Dnr Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $21.00 Hourly
Location : Gunnison County, CO
Job Type: Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number: 2026TEMP- PMA094
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date: 01/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: Gunnison and Hinsdale County, CO
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: dnr_hr_employeetransactions@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.
Department Information
THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $21.00 PER HOUR
EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/01/2026 THROUGH 11/15/2026
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.
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: Position will be responsible for oversight of watercraft inspection & decontamination stations at Taylor Park and Lake San Cristobal, as well as act as support for SW Outreach technician and Blue Mesa Reservoir. Area lead will assist with recruitment, interviewing and hiring of watercraft inspection & decontamination staff. Position will
obtain state certification to provide standardized hands-on watercraft inspection & decontamination training and will be responsible for providing on the job training to inspection staff. Position will work with ramp leads to create work schedules and ensure all shifts are covered during operational hours, collect and verify accurate time keeping records
for payroll purposes, and submit payroll to ANS Program Office. Position will work with supervisor to resolve challenges with staff and customers, and recommend hiring/firing of employees to Program Specialist. Position will ensure stations are equipped with all necessary equipment to perform job duties and will communicate needs with the
ANS Program Office. Additional responsibilities include ensuring inspection station staff are following standardized protocols by performing quality control assessments on a monthly basis, ensuring that data entry is being performed accurately and completely by all inspection station staff by performing quality control, maintaining inventory of all
required supplies, performing basic maintenance & troubleshooting on power washer/decontamination unit, and provide public outreach on aquatic invasive species. Position will participate in regular meetings with ANS program office staff & fellow WID supervisors and will clearly communicate status of work at their assigned locations. Position will work closely with ANS program office staff to creatively resolve any problems that may arise. Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday work is required.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Excellent driving record and ability to work weekends, holidays, early morning and late evenings.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in the field of ANS or Invasive Species.
• Current (Stage II) Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Certification.
• Experience performing boat inspections and decontaminations.
• Experience working with the public in a customer service related field.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Reliable and timely.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
  Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working with boats, trailers, power washers, small engines and/or heavy equipment.
• Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences or comparable work experience
• Ability to travel and be away from home every week, if needed. Camping may be required in remote settings. Must provide own camping gear and equipment when performing biological field work.

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

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences or comparable work experience.
o Employee may be asked to camp in rustic settings and must provide own camping equipment and gear when performing biological field work.
Supplemental Information
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.
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
What skills can you demonstrate that would make you a good Lead Inspector, please describe below:
02
Do you have minimum 1 year of experience working in the field of ANS or Invasive Species. Please list your experience:
03
Ability to travel and be away from home every week if needed.

• Yes
• No

04
Are you at least 16 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you currently possess and are you able to maintain a current and valid Driver's License and have a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you willing and able to work early mornings, evenings & weekends?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have experience working with boats, trailers, power washers, small engines and/or heavy equipment?

• Yes
• No

08
Successful completion and passing of background screening and/or driving record review may be required for placement in this position

• I understand and accept these terms

09
This is a temporary position starting at $21.00 per hour and is anticipated to not exceed 9-months. Please acknowledge your acceptance of these terms:

• I understand and accept these terms

10
Which of the following skills do you posses, select all that apply:

• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Experience performing boat inspections and decontaminations.
• Experience working with the public in a customer service related field.

Required Question