Temporary Wildlife Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.00 - $19.00 Hourly
Location : Morgan County, CO
Job Type: Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number: 2026TEMP- PMA046
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date: 01/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 26363 County Rd 3, Orchard, CO 80649
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: michele.olive@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 $17.00-$19.00 PER HOUR
EMPLOYMENT STARTS April or May 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.
This application is for all, current, open seasonal positions at the park. Please select which position(s) you are applying for.
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.
Description of Job
Jackson Lake is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, and naturalists enjoy the variety of water and land-based recreation found here, and it's a great place to spend your summer! Whether you're looking for experience in natural resources, or want a fun summer job, we are currently accepting applications for various positions.
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES INSPECTOR: A customer service based position that involves inspecting for invasive Zebra/Quagga Mussels, Milfoil or other plant species on boats and personal watercraft at an inspection point on the park. This is an important position for the protection of natural resources from non-native species that threaten wildlife, drinking water/irrigation and all water related outdoor recreation in the State of Colorado. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills. Specific duties include but are not limited to:
- Staff the park ANS (aquatic nuisance species) inspection station.
- Conduct physical boat inspections and boater interviews.
- Provide information and assistance to the boating public (distributes brochures, promotes ANS education, educates about State Park regulations, etc.)
- Cleaning and light maintenance duties of interior and exterior of ANS inspection areas. Including maintenance of facilities and grounds.
- Accurate counting and recording of all boat inspections, either written or by phone application software.
- May document and report visitor complaints.
- Other duties as assigned.
PARK MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: Responsible for all general park maintenance and cleaning of public facilities including: restrooms, showers, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc.
- Operates and performs routine maintenance on State owned vehicles and equipment
- Assures quality customer service and facility maintenance, repair and cleanliness
- Provides information and assistance to visitors
- May assist with carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical work and transporting materials and supplies
- Performs other duties as assigned
VISITOR SERVICES TECHNICIAN: A customer service based position that involves working in a visitor center or gate entrance, greeting visitors, or may be assigned to work in the field in specialized duties at some parks. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.
- Staff the park entrance station and/or the visitor center.
- Provide information and assistance to visitors (distributes maps/brochures, orients visitors to park facilities and amenities, promotes education programs, educates on State Park regulations, etc.)
- Provide information to the boating and non-boating public.
- Sell parks passes, permits, books, maps, clothing, firewood and other novelties.
- May sell gift certificates, search and rescue cards, boat registrations, OHV registrations and snowmobile registrations, fishing and hunting licenses.
- Operate a cash register.
- Answering of telephones and transferring/taking messages.
- Photo-copying and filing.
- Collects revenue, completes shift report and balances shift box at end of each shift.
- May prepare campground reservations forms and documents.
- May document and report visitor complaints.
- Cleaning and light maintenance duties of interior and exterior of gates, visitor center and/or oces, including litter pick up.
- May assist with special events or programs within the park.
- Other duties as assigned.
INTERPRETIVE NATURALIST: A customer service based position that involves facilitating park interpretive and environmental education programs. Develop and present natural resources/historical related programs to park visitors. Specific Duties may include:
- Schedule, plan and present Junior Ranger programs
- Schedule, plan and present school and group programs
- Schedule, plan and present campfire programs and guided hikes
- Schedule, plan and present outreach programs
- Provide roving interpretation in campgrounds and day use areas
- Work with individual and group volunteers
- May train volunteer naturalists
- Work with other State, Federal and local agency naturalists
- Market and promote attendance at programs
- May develop brochures and other written materials
- May work the visitor center front desk
- May assist with special events or programs within the park
- Collect, catalog, organize and protect park collections of slides, photographs, specimens, etc.
- Attend assigned training sessions
- Other duties as assigned
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michele Olive
Phone (970) 645-2551
Email: michele.olive@state.co.us
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 16 years of age or older.
- Must possess a current and valid driver's license or have reliable transportation.
- Must be able to work outdoors and on weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.
- Must be able to climb in and out of vessels, and under trailers.
- Possess strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral).
- Ability to work with little supervision.
- May be required to work at the ANS station for an 8 hour shift and take lunch at the station.
- Some uniform items will be provided, however, employees will be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense.
- Miscellaneous: must be available for up to 40 hours per week and commit to a minimum 4 month work season. Employment is for a maximum of 40 hours a week for 6 months. Flexible with school schedule
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.
WORK ACTIVITIES
Interacting with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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.
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, dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.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.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 fi