TEMPORARY FULL Commissioned Park Ranger - Trinidad Lake State Park

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.

• 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. 

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Salary : $18 - $21