Backcountry Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $19.00 Hourly
Location : Mesa County, CO
Job Type: Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number: 2026TEMP- PMA011
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: Fruita, Corn Lake and Island Acres
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: coriverstatepark@gmail.com
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.
Department Information
THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS)- PAY starting at $19.00 PER HOUR + depending on experience with an opportunity for increase during the course of employment.
EMPLOYMENT STARTS March-May THROUGH September-October.This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early.
NOTE:
This position is up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration. School schedules MAY be accommodated. Housing is NOT provided.
If you have any questions feel free to email
The mission of the 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.
Description of Job
Job Description:
This is an unarmed law enforcement position (Title 33 Commission) that enforces park laws and regulations; issues citations for violations; patrols park areas by vehicle, bicycle or foot. Responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints. Will complete reports and may be required to appear in court. Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations. Assures quality customer service, facility maintenance (including cleaning restrooms), repair and cleanliness, assists with fee collection, accounting and deposits, and environmental education programs.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be free of felony convictions or pending charges. Consideration will be given to all other previous violations of law, including misdemeanor violations, domestic violence, traffic and conservation laws.
• Must have or be able to attain valid current First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Must be able to work various shifts, Days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive background check.
• Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include full exposure to OC spray).
• Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural Resources degree or similar education.

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

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.

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
Do you have prior Colorado Parks & Wildlife work experience?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you currently possess and are you able to maintain a valid Driver's License with reliable transportation?

• Yes
• No

03
Please describe why you're interested in working for Colorado Parks & Wildlife:
04
Are you able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

05
Are you a student or have you graduated within the past 3 years?

• Yes
• No

06
Please describe why you're interested in working for Colorado Parks & Wildlife:
07
How do you feel about performing law enforcement duties?
08
What is the role of law enforcement in a state park?
09
What type of customer service experience do you have?
10
I understand that housing is NOT provided.

• I understand and accept these terms

11
Are you willing and able to work at any of the potential work locations (Island Acres, Corn Lake, Fruita)?

• Yes
• No

12
If you answered no please list the location(s) you are willing to work at.
13
Are you applying to work at any other Colorado State Parks?

• Yes
• No

14
Successful completion and passing of background screening is required for placement in this position. This is a temporary position that does not exceed 9 months. Please acknowledge your acceptance of the terms:

• I understand and accept these terms

Required Question