Park Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Department Information THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $20.50 PER HOUR EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/28/2026 THROUGH 9/30/2026 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 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 is an unarmed law enforcement position that enforces all applicable Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Laws, parks and wildlife laws, and regulations, fairly and consistently. This includes but is not limited to ANS Statutes and Parks and Wildlife laws (Title 33).

A person in this position travels across the State conducting ANS and fishing patrols on lakes and reservoirs. Patrols are conducted by patrol vehicle, on foot, or specialized vehicle (bicycle, ATV, etc.), and officers will also respond to emergencies and resolve complaints, issue penalty assessments and summons to violators, complete reports and may be required to appear in court. This position will also assure quality customer service, equipment maintenance, repair and cleanliness, and engage the public with ANS education programs

NOTE: This position is up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration. School schedules may be accommodated. Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledge, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK Enforces the laws of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Title 33), and by use of citations and warnings. Prepares criminal cases for prosecution, makes court appearances as required, and reports final case dispositions. Patrols the assigned area by emergency equipped vehicle, on foot, and/or by use of specialized vehicles (motorcycle, ATV, etc.)

Provides protection and security for park visitors and their property. Provides first aid and CPR to injured visitors and/or employees. Assists with the coordination and conducts search and rescue/recovery operations.

Collects and processes evidence while maintaining a proper chain of custody for use in criminal prosecution. Participates in and/or coordinates law enforcement services at special events in assigned facilities. Assists park visitors by providing information and directions and answering questions.

Prepares and submits financial reports and purchase orders. Maintains accurate, up-to-date records and files for assigned facilities. Promotes public relations by giving educational programs to schools, civic groups and park user concerning the state park system, law enforcement and security Conducts annual physical inventories of all accountable division property.

Performs safety and security inspections in assigned facilities. Provides security for collected fees and funds and makes bank deposits as required. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Appear before an oral interview board. Must be at least 21 years of age Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license Must be free of felony convictions or pending charges. Consideration will be given to all other previous violations of law, including misdemeanor violations, traffic and conservation laws Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado Parks and Wildlife training (may include full exposure to OC spray) Must possess current First Aid and CPR certifications prior to employment, or can obtain certification shortly after employment Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly Must be able to travel and be away from home for 3 consecutive nights per week minimum and work on various lakes and reservoirs throughout the state Must be able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays Applicants must be able to pass a comprehensive background check Must attend and successfully complete 40 hours required Colorado Parks and Wildlife training.

Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural Resources degree or similar education. 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 of materials. EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Working knowledge of the procedures, techniques and practices used in law enforcement work.

Working knowledge of Colorado statutes relating to ANS statutes, state parks and criminal law. Working knowledge of the policies, programs and procedures of CPW operations. Working knowledge of the fundamental principles of safety practices and methods.

Ability to administer first aid and CPR. Ability to communicate effectively; to perceive color differences; to hear verbal and radio communications; and to interact with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds. WORK CONTEXT: In addition to work activities, below is a list of means and manner of conducting duties in this position: In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - Travel via vehicle, etc is required for this position.

Job duties for this position cover various areas of Colorado and may require operation of 4 wheel drive vehicles, ATV's, towing trailers, operating boats, etc. A vehicle will be provided for the required statewide travel. Freedom to Make Decisions - Decisions are made on a daily basis.

Part of the decision-making responsibility is to determine what level is appropriate for each decision and to forward with background information and recommendations those decisions that need supervisory authority. Telephone/Radio - The phone/radio are primary means of communication for this position, and used daily. Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - Fieldwork for this position is necessary and the worker will be outdoors, exposed to weather at least weekly if not daily.

Deal With External Customers - Dealing with external customers is critical to the position and extremely important Electronic Mail -This is one of the primary means of communication for this job. Email is used at least weekly if not daily. Each Ranger will be provided a laptop computer for communication, reports, etc.

Applicant should have an intermediate competency of computer base programs. Such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel. Face-to-Face Discussions - Face to face discussions/meetings occur at least weekly if not daily.

Structured versus Unstructured Work - This job is more unstructured than structured. Work often exceeds time available and it is workers duty to prioritize tasks, and deal with prioritizing unscheduled work that arises. Schedule - The number of hours worked is, on average, but not limited to, 40 hours per week.

Shifts are generally 8-10 hours and will include weekends and holidays. Consequence of Error - Error in this position could result in minor to serious implications if the mistake was not readily correctable (depending on the situation). Letters and Memos -Letters and memos are written on a weekly basis.

Most written communication is handled electronically via email. Contact With Others -Contact with others occurs daily and should be considered one of the critical contexts for the position. Work With Work Group or Team - As explained above, contact with others is critical to the position and is almost always working in a group or as part of a team.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - Fieldwork for this position is necessary; however, a large portion of training will occur in a classroom or other controlled indoor environment. UNIFORMS: The program will provide some uniform items. Employee will be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense.

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 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 of materials. Ability to perceive color differences and to hear verbal and radio communications.

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 to upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.