TEMPORARY Seasonal Employee – Paonia State Park
State of Colorado
Posted: February 9, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Colorado
Department of Natural Resources
Location
Colorado, --
Salary
From $18
per hour
Type
Temporary
More Other jobs →Closes
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.

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.
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 programsDUTIES:
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
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
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.
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