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Posted: February 9, 2026 (1 day ago)

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TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger – Crawford / Paonia State Parks

State of Colorado

Department of Natural Resources

Fresh

Location

Salary

From $18

per hour

Type

Closes

Not specifiedMore State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This temporary role involves patrolling state parks in Colorado to enforce rules, handle visitor issues, and ensure safety without carrying weapons, while also helping with daily operations like maintenance and education programs.

It's a seasonal job from March to November, ideal for someone who enjoys outdoor work, interacting with the public, and protecting natural spaces.

A good fit would be an active person with customer service skills and a passion for nature who can work independently in a scenic, rugged environment.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to enforce park laws and regulations, including issuing citations and verbal warnings
  • Patrol park areas using vehicle, boat, OHV, bicycle, or foot
  • Respond to emergencies, resolve visitor complaints, and complete reports
  • Conduct inspections on boats and watercraft for aquatic nuisance species
  • Assist with revenue collection, visitor services, facility maintenance, and environmental education
  • Provide quality customer service and support daily park operations
  • Temporary position limited to 9 months or less, starting at $20.00 per hour

Full Job Description

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS)- PAY starting at $19.00 PER HOUR

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

EMPLOYMENT STARTS APPROXIMATELY March THROUGH November.

To apply, please 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 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.

CRAWFORD STATE PARK:

Crawford State Park is calling all adventurers to the Western Slope! You can camp, fish, do watersports, go hunting and lots more, all surrounded by scenic mountains.

The park has 337 acres of land and a 400-acre reservoir. The park's 6,600-foot elevation means the climate is mild at any season.

Crawford is the perfect spot to relax and have fun outdoors with amazing views. It's peaceful during the week and at other off-peak times.

PAONIA STATE PARK:

Nestled at an elevation of 6,500 feet beneath the majestic Ragged Mountains, Paonia offers a picturesque alpine escape for camping, picnicking and outdoor photography.

With the Gunnison National Forest enveloping Paonia State Park, visitors can immerse themselves in spectacular mountain scenery.

Whether you're here for a day of sightseeing, picnicking or or for an overnight camping experience, the park invites you to savor the beauty of the surroundings.

Crawford and Paonia State Park are managed together in a complex. Each park has its own dedicated staff but there is potential to have to assist at the other park.

Requirements

DUTIES:

This is an unarmed law enforcement position (Title 33 Commission) that enforces park laws and regulations; issues citations for violations; patrols park areas by vehicle, bicycle or foot. Responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints. Will complete reports and may be required to appear in court. Positions located on water based recreation parks will conduct inspections on boats and other watercraft for aquatic nuisance species and will need to take appropriate action upon discovery of such species. Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, assures quality customer service, facility maintenance, repair and cleanliness, assists with fee collection, accounting and deposits, and environmental education programs

DUTIES:


  • Issue citations and verbal warnings for Title 33 and CPW Regulation violations

  • Patrol park areas by vehicle, boat, OHV, bicycle, and foot

  • Assist with emergency incidents and park events

  • Resolve, document, and report visitor complaints

  • Manage parking lot capacity on high visitation days

  • Complete incident reports in a timely manner

  • May be required to appear in court to testify

  • This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations such as:

    • General facility maintenance

    • Cleaning of public facilities (restrooms, shower buildings, campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps, etc.)

    • Revenue/fee collection, verification, and deposits

    • Education and interpretive programs

  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Specific job duties vary from section to section.

This position is up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration. School schedules MAY be accommodated.

FOR APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kelli Hansen Lum

kelli.hansenlum@state.co.us

Crawford State Park

970-921-5721

Crawford.park@state.co.us

www.cpw.state.co.us

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be 21 years of age or older

  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle and acceptable driving record (will be verified as part of comprehensive background check process).

  • Must be free of felony or misdemeanor convictions which prohibit POST certification for Colorado Peace Officer standards. Consideration will be given to all other previous violations of law.

  • Must have or be able to attain valid First Aid and CPR certifications

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly

  • Ability to work with limited supervision and work well within a team

  • Must be able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays

  • 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.

  • Applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive background check

  • Must attend and successfully complete required Limited Commissioned Ranger training (may include full exposure to OC spray)

  • Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural Resources degree or similar education.

  • Basic computer skills required (MS Office Suite, Google App Suite)

  • The work-site will provide some uniform items, however the employee may be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense.

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.

Additional 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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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/10/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-colorado-5230515