TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger – Sweitzer Lake State Park

This is a temporary position (9 months or less)- pay starting at $19.00 per hour. Employment starts: flexible but as soon as now through September/October 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. Start and end dates may be adjusted based on need or availability. Housing is available on park! If you have any questions please email jed.potter@state.co.us

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.

Temporary Park Rangers educate the public and patrol our State Parks. 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 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:

• Revenue: collection and processing of self service and revenue attendant cash boxes, revenue records administration

• Boat: boating regulation enforcement, boat safety vessel inspections, visitor assists, aquatic nuisance species compliance checks

• Campground: campground regulation enforcement, reservation check-in, camping sales, campground records administration, campsite and restroom cleaning

• Land: land use regulation enforcement, traffic management, capacity control operations, facility cleaning and security, visitor information and education, cleaning and security of the Dog Off Leash Area

• Maintenance: General facility maintenance and upkeep, trail maintenance, snow removal.

• Volunteer & Interpretation: assist with interpretive programs such as Slocum Cabin Days, First Day Hikes, Beach Mania summer programs, and campground amphitheater programs. Participate in volunteer management of large MHYC and VOC activities, and various small volunteer projects with Eagle Scouts, Colorado Mountain Club, and court ordered volunteers.

• 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.

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), 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.
• 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.

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. We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. 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.