TEMPORARY Seasonal Employee - Yampa River and Elkhead Reservoir State Parks

About the role

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $18.00-$19.00 PER HOUR

Employment Starts 04/01/2026

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.

This application is for all, current, open seasonal positions at the park(s). Please select which position(s) you are applying for.

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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Yampa River State Park, located in the beautiful Yampa valley west of Steamboat Springs, is actually three “parks” in one. The headquarters on the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado, provides excellent camping, a Visitor Center and nature trail. A 134 mile stretch of the Yampa River is the heart of Yampa River State Park. The Elkhead Reservoir is the third major component of the Yampa River State Park system.

AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES INSPECTOR: A customer service based position that involves inspecting for invasive Zebra/Quagga Mussels, Milfoil or other plant species on boats and personal watercraft at an inspection point on the park. 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. Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Staff the park ANS (aquatic nuisance species) inspection station.
• Conduct physical boat inspections and boater interviews.
• Provide information and assistance to the boating public (distributes brochures, promotes ANS education, educates about State Park regulations, etc.)
• Cleaning and light maintenance duties of interior and exterior of ANS inspection areas. Including maintenance of facilities and grounds.
• Accurate counting and recording of all boat inspections, either written or by phone application software.
• May document and report visitor complaints.
• Other duties as assigned.

Park Maintenance Technician

Responsible for all general park maintenance and cleaning of public facilities including: restrooms, showers, vault toilets, campsites, picnic areas, trails, etc.

• Operates and performs routine maintenance on State owned vehicles and equipment
• Assures quality customer service and facility maintenance, repair and cleanliness
• Provides information and assistance to visitors
• May assist with carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical work and transporting materials and supplies
• Performs other duties as assigned

VISITOR SERVICES TECHNICIAN: A customer service based position that involves working in a visitor center or gate entrance, greeting visitors, or may be assigned to work in the field in specialized duties as some parks. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.

• Staff the park entrance station and/or the visitor center.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors (distributes maps/brochures, orients visitors to park facilities and amenities, promotes education programs, educates on State Park regulations, etc.)
• Provide information to the boating and non-boating public.
• Sell parks passes, permits, books, maps, clothing, firewood and other novelties.
• May sell gift certificates, search and rescue cards, boat registrations, OHV registrations and snowmobile registrations, fishing and hunting licenses.
• Operate a cash register.
• Answering of telephones and transferring/taking messages.
• Photo-copying and filing.
• Collects revenue, completes shift report and balances shift box at end of each shift.
• May prepare campground reservations forms and documents.
• Cleaning and light maintenance duties of interior and exterior of gates, visitor center and/or offices, including litter pick up.
• May assist with special events or programs within the park.
• Other duties as assigned.

FOR APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Mueller

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must possess a current and valid driver's license or have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work outdoors and on weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.
• Must be able to climb in and out of vessels, and under trailers.
• Possess strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• May be required to work at the ANS station for an 8 hour shift and take lunch at the station.
• Some uniform items will be provided, however, employees will be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense.
• Successful completion and passing of background screening may be required for placement in this position.
• 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

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.

Work Activities

• Interacting with Computers – Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates – Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
• Processing Information – Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems – Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events – Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work
• Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others – Translating or explain what information means and how it can be used.