Temporary YIP Intern – Colorado Springs Office

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (4 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $17.00 PER HOUR

Employment starts 05/01/2026 through 10/31/2026.

Position is responsible for accepting hunter‑harvested deer and elk heads, collecting data, payment and samples for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. Position is also responsible for driving relay routes to transport hunter‑harvested deer and elk from collection sites to research sampling sites in all weather conditions. Training is provided on how to remove tissue samples from deer and elk for CWD testing and to perform mandatory inspections of hunter‑harvested moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears and mountain lions.

• The purpose of the Youth Internship Program for Natural Resources is to employ and expose students and recent graduates to natural resource careers within Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). This position will provide the selected candidate with a variety of learning experiences (i.e. ride along with officers, wildlife surveys, educational activities, seminars, trainings) and a broader understanding of CPW and the various careers within the agency.
• This position will primarily support Area 14 Law Enforcement and the Southeast Education and Volunteer Sections at the Southeast Region office. The position will assist in preparation and presentation of education programs such as school programs, fishing clinics, youth environmental education, and hunting clinics. The position will support the Volunteer Program by assisting with volunteer trainings and entering data for the Volunteer Coordinator.
• This position will also support the front desk at the Southeast Region office by providing customer service to the public. This will include giving information to customers, including sales of wildlife products (hunting and fishing licenses, refund and duplicate licenses, and hunter education cards), and parks products (parks passes, OHV permits, snowmobile and boat registrations), as well as maintenance of customer records in CSS (name and address changes, hunter education verification, and other documentation as needed).
  
  There may be times this position will be required to collect CWD samples and data from hunters or perform mandatory animal checks. Interns will have to be self‑motivated and somewhat independent. Communication, flexibility and patience are important to make this internship successful.

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to interact positively with the public in various situations.
• Weekend and evening work is required.
• Hunting and fishing experience helpful.
• Applicants may be subject to successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
• Must be willing and able to work 40 hours per week.

According 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.

• 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

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…