TEMPORARY Limited​/Commissioned Ranger – Trinidad Lake State Park

Overview

Department Information

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) – PAYING $19.00- $21.00 PER HOUR.

EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/13/2026 THROUGH 10/31/2026.

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.

This is an unarmed law‑enforcement position involving extensive customer service and public contact while enforcing Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations.

• Issuing citations for violations.
• Conducting patrols of park areas by vehicle (off‑highway vehicles, snowmobiles, bicycle, etc.) or by foot.
• Responding to emergencies and resolving visitor complaints.
• Completing reports and may be required to appear in court.
• Assisting in all areas of daily park operations, including: revenue/fee collection, verification, basic accounting and deposits; general park or facility maintenance; visitor services operations (education and interpretive programs).
• Lake, river and backcountry recreation parks may have additional duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration.

School schedules may be accommodated.

This is an armed law‑enforcement position that enforces all applicable Colorado state laws, rules, and regulations fairly and consistently.

Duties include:

• Patrolling park areas by vehicle, bicycle or foot.
• Responding to emergencies and resolving visitor complaints.
• Issuing penalty assessments and summons to violators.
• Performing prisoner transports and book‑ins at the County Jail.
• Conducting vehicle and individual clearances in the field.
• Completing reports and appearing in court when required.
• Inspections on boats and other water craft for aquatic nuisance species (water‑based recreation parks).
• Assisting with revenue collection, verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs.

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, ensuring quality customer service, facility maintenance, repair and cleanliness, fee collection, accounting and environmental education programs.

This position is up to 12 hours per week and up to six months in duration.

School schedules can be accommodated. Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledge, skills, and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

• Enforces laws of Colorado and park rules by issuing citations, warnings and custodial arrests.
• Prepares criminal cases for prosecution, makes court appearances as required, reports final case dispositions.
• Patrols the assigned area by emergency‑equipped vehicle, on foot, and/or by specialized vehicles.
• Provides protection and security for park visitors and their property.
• Provides first aid and CPR to injured visitors and/or employees.
• Coordinates and conducts search and rescue/recovery operations.
• Conducts investigations and makes reports related to homicides, suicides, drownings and motor vehicle and personal injury accidents.
• Cooperates in investigations involving narcotic drugs with other law‑enforcement agencies.
• Seizes, collects and processes evidence while maintaining proper chain of custody.
• Participates in and/or coordinates law‑enforcement services at special events.
• Controls and removes dangerous, injured or diseased animals from…