Temporary Limited Commissioned Ranger – STATE FOREST STATE PARK

Overview

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAY starting at $18.00 PER HOUR. Employment starts 04/2026-09/2026. To apply, 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 Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state’s natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. CPW welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities as part of our effort to build diversity and inclusion.

Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol state parks. They perform a wide variety of duties, most work is outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions. Park Rangers work where everyone comes to play and wear many hats because of the diversity of the State’s geography, visitors, and recreational opportunities.

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 appearing in court as required
• Assisting in daily park operations, including revenue/fee collection, verification, basic accounting, and deposits
• General park or facility maintenance (restrooms, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc.)
• Visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs
• Lake, river, and backcountry recreation areas 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.

In addition to work activities, below is a list of the means and manner of conducting duties in this position:

• Travel via vehicle or equipment; operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, towing trailers, operating boats, etc.
• Decisions are made daily; determine the appropriate level of authority and forward with background information and recommendations when supervisory authority is needed
• Phone is a primary means of communication; email is used regularly
• Outdoors, exposed to weather—fieldwork is necessary, outdoors at least weekly
• Deal with external customers; customer service is critical
• Shifts, including weekends and holidays; typical work week is around 40 hours; shifts are generally 8 hours; days off are Monday–Friday
• Indoors vs. outdoors balance with fieldwork and classroom training
• Uniforms may be provided; employees may purchase limited uniform items at their own expense

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record (verified as part of a comprehensive background check)
• Federal law prohibits illegal drugs; if marijuana was used within the past 12 months or any illegal drugs within the past 36 months, you will be disqualified
• Felony or domestic violence conviction, or misdemeanors that prohibit POST certification, will disqualify you from the process
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required
• Must be available to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; may involve inclement weather
• Outdoor physical work requiring climbing in and out of vessels/vehicles and/or under trailers
• Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include OC spray exposure)
• Must have or be able to attain valid First Aid and CPR certifications
• Ability to work with limited supervision and within a team; strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, Google Apps)
• Preference for applicants with or pursuing a Natural Resources degree or similar
• Previous experience handling money and working with the public preferred
• Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly during a workday
• State fleet vehicle drivers…