Temporary Limited Commissioned Ranger – STATE FOREST STATE PARK

Overview

Temporary Position (9 months or less) – pay starting at $18.00 per hour. Employment starts 04/2026–09/2026. 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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) – Mission 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.

• Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol State Parks. Work is performed outside in all seasons and weather conditions and may involve a variety of duties.
• This is an unarmed law enforcement position (Title 33 Commission). Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact while enforcing CPW laws and regulations. Specific duties may include but are not limited to:
• Issuing citations for violations.
• Conducting patrols of park areas by vehicle, OHV, boat, bicycle, or on 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, which may include: revenue/fee collection, verification, basic accounting, and deposits; general park or facility maintenance (cleaning facilities, campsites, trails, etc.); and visitor services operations (education and interpretive programs).
• Lake, river, and backcountry recreation parks may have additional, separate duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have a current and valid driver's license required for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record (verifications occur as part of a background check).
• Federal law prohibits illegal drugs. If you have used marijuana within the past 12 months and/or illegal drugs within the past 36 months, you will be disqualified.
• Felony or domestic violence convictions and certain misdemeanors may disqualify you from POST certification; a comprehensive background check is required.
• Must be available to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; may involve inclement weather.
• Outdoor physical work required; may involve climbing in/out of vessels/vehicles and under trailers.
• Uniform items may be provided; limited uniform items may need to be purchased.
• Must attend and complete required CPW training (may include OC spray exposure).
• Must have or be able to obtain valid First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and in a team; strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, Google Apps).
• Preference may be given to applicants with or pursuing a Natural Resources degree or similar education.
• Previous experience handling money and working with the public is preferred.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly during a workday.
• Compliance with DNR fleet and driving standards; maintain safe driving record prior to driving any state-owned vehicle.

• Perform physical activities requiring use of arms and legs, climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials; able to perceive color differences and hear verbal/radio communications.

Work involves travel via vehicle and operation of equipment; duties may cover various areas of Colorado and require operation of 4-wheel-drive vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, towing trailers, and boats. Work is outdoors and often unstructured; shifts typically include weekends and holidays. The typical workweek is up to 40 hours over 8-hour shifts.