Wildlife Protection Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.

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.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Medical, Vision and Dental plans (learn more about the wonderful Benefits the State of Colorado has to offer here)
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre‑tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote‑work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

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.

This position functions at an entry level training classification into the Wildlife Manager series:

• Year one Working Title: "District Wildlife Manager Trainee"
• Years two and three Working Title: "District Wildlife Manager"

As a District Wildlife Manager Trainee (DWM), this position attends a Colorado POST certified law enforcement academy and at the successful completion of this training, is certified as a Colorado Peace Officer in accordance with the official duties and authority of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. After certification, additional training incorporates classroom education and field exercises that provide knowledge and practical experience to optimize successful performance in the role and support career progression. DWM Trainees work within the Field Services Unit and are trained in CPW wildlife area operations, application of the State's laws, rules, regulations, statutes, beginning supervision, and wildlife management techniques. IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates offered a position must be willing and able to accept the assignment to a District and remain at that location for a minimum of two years.

Specific learning objectives during the first year include but are not limited to:

• Participates in POST training to achieve certification, is ultimately commissioned at the discretion of the Director of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and applies knowledge and techniques in a field setting.
• Disseminates and communicates information concerning wildlife conservation, wildlife management, data, regulations, public outreach, and conducts educational activities to include hunter education, safety, and Project WILD to internal and external stakeholders (schools, civic groups, sporting clubs, etc.).
• Understands responsibilities and expectations of a District Wildlife Manager and represents the division in a professional manner.
• Applies wildlife management techniques in a field setting.
• Applies natural resource management plans, stewardship plans, improvement projects, habitat assessments, inventories, and other field training inventories to protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems.
• Analyzes and studies characteristics of wildlife to include identity, origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, natural habitats, and the effects of environment and industry on wildlife.
• Under the leadership of a commissioned officer, enforces wildlife laws and regulations and investigates alleged wildlife law violations, seizes equipment and arranges for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years of relevant experience in biology, environmental science, fisheries/wildlife biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, and/or another closely related biology-based experience or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

A combination of related education in biology, environmental science, fisheries/wildlife biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, and/or another closely related biology-based degree and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years. Note: If you expect to graduate after 09/30/2026 and before 12/31/2026, please specify in the application's supplemental question.

Transcripts must be submitted at the time of application as a document uploaded to your application if you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications. Please be advised that if your transcripts are not attached and you do not meet the substitution criteria described below, you will be removed from consideration and you would need to submit a new application before the closing date/time with your transcripts to move forward in the consideration process. Note: If you expect to graduate after 09/30/2026 and before 12/31/2026, please specify in the application's supplemental question.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experienceproviding customer service
• Experience leading/mentoring others
• Experience with public speaking/presenting and/or facilitating meetings
• Knowledge of or experience with Wildlife Management techniques and/or principles
• Ability or experience working in a team environment
• Knowledge of or experience with working in outdoor conditions, including principles of safety in the outdoors.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with at least a bachelor's degree in natural resources management, natural sciences, earth sciences, environmental science, biology, ecology, forestry, geology, range management, wildlife biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, and/or another closely related biology-based degree.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be willing and able to submit to, and pass a background investigation, which includes the following:
  • Felony convictions
  • Domestic Violence charges/convictions/restraining orders
  • Driving under the Influence/Impaired and/or boating under the Influence/Impaired convictions
  • Misdemeanor convictions that preclude being P.O.S.T certified as a Colorado Peace Officer.
  • Fingerprint submission and check
  • Polygraph
  • Moral turpitude
  • Suitability interview, and psychological examination (administered by a third party professional organization)
  • Drug Screening (administered by a third party professional organization).
  • Medical physical exam from a medical professional (administered by a third party professional organization).
• Must be able to wear a full duty uniform, including a ballistic vest, body‑worn camera and a duty belt weighing approximately 20 pounds, for extended periods (up to 8 hours or more per shift).
• Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Colorado drivers' license no later than the first day of employment if selected for hire.
• IMPORTANT – Federal law maintains prohibition of illegal drugs. If you have used marijuana within the past 12 months preceding your employment and/or used any illegal drugs within the past 36 months preceding your employment you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further.
• If you have been convicted of a felony or any domestic violence charge, and/or been convicted of any misdemeanors which preclude POST certification as a Colorado Peace Officer you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further. Please see link: Decertifying Misdemeanors Colorado POST.
• If you receive a conditional job offer, you must pass the POST Academy and CPW's Field Training Program within the 12‑month probationary period.
• Candidates offered a position must be willing and able to accept the assignment to a District and remain at that location for a minimum of two years.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
• 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

APPEAL RIGHTS

It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801‑1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

DATES & TIMELINES FOR EACH OF THESE EXAMS IS OUTLINED BELOW THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW

All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Please be advised that resumes, cover letters and other miscellaneous attachments are NOT considered as part of the minimum qualification screening, therefore, it is important your APPLICATION details your education, experience, qualifications, and any applicable substitutions. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must upload/attach a copy of your educational transcripts when you submit your application. Once submitted, you will receive an auto‑generated notification and within 3 business days you should receive a secondary notification from the HR Specialist updating you as to your application’s status.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT EXAMS 10/02/2026 - 10/08/2026: Online Exam and Writing Prompt –

The HR Specialist will provide links to the following exams via email to eligible participants on 10/02/2026. Both exams must be completed before 10/08/26 deadline:

• The online exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that assess foundational/educational knowledge on a variety of topics. Participants will have 90‑minutes to complete the exam. The test will consist of the following:
  • 20 questions – CPW knowledge
  • 5 questions – Colorado knowledge
  • 5 questions – Critical Thinking
  • 5 questions – Problem Solving
  • 5 questions – Mechanical Knowledge
  • 10 questions – Fisheries
  • 10 questions – Big Game
  • 5 questions – Non‑Game
  • 10 questions – Small Game
  • 15 questions – Natural Resources
  • 10 questions – Outdoor Recreation
• The writing prompt exam contains a topic or scenario for candidates to respond to. Participants must submit a typed response (approximately 500 words) that will be evaluated for content and writing skills. Candidates can incorporate research in their response, however help or assistance from another person is not permitted.

Background Investigation – Candidates must comply with background investigation related requests throughout the selection process and are required to successfully pass a thorough background investigation which includes criminal, driving & reference checks.

10/14/2026 - 10/16/2026: Virtual Interactive Oral Panel Assessment –

Eligible candidates are scheduled for an assessment. This is a virtual question and answer session led by a panel of subject matter experts who are at various levels in their CPW careers. Candidates will be asked about a broad array of issues related to outdoor recreation and wildlife management, CPW priorities, and interpersonal skills.

Candidates should be prepared to give a 5‑minute presentation to the panel on a Natural Resource topic of their choice.

We highly encourage candidates to visit CPW's website to learn more about Park Ranger and District Wildlife Managers and their role within CPW and be prepared to answer questions from panel members thoro