Forest Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Department Information THESE ARE TEMPORARY POSITIONs (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $24.00 PER HOUR EMPLOYMENT STARTS APRIL THROUGH SEPTEMBER This application is for all, current, open seasonal positions at the park. Please select which position(s) you are applying for. To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters)

This announcement will remain open until 01/31/26. You are encouraged to apply early. 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 This application is for all, current, open seasonal positions at the park. Please select which position(s) you are applying for. All positions begin 04/27/26 and end 09/07/2026 unless otherwise noted.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a river-based state park that encompasses 152 miles of river corridor between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park. AHRA is co-managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States.

The most common activities in the park are river rafting (commercial and private), kayaking, fishing, camping, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, and gold panning. RECREATION RANGER: Performs duties related to overall management including maintenance, customer service, trails maintenance and construction, resource management, and campground operations. Primarily focused on management of dispersed camping areas.

Educates public on special camping regulations in the river corridor as well as general Leave No Trace concepts. Mitigates recreation impacts such as litter, social trails, and camping sprawl. COUNT CREW: A customer service position that assists with river services.

Responsible for accurate counting of private boats and recording information on tally sheet standard form; collecting spot checks from commercial outfitters on standard form; verifying use on Rationed Days (use verification includes being familiar with the AHRA Rationing Plan and each day's Rationed Use in each Section); collecting trash at assigned sites; driving State vehicles safely and obeying state driving laws; transmitting information as necessary via hand-held or vehicle radios; representing AHRA and State Parks in a positive, professional manner at all times; providing information to the public to include daily CFS readings; providing accurate, concise, and neat tally sheets; data entry in computer programs; and other duties as assigned. This position requires an individual to work a full day outdoors approximately 80% of the time, and a full day indoors approximately 20% of the time. These positions are 40 hours per week.

School schedules MAY be accommodated. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights REQUIREMENTS: ALL POSITIONS: May be required to pass drug test prior to hire. This position requires operation of a motorized vehicle, must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Willing to work outside, sometimes in inclement weather. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays. First Aid and CPR certifications may be required.

Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills. Must be able to work with minimal supervision. 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 materials.

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.

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives 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.. 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 atdnr_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.