Forest Ranger Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose - for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

The mission of Denver Park Rangers is to maximize public safety, protect park resources and provide service to visitors. Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local law enforcement and fire department in the event of an emergency or hazardous situation.

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $27.89-$40.10/Hour.

If the incumbent meets requirements per CSA rules, Park Rangers may be able to earn a shift differential in pay for working during night hours or evening hours at 12% of current hourly pay rate and 7% of current hourly pay rate, respectively.

A flexible 4 (10) shift work week is available as well as a 5 (8) shift work week.

Location

In this position you would be required to work weekends, nights, and holidays, and the hours in this position may vary. Districts being filled are still to be determined.

What You'll Do

These positions will lead the work of on-calls, volunteers, and contractors and connect park visitors experiencing homelessness to emergency and long-term services. These are full-time, benefited opportunities to work within one of the largest and most diverse park systems in the region consisting of our Denver urban parks. The districts for the positions being filled are tentatively Night Operations and Trails District

Specifically, as a Park Ranger you will:

• Patrol urban parks through motorized and non-motorized means to protect public safety and park resources; perform visual surveillance and assessment of the use of park facilities to ensure compliance.

• Provide outreach and options for people experiencing homelessness.

• Interpret rules and regulations relative to the facility/park and its condition and interpret information about the park system and natural resources; assure public safety, park security and resource protection by providing education to park visitors to encourage the proper use and enjoyment of urban parks.

• Ensure permit compliance and manage conflicts between visitors; issue warnings and citations for violations of municipal park ordinances; may need to appear in court if required.

• Report hazardous conditions which might interfere with safe usage of facility/park, report accidents to proper authorities and respond appropriately to coordinate and assist with medical emergencies and other incidents.

• Provide information to the public about facilities and assistance to the public about park resources; assist facility users in resolving problems and complaints concerning facility/park quality, availability, and the actions of other users.

• Interact with the public to increase awareness of parks rules and regulations and act as a community advocate; communicate with diverse and multi-lingual community members, represent the department at various public events.

What You'll Bring

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or supervision, and park regulation compliance preferred

Possession of current:CPR/First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)

Bilingual skills (Spanish is preferred)

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and/or GPS units (to track/document field work)

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Recreation, Forestry, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, Park Management, or a related field

Experience: One year or two seasons of park experience in public relations, natural science, open space, or regulations compliance

Licensures/Certification(s): Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application. Must possess a valid Denver Parks and Recreation Enforcement Official Certification by the end of the Ranger Training Program. Possession of CPR, First Aid, Naloxone Certifications by the completion of probation. Training in Vistelar or other designated training, verbal defense certification is a condition of employment and must be obtained by the completion of probation. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

Equivalency: A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until August 2, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than 8/2/26 at 11:59 PM to ensure consideration.