Colorado State Patrol - Port of Entry Officer Intern
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Colorado State Patrol - Port of Entry Officer Intern
Salary
$53,664.00 Annually
Location
Statewide, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
CSP POE Officer Intern 8/2025
Department
Department of Public Safety
Division
Colorado State Patrol
Opening Date
08/25/2025
Closing Date
10/3/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Cortez, Dumont, Ft. Collins, Ft. Morgan, Lamar, Limon, Loma, Monument & Trinidad, CO.
Hiring Pay Rate
$25.80 hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Lori Chavez, 303-328-8642, Lori.Chavez@state.co.us
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 position is open only to current Colorado state residents.
Fort Collins, Loma, Trinidad & Cortez Vacancies Only: The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the State border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list for Colorado statewide. Current vacancy locations (subject to change): Ft Collins, Ft Morgan, Limon, Lamar, Trinidad, Loma, Dumont, Cortez & Monument. The greatest demand for job placement are at locations for Dumont & Ft. Morgan.
All new hires will attend Port of Entry eleven (11) week Academy that is scheduled for February 16, 2026 . If you have applied for this position in the last year, you must reapply.
Please watch the Port of Entry Recruiting Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEbmt7ENVIs)
A n eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
Our Mission -Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado
Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service
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.
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Unmatched Benefits:
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave/family-medical-leave-act-fmla) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) (https://famli.colorado.gov/) .
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates) for details.
CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave) and annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado (https://www.cuofco.org/credit-union-colorado-membership-eligibility) membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits) .
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The Port of Entry exists to ensure the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles in the State of Colorado by improving the safety and security of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Port of Entry Officers at all levels are statutory peace officers as defined by Colorado Revised Statute §§ 16-2.5-115. The unit works proactively with all stakeholders to reduce commercial motor vehicle accidents and preserve the highway infrastructure through the enforcement of state and federal CMV safety laws and regulations. The unit assists in establishing and maintaining effective commercial vehicle operating standards, enforcement practices, strategies, and penalties that provide the basis for uniformity in the enforcement community and compatibility with all stakeholders.
Work Environment
100% In-person position
Work unit core business hours Monday-Friday 6am-10pm (0600-2200).
As a cadet at the POE Academy (11 weeks), core business hours 7am - 5pm. (0700-1700).
POE Officers routinely use of a pull bar to slide 1000-lb scales. Assuming a low friction coefficient and a reasonable pull bar angle, you might only need to exert 10-20% of the object's weight to initiate movement, which would be roughly 100-200 pounds in this scenario. Officers also routinely lift 35-pound hand-held scales, moving them multiple times when weighing vehicles on the mobile unit.
About the Job
Port of Entry Officers at all levels are statutory peace officers as defined by Colorado Revised Statute §§ 16-2.5-115.
Positions protect life, property, and the environment in the state of Colorado. This positions achieve these goals by enforcing state and adopted Federal statutes, rules, and regulations. Additionally, this position educates others regarding safe practices and partners with stakeholders to obtain voluntary compliance. Collect taxes and license fees. When applicable, this position will testify during judicial proceedings.
Interns work at a facility which may operate 24 hours a day, as determined to be necessary by the Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
Training
Officer Cadets receive classroom and field training designed to familiarize them with the duties of an officer. Under the supervision of instructors, this position participates in formal classroom training and instruction in interpretation and application of applicable sections of the Colorado revised statutes, the code of Colorado regulations, and the code of federal regulations; federal motor carrier safety regulations; drug and alcohol recognition, hazardous materials, traffic direction, discretionary decision making, and ethics. Officer Cadets will receive fitness training and defensive tactics training. After classroom training at the academy, Cadets will undergo field training with a field training officer.
Review and Investigations
Cadets review documents and investigate commercial vehicles, drivers, and loads at fixed and mobile ports of entry. This process includes weighing vehicles through the use of fixed or portable scales, visual inspection of physical dimensions (height, length, width, etc.,) and review of required documents including vehicle registrations, fuel permits, interstate and intrastate authorities, hazardous material permits, extra-legal permits, shipping papers and commercial driver licenses. Job duties will be performed at both fixed and mobile ports of entry.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Safety Inspection
Cadets conduct Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) safety inspections in accordance with international standards and regulations. CVSA inspections may be level I through VI, and as applicable, may include scrutiny of the driver's documents, such as logbooks, physical inspection of safety-critical vehicle components, and inspection to ensure conformity with nuclear transportation regulations. Job duties will be performed at both fixed and mobile ports of entry.
Enforcement and Traffic Control
Traffic direction or control is required at both fixed and mobile Ports of Entry. Additionally, Cadets may be tasked with traffic control at special events, traffic crashes, natural disasters, or when other hazardous conditions on roadways may affect the orderly flow of traffic. Cadets will perform traffic control duties using electronic signs, as well as uniformed hand signals and gestures, in accordance with policy.
Cadets will issue citations, issue permits, and collect fees when required to bring drivers or vehicles into compliance with law, rule, or regulation. Cadets will also detain and restrain persons and vehicles when appropriate, such as when an out of service condition is detected. Job duties will be performed at both fixed and mobile ports of entry.
Agency Representation and Other Duties as Assigned
In addition to representing the agency in the performance of their duties, this position will testify in court in support of penalty assessments, summons, and other judicial proceedings as an official representative of the state. They will attend local meetings as an official representative of the Port of Entry.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
Requires State of Colorado residency at time of application.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Fort Collins, Loma, Trinidad & Cortez Vacancies O nly: Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. When appointed, the applicant must relocate to Colorado.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Current valid Colorado driver's license at time of hire or must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 30-days of hire.
Ability to attend and successfully complete an intensive CSP Port of Entry Academy training. The Port of Entry academy is a paid eleven-week training academy that is located in Golden, CO. After successful completion and graduation from the training academy, Interns report to their assigned work locations.
Please see additional information about the Port of Entry:
https://csp.colorado.gov/port-of-entry-academy-information
https://csp.colorado.gov/employment/port-of-entry-officers
Applicants must be available to work 24/7 as needed. This includes weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and must be able to work in all weather conditions.
This position includes physical demands that include: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, hearing and vision. Exert up to 50 lbs. occasionally, and/or up to 10-20 lbs. of force frequently.
Applicants must be willing to be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, fingerprint based criminal history search, a polygraph exam, drug and medical clearance.
The background investigation is based on the following criteria, including but not limited to: driving history, criminal behavior/history, alcohol use/behavior, drug use/behavior, and integrity.
If you omit any material fact on your application, testing materials, or during the background interview or polygraph, you may be disqualified.
If any disqualifying information is discovered at any stage of the selection process, you may be removed from consideration.
If you fail to follow instructions during the polygraph interview and countermeasures are detected, you may be removed from the process.
Applicants must be able to meet and maintain Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry appearance standards which includes body markings, body modifications, jewelry, piercings, cosmetics, and hair in accordance with theColorado State Patrol Personal Appearance policy (https://csp.colorado.gov/sites/csp/files/documents/9706485.pdf) upon employment; at time of appointment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Speech clarity -t alking to others to convey information effectively.
Eagerness and capacity to learn.
Working with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Self control- maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Cooperation- being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity- being honest and ethical.
High School Diploma, GED or graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's or higher level degree.
Disqualifying factors
Integrity
To be disqualified upon admission or confirmation of:
Theft or taken without permission of items, goods, and/or money (combined) of over $300 from an employer within the past 3 years for personal gain.
Soliciting, offering, paying, or accepting a bribe as defined criminally in CRS (government official)
To be considered under the totality of circumstances for disqualification by the appointing authority based on the circumstances and information.
False, fabricated, incomplete, or intentionally omitted information that affects the candidate's application for consideration.
Drug Behavior
To be disqualified upon admission or confirmation of:
Any use, purchase, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs, except for marijuana, within the past 5 years.
Any illegal use, purchase, distribution, or manufacture of a controlled schedule I, II, or III drugs (as defined in C.R.S. 18-18-102) within the last 5 years.
Use of any illegal drug, on or off duty, while employed as a law enforcement officer.
Refusal to agree to submit to previous employers drug screening or drug testing as an employee within the past 5 years.
To be considered under the totality of circumstances for disqualification by the appointing authority based on the circumstances and information.
Any illegal use, purchase, distribution, cultivation, or possession of marijuana within the last 12 months.
Any illegal and/or legal use or consumption of marijuana or its products within the last 12 months
Use or possession of illegal drugs beyond 5 years, the appointing authority should consider the frequency of the behavior, the quantity of the drugs involved, and the @type of drug.
The circumstances and frequency surrounding the illegal use of a prescription controlled schedule I, II, or III drugs (as defined in C.R.S. 18-18-102) within the last 5 years.
Alcohol Behavior
To be disqualified upon admission or confirmation of:
Unauthorized consumption of an alcoholic beverage while on "patrol" as a law enforcement officer.
Refusal to agree to submit to a previous employer alcohol testing as an employee within the past 5 years.
Criminal Behavior
To be disqualified upon admission or confirmation of:
Any felony conviction
Any domestic violence conviction
Certain misdemeanor criminal convictions, those defined by P.O.S.T. as listed athttp://www.colorado.gov/post/decertifying-misdeameanors
To be considered under the totality of circumstances for disqualification by the appointing authority based on the circumstances and information.
Any incident of misdemeanor shoplifting or accessory to shoplifting, whether charged or not, within the past 3 years
The circumstances and frequency of incident of a crime against a person, whether charged or not, within the past 3 years.
Driving History
To be disqualified upon admission or confirmation of:
Any DUI, DWAI, DUID conviction within the past 3 years
Any license suspension/revocation within the last 2 years not including FRA suspension.
Any hit and run accident with damage to another party or injury, within the last 3 years whether reported or not.
Any incident of eluding or attempting to elude an emergency vehicle within the last 3 years whether charged or not.
To be considered under the totality of circumstances for disqualification by the appointing authority based on the circumstances and information.
Any license suspension/revocation within the last 5 years including FRA suspension.
The circumstances and frequency of incident of a crime against a person, whether caught or not within the past 3 years.
The circumstances and frequency of 3 or more convictions of moving traffic violations within the past 12 months and/or 5 or more convictions of moving traffic violations within the past 5 years (speeding, turning violations, following too closely, signaling violations, lane violations, right of way, etc.)
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available atwww.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at:www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
Are you in need of an accommodation?
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.
Colorado Department of Public Safety 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 Human Resources department at cdps_hr@state.co.us.
Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices
Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
Application Tips : For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUwZiY6G24U&feature=emb_logo) .
Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted: will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
Notifications All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " info@governmentjobs.com " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
Comparative Analysis Steps will include :
Qualified applicants will move to the structured application review, October 3, 2025 -October 6, 2025. During this stage, the answers to the supplemental questions will be numerically scored.
The top group identified as a result of the structured application review will be invited to participate in an online skills assessment on October 6, 2025. Eskill assessment responses will be due on October 9, 2025.
The top group of candidates will be invited to participate in virtual Interviews conducted via Sparkhire platform on October 13, 2025. Interview recording will be due on October 20, 2025.
Conditional offers will be issued upon conclusion of Sparkhire interviews.
Final interviews will take place the week of January 5, 2026 in person.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
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 describe why you are interested in this role and how your experience and skills align with the requirements and duties of the position.
02
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
Yes, I understand that
No
03
Are you willing to undergo an extensive background investigation, polygraph exam as well as pre-employment screening that includes a medical clearance, and drug screening, as a condition of hire?
Yes
No
04
The answers to the following questions will be used in the comparative analysis examination process. *Any false statements or omissions from your background and the following questions may be grounds for your removal from the hiring process. All questions are based upon your date of application. I understand the above terms.
I do understand
I do not understand
05
Criminal Behavior: 1). Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
Yes
No
06
Criminal Behavior: 2). Have you ever been convicted of domestic violence ?
Yes
No
07
Have you ever been convicted of any of the misdemeanors as outlined in the following page https://www.colorado.gov/post/decertifying-misdemeanors?
Yes
No
08
Have you used any illegal drug on or off duty while employed as a law enforcement officer?
Yes
No
09
Have you ever consumed or had in your possession any controlled substance(s) without a doctor's prescription within the last 5 years? Controlled substances include, but are not limited to: prescription medications, cocaine (Crack), hallucinogens(mushrooms, LSD, Peyote), PCP/Angel Dust, methamphetamines/amphetamines (Crank, Speed), steroids, opiates, synthetic drugs, designer drugs (ecstasy/MDMA), inhalants (glue, nitrous oxide, propellants), mescaline, Quaaludes, barbiturates, date rape drugs (GHB).
Yes
No
10
Have you refused to submit to a current or previous employer's drug screening or drug testing as an employee within the past 5 years?
Yes
No
11
Have you ever engaged in unauthorized consumption of an alcoholic beverage while on duty as a law enforcement officer?
Yes
No
12
Have you refused to submit to a current or previous employer's alcohol testing or screening as an employee within the past 5 years?
Yes
No
13
Have you ever Do you have any incident of eluded ing or attempting to elude an emergency vehicle within the last 3 years, whether charged or not?
Yes
No
14
Have you been convicted of a DUI, DWAI, and/or DUID within the past 3 years?
Yes
No
15
Have you had a license suspension or revocation (not including FRA suspension) within the last 2 years?
Yes
No
16
Have you been responsible for a hit and run accident with damage or injury to another party within the last 3 years, whether reported or not?
Yes
No
17
Have you ever solicited, offered, paid, or accepted a bribe as defined criminally in Colorado Revised Statute as a government official?
Yes
No
18
Please indicate if you are a current Colorado resident.
Yes
No
19
Do you have a valid CO driver's license?
Yes
No
20
You will be required to wear a law enforcement uniform and badge, but will not be armed or have arrest powers. Are you comfortable working as unarmed law enforcement officer?
Yes
No
21
Vacancies are limited in each location. Please indicate that you understand candidates who are flexible in job location preference have a higher chance of being placed. The greatest demand for job placement are at Port locations for Dumont & Ft. Morgan.
Yes, I understand
No
22
This position is accepting applications outside of the State of Colorado for several of our work locations: Fort Collins, Loma, Trinidad and Cortez. If selected you would be required to be a resident of Colorado by your start date. Do you accept this as a condition of employment?
Yes
No
23
Please select the top three (3) locations that you are willing to work at.
Dumont
Ft. Collins - Open to out of state residents
Ft. Morgan
Lamar
Limon
Loma - Open to out of state residents
Monument
Trinidad - Open to out of state residents
Cortez - Open to out of state residents
24
I have watched the recruiting video youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=UEbmt7ENVIs, have read the conditions of employment and work environment section for this job and understand the physical functions nature and work environment of this role.
Yes
No
25
I am willing to travel to Denver/Lakewood at my own expense to participate in the pre-employment screening steps.
Yes
No
26
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If you are not a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please state "N/A".
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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https://careers.colorado.gov/
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