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Interpretive Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

South Suburban

Park Interpreter

Littleton, CO

$16.40 - $20.90/hr

A Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) is strongly preferred. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Has knowledge of ecological and wildlife principles or the ability to gain quickly. Has the ...

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Interpretive Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$15

$23

How much do interpretive guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpretive guide in Colorado is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.31 and $18.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges interpretive guides face when engaging diverse audiences, and how can they overcome them?

Interpretive Guides often encounter groups with varying ages, backgrounds, and interests, which can make it challenging to keep everyone engaged. To overcome this, guides typically use a mix of storytelling, interactive activities, and adaptive communication techniques to connect with different learning styles. Flexibility and strong observation skills are key, allowing guides to adjust their approach on the spot for maximum impact. Building rapport and encouraging questions also helps ensure that all visitors feel included and engaged throughout the experience.

What is an interpretive guide?

Interpretive guides are professionals who lead visitors through parks, museums, historical sites, or natural areas, providing educational and engaging information about the location’s natural, cultural, or historical significance. They use storytelling, demonstrations, and interactive activities to help guests connect with and understand the subject matter. Interpretive guides often tailor their presentations to different audiences and play a key role in conservation and public education efforts.

What is the difference between Interpretive Guide vs Naturalist?

AspectInterpretive GuideNaturalist
CredentialsOften requires interpretive or environmental education certificationsTypically has naturalist or environmental science background, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentGuides visitors, leads tours, educates the public in parks, museums, or nature centersConducts research, observes wildlife, educates about ecosystems, often in field settings
Employer & IndustryFound in parks, zoos, museums, eco-tourismFound in parks, research institutions, conservation organizations

While both roles focus on environmental education, Interpretive Guides primarily lead tours and engage visitors, whereas Naturalists often conduct research and provide in-depth ecological education. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary focus and activities differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpretive guide?

To thrive as an Interpretive Guide, you need a solid understanding of natural or cultural history, excellent communication skills, and often a background in education or environmental science. Familiarity with audio-visual presentation tools, interpretive planning software, and certifications like Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to engage diverse audiences set top guides apart. These skills are vital for delivering informative, memorable experiences that connect visitors with the site’s significance and foster stewardship.
What are popular job titles related to Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado? For Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado are:
Interpretive Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Guide job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,621 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Senior Park Ranger - PPAM

City of Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

City Of Colorado Springs rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $70,537.25 - $84,678.57 Annually
Location : Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services - City of Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Classified - Full Time
Job Number: 18340
Division: Parks, Rec & Cultural Svc
Department: Pikes Peak-America's Mtn.
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 4:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Description / Position Overview
Senior Park Ranger - Pikes Peak America's Mountain
As a Senior Park Ranger, you'll lead the direction and development of programs that shape the visitor experience and protect the natural integrity of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. You'll oversee budgets, staff, and resources while ensuring daily operations run smoothly and safely. This role gives you the opportunity to guide and mentor Park Rangers, collaborate on innovative educational and interpretive programs, and respond to emergencies with confidence. It's a dynamic position where you can make a meaningful impact on both the environment and the community that enjoys it.
This position requires work on evenings, weekends and holidays. The successful candidate will be on-call for security monitoring. Pikes Peak's elevation is 14,115 ft. and Rangers work from gateway to summit.
Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer!
We're an accredited pay equity employer!
Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. See the full potential of growth for this position here:2026 Salary Schedule
As a Senior Park Ranger, you will:
  • Implement and evaluate park programs and policies within an assigned park unit.
  • Recommend and develop strategies to achieve unit objectives.
  • Research, prepare, plan, implement, and monitor parks specific budgets.
  • Define personnel resource needs and allocate them as required to reach unit objectives.
  • Supervise, assign, monitor, and may assist in the work of subordinate classes of Park Ranger and other personnel assigned to the park unit, such as: patrol of a park or recreational area; greeting and directing of park visitors; and interpreting the natural and historical features of park area.
  • Coordinate and/or conduct formal and informal training of Park Rangers in such areas as: educational and interpretive programs; first aid techniques; departmental practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Provide assistance in emergency situations at their unit(s) or other park locations.
  • Issue warnings and citations under appropriate laws or ordinances.
  • Maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports to include visitation statistics, highway status, emergency monitoring, and more.
  • Provide input for program planning, development, and implementation of volunteer programs, interpretive programs, and natural resource programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study, such as natural resources, or outdoor recreation.
  • Three years of full-time, professional experience in natural resource management or a related field such as in a National, State, or City parks.
  • Two years of supervisory experience, including prior experience delegating work, overseeing work schedules, and delivering training.
  • Possess OR obtain within 3 months of the start date a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Certification.

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges.
  • Completion of Leave No Trace Trainer course.
  • Possess Wilderness First Aid certification.
  • Possess Interpretive Guide certification.
  • Experience with emergency response and radio communication.
  • Experience with cash handling, reconciliation, and Point of Sale systems.

Additional Information
Please contact City.Recruiting@ColoradoSprings.gov with any questions about this role.
Environmental Conditions
  • Extreme Temperature - Seasonally (inclement weather)
  • Wetness and Humidity - Seasonally (inclement weather)
  • Respiratory Hazards - Occasionally (fumes, odors, dust, and gases)
  • Noise and Vibrations - Occasionally
  • Physical Hazards - Occasionally (possible exposure to aggressive and/or diseased wildlife)
  • Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards - Occasionally (moving vehicles and machinery)
  • Exposure to Communicable Diseases - Occasionally Mountain Road Driving - Frequently

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Colorado Springs is committed to a welcoming culture that values our employees' unique individual qualities and fosters a welcoming environment where people want to be
The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.
NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.
The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas of any kind (including but not limited to F-1, H-1B or TN visas). Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Apply to Join Our Team
  • Please visit the and review our opportunities. Click on Apply button to complete an online application for any position of interest. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a Government Jobs user ID and password).
  • Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.
  • Applicants may redact information from their resumes, certifications, transcripts, or any other additional application materials that identify the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
  • We encourage candidates with out-of-state credentials to inquire about expedited processing of Colorado licensing with the Colorado Occupational Credential Portability Program. More information can be found at the
  • Our Government Jobs application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position's closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.

The City's job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the
You can view the status of your application on the
To be notified of future career opportunities sign up for job alerts on the page.
Working for the City of Colorado Springs is Rewarding!
Please visit the City of Colorado Springs' for additional benefits information.
The City of Colorado Springs is a place where people want to come to work each day. We have a culture of excellence, and we strive to provide our employees with the very best overall career experience and Total Rewards. We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to meet the needs of our employees and their families.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • Less than high school
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or above

02
If you posses a degree, what is your relevant area of study? Alternatively respond N/A
03
How many years of relevant experience do you possess in natural resource management, or a related field such as in an National, State, or City parks?
  • Less than one year
  • One or more years
  • Two or more years
  • Three or more years
  • Four or more years
  • Five or more years

04
Please explain, in written detail, your experience, including your role and where you gained the experience.
05
Do you posses two years of supervisory experience, including prior experience delegating work, overseeing work schedules, and delivering training?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you possess OR are you willing to obtain within 3 months of the start date a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Certification?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Have you completed the Leave No Trace Trainer course?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Do you possess a Wilderness First Aid certification?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Have you completed an interpretive guide certification?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Do you have experience with any of the following? Select all that apply.
  • Experience with emergency response
  • Experience with radio communication
  • Experience with cash handling and cash reconciliation
  • Experience with Point of Sale systems
  • None of the above

Required Question

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