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TEMPORARY Limited/Full Commissioned Ranger – Trinidad Lake State Park

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TEMPORARY Limited/Full Commissioned Ranger – Trinidad Lake State Park

Salary

$19.00 - $21.00 Hourly

Location

Las Animas County, CO

Job Type

Temporary (9 months or less)

Job Number

2026TEMP- PMA030

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

01/05/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

32610 CO-12, Trinidad, CO 81082, USA

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

[email protected]

Type of Announcement

This is a temporary position. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS)- PAYING $19.00- $21.00 PER HOUR

EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/13/2026 THROUGH 10/31/2026

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 (https://cdnr.us/Pages/DNRDefault.aspx#/start) 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. (http://cpw.state.co.us/)

Description of Job

LIMITED COMMISSIONED PARK RANGER: 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.

+ Other duties as assigned.

This position is up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration.

School schedules MAY be accommodated.

FULL COMMISSIONED RANGER (12 hours per week): This is an armed law enforcement position that enforces all applicable Colorado State Laws, rules and regulations fairly and consistently. This includes but is not limited to Parks and Wildlife laws (Title 33), Traffic code and Criminal Code. Patrols park areas by vehicle, bicycle or foot. Responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints. Issues penalty assessments and summons to violators. Performs prisoner transports and book-ins at the County Jail. Performs clearances of vehicles and individuals contacted in the field. 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 water craft 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.

NOTE:

This position is up to 12 hours per week and up to six months in duration. School schedules can be accommodated. Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledge, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

+ Enforces the laws of Colorado and park rules and regulations by use of citations, warnings and custodial arrests.

+ Prepares criminal cases for prosecution, makes court appearances as required, and reports final case dispositions.

+ Patrols the assigned area by emergency equipped vehicle, on foot, and/or by use of specialized vehicles (motorcycle, boat, ATV, etc.).

+ Provides protection and security for park visitors and their property.

+ Provides first aid and CPR to injured visitors and/or employees.

+ Coordinates and conducts search and rescue/recovery operations.

+ Organizes and conducts investigations and makes reports related to homicides, suicides, drowning and motor vehicle and personal injury accidents in the assigned area.

+ Conducts and cooperates in investigations involving narcotic drugs with other law enforcement agencies.

+ Seizes, collects and processes evidence while maintaining a proper chain of custody for use in criminal prosecution.

+ Participates in and/or coordinates law enforcement services at special events in assigned facilities.

+ Controls and removes dangerous, injured or diseased animals from areas where they could harm themselves or visitors.

+ Assists park visitors by providing information and directions and answering questions.

+ Maintains accurate, up-to-date records and files for assigned facilities.

+ Promotes public relations by giving educational programs to schools, civic groups and park users concerning the state park system, law enforcement and security.

+ Conducts annual physical inventories of all accountable division property.

+ Performs safety and security inspections in assigned facilities.

+ Provides security for collected fees and funds and makes bank deposits as required.

+ Performs other related duties as assigned.

This position is up to 12 hours per week and up to nine months in duration.

School schedules MAY be accommodated.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

LIMITED COMMISSIONED RANGER 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).

+ 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 (https://post.colorado.gov/sites/post/files/documents/MISDEMEANORS\_affecting\_cert.pdf) (Download PDF reader) ), you will be disqualified from the process. Successful completion of a comprehensive background check is required.

+ Federal law maintains prohibition of illegal drugs. If you have used any illegal drugs within the past 36 months you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further.

+ 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.

FULL COMMISSIONED RANGER REQUIREMENTS:

+ Appear before an oral interview board.

+ Must be at least 21 years of age

+ Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

+ Must be free of felony convictions or pending charges. Consideration will be given to all other previous violations of law, including misdemeanor violations, domestic violence, traffic and conservation laws.

+ Must have successfully completed a (P.O.S.T) certified law enforcement academy and be eligible to be certified as a peace officer in the state of Colorado.

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

+ Must be able to pass day and night firearms qualifications with duty weapon

+ Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly

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

+ Applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive background check

+ Applicants must successfully complete a psychological evaluation.

+ Applicants must successfully complete a medical physical exam.

+ Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include full exposure to OC spray)

+ Some parks require prior boating operation and experience for some ranger positions.

+ Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural

+ Resources degree or similar education.

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.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

+ Working knowledge of the procedures, techniques and practices used in law enforcement work.

+ Working knowledge of Colorado statutes relating to state parks and criminal law.

+ Working knowledge of the policies, programs and procedures of state park operations.

+ Working knowledge of the fundamental principles of safety practices and methods.

+ Ability to administer first aid and CPR.

+ Ability to communicate effectively; to perceive color differences; to hear verbal and radio communications; and to interact with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.

+ Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with other employees, government officials and the general public.

+ Ability to develop and maintain clear and concise records, reports and files.

+ Ability to operate specialized vehicles skillfully after prescribed training.

+ Ability to display a proficiency in physical arrest tactics and firearms usage after prescribed training period.

Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W0g2QAGmusbXBJzL3HxhGitIZOEKnwhrFnx9GqVcQHA/preview?tab=t.0) , 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 [email protected].

E-Verify employer:

The Department of Natural Resources participates inE-Verify (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/E-Verify\_Participating\_Employer.jpg) in accordance with the program'sRight to Work (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/ier\_righttoworkposter-%20jpeg(1).jpg) 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 (https://www.e-verify.gov/) 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.

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Please select which position you are applying for:

+ Limited Commission Ranger

+ Full Commission Ranger

02

Have you obtained a current and valid P.O.S.T Certification?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Are you at least 21 years of age or older?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you currently possess and are you able to maintain a valid Driver's License?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Are you a current student, graduated within the past three years, OR have you experienced a recent career change related to natural resources ? If so, you may be eligible for CPW's paid-internship program (this not required for employment consideration)

+ Yes

+ No

06

Are you able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Please select which areas of experience your work history includes:

+ Customer Service

+ Cash handling

+ MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)

+ Google Application Suite (Gmail, Drive, Sheets, etc)

+ Radio Operation

+ Law Enforcement

+ Boat Operation

+ Hand tools

+ Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience

08

Based on the position requirements listed above do you qualify for this position? Please comment on any special circumstances, concerns, or issues that you would like taken into consideration with regards your application and the basic requirements of the position.

09

Please describe why you're interested in working for Colorado Parks & Wildlife:

10

What tools or technology do you use to stay organized?

11

Please describe how your work experience translates to your ability to successfully perform this position's job functions:

12

Can you interact with people in an upbeat and friendly basis, regardless of circumstances?

+ Yes

+ No

13

Can you interact with people in a law enforcement capacity and issue citations?

+ Yes

+ No

14

Successful completion and passing of background and/or drug screening may be required for placement in this position (This is required for all non-commissioned positions).

+ I understand and accept these terms

15

This is a temporary position and is anticipated to not exceed 9-months. Please acknowledge your acceptance of these terms:

+ I understand and accept these terms

16

The following questions ask about your information and may be grounds for your removal from the application process based on the Qualifications and/or Conditions of Employment listed in the announcement. You must respond to all questions based upon the date of your application.

+ I acknowledge receipt of this notice

17

HAVE YOU USED MARIJUANA IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?

+ Yes

+ No

18

HAVE YOU ILLEGALLY USED OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (cocaine, hallucinogens, etc...) IN THE PAST 3 YEARS?

+ Yes

+ No

19

HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF DUI OR DWAI IN THE PAST 2 YEARS?

+ Yes

+ No

20

HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY FELONY OFFENSE?

+ Yes

+ No

21

HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES WHICH WILL AFFECT POST CERTIFICATION? SEE: https://post.colorado.gov/sites/post/files/documents/MISDEMEANORS\_affecting\_cert.pdf

+ I acknowledge receipt/review of the linked document and attest that I HAVE NOT been convicted of any of the listed offenses

+ I acknowledge receipt/review of the linked document and attest that I HAVE been convicted of one or more of the listed offenses

22

If not selected for this position would you like us to share your application within Colorado Parks & Wildlife and/or other natural resource agencies looking for applicants? Please describe any positions or locations that you would specifically like to be considered for.

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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