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Jan 06, 2026

TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger – Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Job Description

Department Information




THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS)- PAY starting at $24.00 PER HOUR

EMPLOYMENT STARTS APRIL THROUGH SEPTEMBER

To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain 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.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)
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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Description of Job

This application is for all, current, open seasonal positions at the park. Please select which position(s) you are applying for. All positions begin 04/27/26 and end 09/07/2026 unless otherwise noted.

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 (commercial and private), kayaking, fishing, camping, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, and gold panning.

Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol our State Park. They perform a wide variety of jobs, and most work is conducted outside in all seasons and weather conditions. Park Rangers work where everyone comes to play! They wear many hats because of the diversity of the State's geography, visitors, and recreational opportunities.

This posting is for the following two positions with primary areas of responsibility:
  • Park Ranger
    • Land – Patrol of developed campgrounds, day use areas, and dispersed camping areas
    • River – Whitewater river patrol, swiftwater 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 – OHV trail building and maintenance, OHV patrol

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, bicycle, 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 backcountry 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

REQUIREMENTS:

    • Must be 21 years of age or older.
    • Must have a current & valid driver's license required for operating a state vehicle and acceptable driving record (will be verified as part of comprehensive background check process).
    • IMPORTANT - Federal law maintains prohibition of illegal drugs. If you have used marijuana within the past 12 months and/or used any illegal drugs within the past 36 months you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further.
    • If you have been convicted of a felony or any domestic violence charge, and/or been convicted of any misdemeanors which prohibit POST certification for Colorado Peace Officer standards (see link: Decertifying Misdemeanors Colorado POST (Download PDF reader)), you will be disqualified from the process. Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required.
    • Must be available to work various shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays and may involve working during inclement weather.
    • This position requires outdoor physical work that may require climbing in and out of vessels/vehicles and/or under trailers to perform job functions.
    • The work-site will provide some uniform items, however the employee may be required to purchase limited uniform items at their 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 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 required (MS Office Suite, Google App Suite)
    • Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards 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:

    • IMPORTANT - Must be experienced and proficient in Class IV-V whitewater boating. Preference may be given to people possessing these skills. Documentation of river experience 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 is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

  • 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 will perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of 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. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.

E-Verify employer:
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 (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.

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