TEMPORARY Seasonal Employee - Highline Lake State Park
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TEMPORARY Seasonal Employee - Highline Lake State Park
Salary
$18.00 Hourly
Location
Mesa County, CO
Job Type
Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number
2026TEMP- PMA015
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date
12/18/2025
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
1800 11 8/10 Road, Loma, CO 81524
Hiring Pay Rate
18
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
dnrhremployeetransactions@state.co.us
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 ATEMPORARYPOSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - Starting at $18.00 PER HOUR
EMPLOYMENT START DATES DIFFER BETWEEN POSITIONS
To apply, please submit an application. Resumes and/or cover letters preferred. 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
Are you passionate about protecting Colorado's natural resources? Highline Lake State Park is seeking dedicated, hard-working individuals to join our team, caring for one of the most ecologically diverse state parks. Highline Lake is an ideal base camp for exploring the Grand Valley and draws national and international visitors seeking mountain biking, hiking, and boating adventures.
The park is heavily visited by families and school groups and an ideal candidate would be comfortable providing excellent customer service to visitors of all backgrounds.
Positions begin in March, April and May 2026.
This application is for all current, open seasonal positions at the park. Please select which position(s) you are applying for.
PARK RANGER: A customer service based position that performs a variety of work activities in the conservation and operation of the park while ensuring public safety and natural resource protection. (This position is oriented to provide employees with necessary skills and experience to make them an ideal candidate for the full time Park Ranger positions within Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)
Preferred candidate will:
Have knowledge of Highline Lake State Park rules, regulations, and fees
Have principles and processes for providing excellent customer service to visitors in person, on the phone, and through written communication such as email and social media
Be willing and able to enforce park rules and regulations through initiating direct contact with visitors and issuing verbal warnings, written warnings, and/or citations
Be comfortable and able to provide interpretive and educational programs to park visitors of diverse backgrounds
Utilize active listening and critical thinking with visitor contacts and emergencies
Be goal-oriented and able to demonstrate prior teamwork experience
Work with young park visitors to complete the Junior Ranger Program and conduct swearing-in ceremonies
Be bilingual or speak/understand basic Spanish
Be a current student or recent college graduate with an emphasis in natural resources
Candidate must:
Be 21 years of age
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Complete and pass a criminal background check
Be currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED prior to start date
Have cash handling experience to include making accurate change and operating a point of sale system
Be able to work varied shifts to include evenings, weekends, and holidays
Be able to perform physically strenuous outdoor activities in all weather conditions
Be willing to lift 50-100 pounds repeatedly through the course of a workday
Successfully complete the CPW Seasonal Ranger Training with OC-exposure (3-day training in May)
Successfully complete the Basic Marine Operator Training (typically in May or June)
Successfully complete the State of Colorado Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination course within 14 days of start date
PARK MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN : A customer service based position responsible for all general park maintenance and cleaning of public facilities including restrooms, showers, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc. This position often supplies the first impression of the park to visitors and plays a crucial role to establish high standards of customer service.
Preferred candidate will:
Have high attention to detail in cleaning and maintaining park facilities
Perform routine maintenance on state-owned equipment and vehicles
Have experience with basic cleaning, carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and/or electrical work
Have experience or be willing to learn how to use a tractor, zero-turn mower, and other various landscaping equipment
Have experience or be willing to learn chainsaw operation
Have experience or be willing to learn flood irrigation and sprinkler systems
Candidate must:
Be 16 years of age
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Complete and pass a criminal background check
Be currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED prior to start date
Be able to work varied shifts to include evenings, weekends, and holidays
Be able to perform physically strenuous outdoor activities in all weather conditions
Be willing to lift 50-100 pounds repeatedly through the course of a workday
VISITOR SERVICES TECHNICIAN : A customer service based position that involves working in the Visitor Center or West Entrance Station. Duties include:
Greeting visitors, selling passes/registrations, and assisting with campground reservations
Communicating heavily with the public by answering questions about Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Highline Lake State Park.
Providing information and assistance to visitors by distributing maps and brochures, and orienting visitors to park facilities and amenities
Selling gift certificates, search and rescue cards, boat registrations, OHV registrations and snowmobile registrations, and fishing and hunting licenses
Operating a point of sale system, maintaining a cash drawer, and making accurate change
Selling retail items such as ice, firewood, retail merchandise, etc. and maintaining accurate inventory
Maintaining inventory of the park's loaner equipment program such as life jackets, fishing poles, etc.
Promoting, planning, and assisting with interpretive and educational programs
Maintaining cleanliness of the Visitor Center, West Gate, and other facilities as requested
Preferred candidate will:
Have knowledge of Highline Lake State Park fees and amenities
Have general knowledge of the Grand Valley area to provide directions, information, and recommendation to other local attractions
Be bilingual or speak/understand basic Spanish
Be currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED prior to start date
Candidate must:
Be 16 years of age
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Complete and pass a criminal background check
Be able to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Have principles and processes for providing excellent customer service to visitors in person, on the phone, and through written communication such as email and social media
Have excellent cash handling skills
Be able to perform physically strenuous outdoor activities in all weather conditions
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES (ANS) INSPECTOR: A customer service based position that involves inspecting and decontaminating boats and other vessels for invasive Zebra/Quagga Mussels, Milfoil and/or other invasive species. This is an important position for the protection of natural resources from non-native species that threaten wildlife, drinking water/irrigation, and all water-related outdoor recreation in the State of Colorado. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.
Preferred candidate will:
Have high attention to detail to perform systematic boat inspections and decontaminations to the high standard of the ANS Program
Conduct boater interviews to establish previous and future boating locations to prevent spread of ANS
Have great communication skills to provide boaters with ANS education and information through verbal and written methods
Accurately count and record boat inspections utilizing the ANS tablet and database
Have technical experience or be willing to learn to use the decontamination trailer (high pressure sprayer) and tankless units
Be willing to work shifts at Highline Lake State Park and work shifts at the Loma Port of Entry along I-70, mile marker 15
Candidate must:
Be 16 years of age
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Complete and pass a criminal background check
Be currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED prior to start date
Be able to work varied shifts to include evenings, weekends, and holidays
Be able to perform physically strenuous outdoor activities in all weather conditions
Be able to climb in and out of boats and trailers to perform inspections
Be willing to lift 50-100 pounds repeatedly through the course of a workday
Take and pass the State of Colorado Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination course within 14 days of start date
These positions are up to 40 hours per week and up to nine months in duration. School schedules may be accommodated.
Resume and cover letter recommended.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 16 years of age. (Park Ranger applicants must be 21 years old.)
Must have a valid drivers' license.
Must be able to work outdoors and on weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.
Must undergo and pass a criminal background investigation.
Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral).
Ability to work with little supervision.
Some uniform items will be provided; however, employees will be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense.
Miscellaneous: Must be available for up to 40 hours per week and commit to a minimum 5 month work season. Employment is for a maximum of 40 hours a week for 9 months. Flexible with school schedules.
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
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.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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 dnrhremployeebenefits@state.co.us
ADAAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request accommodation, please contact our Benefits Specialist at dnrhremployeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and @type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
E-Verify
DNR uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/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). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with 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 all available positions for which you would like to apply:
Park Ranger
Maintenance Technician
Visitor Services Technician
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspector
02
Are you a student or have you graduated within the past 3 years?
Yes
No
03
Do you have prior Colorado Parks and Wildlife work experience?
Yes
No
04
Please describe why you're interested in working for Colorado Parks & Wildlife:
05
Please select which areas of experience your work history includes:
Customer service
Cash handling/Operating a Point of Sale system
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
Google Application Suite (Gmail, Drive, Sheets, etc)
Maintenance
06
Please describe how your work experience translates to your ability to successfully perform this position's job functions:
07
Do you currently possess a valid driver license and have reliable transportation?
Yes
No
08
Successful completion and passing of background screening may be required for placement in this position. This is a temporary position starting at $18.00 per hour and will not exceed 9-months. Please acknowledge your acceptance of these terms:
I understand and accept these terms.
09
Are you willing and able to work varied shifts including weekends and holidays?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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