State of Colorado
TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger – Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
State of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States
TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger – Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.
Department Information This is a temporary position (9 months or less). Pay starts at $24.00 per hour. Employment starts April through September. To apply, submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). The announcement remains open until
01/31/26 . 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.
Agency Overview Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) 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.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a river-based state park that encompasses 152 miles of river corridor between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park. AHRA is co‑managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States. The most common activities in the park are river rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, and gold panning.
Description of Job Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol our State Park. They perform a wide variety of jobs and work outside in all seasons and weather conditions. The posting is for the following primary areas of responsibility:
Park Ranger
Land – Patrol of developed campgrounds, day‑use areas, and dispersed camping areas
River – Whitewater river patrol, swift‑water rescue, boating safety and education
Internship – Performs duties across sections, tailored to career interest of intern
Education – Leads interpretive programs including campfire talks and Junior Ranger programs
OHV Ranger Trail Crew – Off‑Highway Vehicle trail building and maintenance, OHV patrol
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 Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. Specific duties may include but are not limited to:
Issuing citations for violations
Conducting patrols of park areas by vehicle (Off‑Highway vehicles, snowmobiles, bicycles, 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 which may include: revenue/fee collection, verification, basic accounting, and deposits
General park or facility maintenance such as cleaning of public facilities (restrooms, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc.) as needed
Visitor services operations which may involve education and interpretive programs
Lake, river and back‑country recreation parks may have additional, separate duties
Trail building and maintenance
Other duties as assigned
This position is up to 40 hours per week. School schedules may be accommodated.
Requirements Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:
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 (will be verified as part of background check).
Federal law prohibits illegal drug use. If marijuana was used within the past 12 months or any illegal drug within the past 36 months the candidate will be disqualified.
Conviction of a felony or domestic violence charge, or any misdemeanor that prohibits POST certification for Colorado Peace Officer standards will result in disqualification. Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required.
Must be available to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may involve inclement weather.
The position requires outdoor physical work that may include climbing in and out of vessels/vehicles and/or under trailers.
Uniform items will be provided; employee may be required to purchase limited items at own expense.
Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include full exposure to OC spray).
Must have or be able to attain valid and current First Aid and CPR certifications.
Must be able to work with limited supervision and work well within a team.
Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills to deliver excellent customer service.
Basic computer skills are required (MS Office Suite, Google App Suite).
Preference may be given to applicants with or working toward 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 the course of a workday.
River Patrol Duties
Must be experienced and proficient in Class IV–V whitewater boating. Preference may be given to people possessing these skills. Documentation of river experience is required on application.
Off‑Highway Vehicle Ranger Positions Important – Must be experienced and proficient in technical single‑track dirt bike riding.
Pursuant to the DNR‑120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State‑owned vehicle must maintain a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving.
To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, motor vehicle records (MVRs) will be reviewed for workers if they:
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
Physical Requirements
This position requires physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. Ability to perceive color differences and to hear verbal and radio communications.
Supplemental Information The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
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 full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will assist individuals with disabilities with reasonable accommodation requests. The ADAAA Coordinator may be contacted at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.
We participate 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 (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete Section 1 of the I‑9 form upon acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment; and within the first three days, you are required to submit original documents to verify eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Technical Support For technical issues with the NEOGOV system, call 855‑524‑5627, Mon‑Fri 6 am‑6 pm (Pacific Time). Document tips: first ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.
Seniority Level
Not Applicable
Employment Type
Temporary
Job Function
Other
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Colorado by 2x.
Get notified about new Ranger jobs in
Chaffee County, CO .
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Department Information This is a temporary position (9 months or less). Pay starts at $24.00 per hour. Employment starts April through September. To apply, submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). The announcement remains open until
01/31/26 . 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.
Agency Overview Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) 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.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a river-based state park that encompasses 152 miles of river corridor between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park. AHRA is co‑managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States. The most common activities in the park are river rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, and gold panning.
Description of Job Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol our State Park. They perform a wide variety of jobs and work outside in all seasons and weather conditions. The posting is for the following primary areas of responsibility:
Park Ranger
Land – Patrol of developed campgrounds, day‑use areas, and dispersed camping areas
River – Whitewater river patrol, swift‑water rescue, boating safety and education
Internship – Performs duties across sections, tailored to career interest of intern
Education – Leads interpretive programs including campfire talks and Junior Ranger programs
OHV Ranger Trail Crew – Off‑Highway Vehicle trail building and maintenance, OHV patrol
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 Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. Specific duties may include but are not limited to:
Issuing citations for violations
Conducting patrols of park areas by vehicle (Off‑Highway vehicles, snowmobiles, bicycles, 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 which may include: revenue/fee collection, verification, basic accounting, and deposits
General park or facility maintenance such as cleaning of public facilities (restrooms, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc.) as needed
Visitor services operations which may involve education and interpretive programs
Lake, river and back‑country recreation parks may have additional, separate duties
Trail building and maintenance
Other duties as assigned
This position is up to 40 hours per week. School schedules may be accommodated.
Requirements Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:
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 (will be verified as part of background check).
Federal law prohibits illegal drug use. If marijuana was used within the past 12 months or any illegal drug within the past 36 months the candidate will be disqualified.
Conviction of a felony or domestic violence charge, or any misdemeanor that prohibits POST certification for Colorado Peace Officer standards will result in disqualification. Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required.
Must be available to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may involve inclement weather.
The position requires outdoor physical work that may include climbing in and out of vessels/vehicles and/or under trailers.
Uniform items will be provided; employee may be required to purchase limited items at own expense.
Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include full exposure to OC spray).
Must have or be able to attain valid and current First Aid and CPR certifications.
Must be able to work with limited supervision and work well within a team.
Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills to deliver excellent customer service.
Basic computer skills are required (MS Office Suite, Google App Suite).
Preference may be given to applicants with or working toward 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 the course of a workday.
River Patrol Duties
Must be experienced and proficient in Class IV–V whitewater boating. Preference may be given to people possessing these skills. Documentation of river experience is required on application.
Off‑Highway Vehicle Ranger Positions Important – Must be experienced and proficient in technical single‑track dirt bike riding.
Pursuant to the DNR‑120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State‑owned vehicle must maintain a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving.
To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, motor vehicle records (MVRs) will be reviewed for workers if they:
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
Physical Requirements
This position requires physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. Ability to perceive color differences and to hear verbal and radio communications.
Supplemental Information The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
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 full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will assist individuals with disabilities with reasonable accommodation requests. The ADAAA Coordinator may be contacted at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.
We participate 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 (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete Section 1 of the I‑9 form upon acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment; and within the first three days, you are required to submit original documents to verify eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Technical Support For technical issues with the NEOGOV system, call 855‑524‑5627, Mon‑Fri 6 am‑6 pm (Pacific Time). Document tips: first ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.
Seniority Level
Not Applicable
Employment Type
Temporary
Job Function
Other
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Colorado by 2x.
Get notified about new Ranger jobs in
Chaffee County, CO .
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr