TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger – Yampa River and Elkhead Reservoir State Parks

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $20.00 PER HOUR

EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/15/2026

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) aims to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and offer sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire.

This is an unarmed law enforcement position (Title 33 Commission) that enforces park and wildlife laws and regulations, issues citations for violations, and patrols park areas by vehicle, bicycle or foot. The officer responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints, completes reports and may appear in court. In water‑based recreation parks, the officer conducts inspections on boats and other water craft for aquatic nuisance species and takes appropriate action when needed.

Additional duties include revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programming, facility maintenance, fee collection, accounting and deposits, and environmental education.

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment – Travel via vehicle, 4‑wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, towing trailers, operating boats, etc.
• Freedom to Make Decisions – Decisions are made daily.
• Telephone – Primary communication used daily.
• Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – Fieldwork necessary; outdoors at least weekly.
• Deal with External Customers – Critical to position.
• Electronic Mail – Used at least weekly.
• Face‑to‑Face Discussions – Occur at least weekly.
• Structured versus Unstructured Work – More unstructured; must prioritize unscheduled tasks.
• Duration of Typical Work Week – Average 40 hours per week; 8‑hour shifts, includes weekends and holidays.
• Consequence of Error – Error could result in minor to serious implications.
• Letters and Memos – Written weekly.
• Contact With Others – Daily; critical.
• Work With Work Group or Team – Working in a group almost always.
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – Training occurs indoors.
• Uniforms – Park may provide some items; employee must purchase limited items.

• Enforce park and wildlife laws and regulations.
• Issue citations for violations.
• Patrol park areas by vehicle, bicycle, or foot.
• Respond to emergencies and visitor complaints.
• Complete reports and appear in court as required.
• Inspect boats and other water craft for aquatic nuisance species.
• Assist with revenue collection and verification.
• Support visitor services operations, education, and interpretive programs.
• Maintain facilities, repair, and cleanliness.
• Assist with fee collection, accounting, and deposits.
• Provide environmental education programs.

• At least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Free of felony convictions or pending charges; consideration given to other violations.
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications before employment.
• Able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Pass a comprehensive background check.
• Attend and complete required Colorado State Park training, including OC spray exposure.

• Perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program’s Right to Work for all newly hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to verify identity and employment eligibility. Employers are required to submit original documents to verify eligibility on the first day of employment.

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. 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.

Phone: 970‑276‑2061
Email: