Backcountry Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Information THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $16.50-$18.00 PER HOUR EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/01/2026 THROUGH 10/31/2026. 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. Must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background check 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 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. School schedules MAY be accommodated. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights BASIC 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). 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), you will be disqualified from the process. Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required.

Federal law maintains prohibition of illegal drugs. If you have used any illegal drugs within the past 36 months you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further. 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.

Must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background check 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. ADAAA Accommodations Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment

To request an accommodation, please contact dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date

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.