site will provide some uniform items, however the employee may be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense.
• Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include full exposure to OC spray).
• Must have or be able to attain valid current First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Must be able to work with limited supervision and work well within a team.
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills to deliver excellent customer service
• Basic computer skills required (MS Office Suite, Google App Suite)
• Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural Resources degree or similar education.
• Previous experience handling money and working with the public is preferred.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly during the course of a workday.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position will perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Ability to perceive color differences and to hear verbal and radio communications.

Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive , any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Supplemental Information

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us. E-Verify employer: The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program's Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01 Vega State Park is located 10 miles outside of Collbran, Colorado. It is a remote mountain park, with a variety of outdoor activities to partake in both on park and on the nearby Grand Mesa National Forest. There is limited cell phone service on park, but you will have access to internet at the Visitor Center. The nearest reliable grocery store, entertainment venues, and most other amenities are in Grand Junction, about one hour away. Housing may be available in a shared, mixed gender house on park. Please check the box below saying that you understand these issues associated with Vega. Any further questions can be address by staff members.

• I understand and accept these terms.

02 While you are applying for a specific position, Vega State Park staff are often asked to work in a variety of areas outside of one job description. Please make sure you review all of the open positions at Vega to have an understanding of all of the tasks you may be asked to perform, and check the box below.

• I understand and accept these terms.

03 Would you require a room in the seasonal house?

• Yes
• No

04 Are you at least 21 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

05 Do you currently possess and are you able to maintain a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06 Please describe why you're interested in working for Colorado Parks & Wildlife: 07 Please select which areas of experience your work history includes:

• Customer Service
• Cash handling
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Google Application Suite (Gmail, Drive, Sheets, etc)
• Radio Operation
• Law Enforcement
• Boat Operation
• Hand tools
• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience

08 Please describe how your work experience translates to your ability to successfully perform this position's job functions: 09 Are you able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

10 Are you a current student, graduated within the past three years, OR have you experienced a recent career change related to natural resources ? If so, you may be eligible for CPW's paid-internship program (this not required for employment consideration)

• Yes
• No

11 Do you have prior Colorado Parks & Wildlife work experience?

• Yes
• No

12 Successful completion and passing of background and/or drug screening may be required for placement in this position (This is required for all non-commissioned positions).

• I understand and accept these terms

13 This is a temporary position and is anticipated to not exceed 9-months. Please acknowledge your acceptance of these terms:

• I understand and accept these terms

14 The following questions ask about your information and may be grounds for your removal from the application process based on the Qualifications and/or Conditions of Employment listed in the announcement. You must respond to all questions based upon the date of your application.

• I acknowledge receipt of this notice

15 HAVE YOU ILLEGALLY USED OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (cocaine, hallucinogens, etc...) IN THE PAST 3 YEARS?

• Yes
• No

16 HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF DUI OR DWAI IN THE PAST 2 YEARS?

• Yes
• No

17 HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY FELONY OFFENSE?

• Yes
• No

18 HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES WHICH WILL AFFECT POST CERTIFICATION? SEE: https://post.colorado.gov/sites/post/files/documents/MISDEMEANORS_affecting_cert.pdf

• I acknowledge receipt/review of the linked document and attest that I HAVE NOT been convicted of any of the liste...