Job Description

Overview

This position is open to receiving applications until the closing date. CPW is hiring a Park Ranger and District Wildlife Manager at an entry level training classification into the Wildlife Manager series. The position begins as a District Wildlife Manager Trainee (year one) and progresses to District Wildlife Manager in years two and three. A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. The State of Colorado supports equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. More information about the work of the Department can be found at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources website: In addition to rewarding work, the State offers benefits such as medical, vision and dental plans; retirement plans (PERA Defined Benefit or PERA Defined Contribution with pre-tax and Roth 401(k) and 457 plans); paid life insurance; disability coverage; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; flexible and remote work options; career advancement opportunities; and the potential to qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Agency and Mission

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE's mission is to perpetuate wildlife resources, provide a quality state parks system, and offer enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire stewardship. This position functions at an entry level training classification into the Wildlife Manager series:

• Year one Working Title: District Wildlife Manager Trainee
• Years two and three Working Title: District Wildlife Manager

As a District Wildlife Manager Trainee DWM, this position attends a Colorado POST certified law enforcement academy and, upon successful completion, is certified as a Colorado Peace Officer in accordance with CPW duties and authority. After certification, additional training provides classroom education and field exercises to optimize performance and support career progression. DWM Trainees work within the Field Services Unit and are trained in CPW wildlife area operations, application of the State's laws, rules, regulations, statutes, beginning supervision, and wildlife management techniques.

Important note: Candidates offered a position must be willing and able to accept the assignment to a District and remain at that location for a minimum of two years.

Specific learning objectives during the first year include but are not limited to:

• Participates in POST training to achieve certification, is ultimately commissioned at the discretion of the Director of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and applies knowledge and techniques in a field setting.
• Disseminates and communicates information concerning wildlife conservation, wildlife management, data, regulations, public outreach, and conducts educational activities including hunter education, safety, and Project WILD to internal and external stakeholders (schools, civic groups, sporting clubs, etc.).
• Understands responsibilities and expectations of a District Wildlife Manager and represents the division in a professional manner.
• Applies wildlife management techniques in a field setting.
• Applies natural resource management plans, stewardship plans, improvement projects, habitat assessments, inventories, and other field training inventories to protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems.
• Analyses and studies characteristics of wildlife including identity, origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, natural habitats, and the effects of environment and industry on wildlife.
• Under the leadership of a commissioned officer, enforces wildlife laws and regulations and investigates alleged wildlife law violations, seizes equipment and arranges for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of relevant experience in biology, environmental science, fisheries/wildlife biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, or related science-based or biology-based work.

OR

A combination of related education in biology, environmental science, fisheries/wildlife biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, and/or related degree and/or relevant experience equal to four years. If you expect to graduate after 09/30/2025 and before 12/31/2025, please specify in the application supplemental question. Transcripts must be submitted at the time of application when education is used to meet minimum qualifications. If transcripts are not attached, you may be removed from consideration and would need to submit a new application with transcripts before the closing date/time. If you expect to graduate after 09/30/2025 and before 12/31/2025, please specify in the supplemental question.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience providing customer service
• Experience leading/mentoring others
• Experience with public speaking/presenting and/or facilitating meetings
• Knowledge of or experience with Wildlife Management techniques and/or principles
• Ability or experience working in a team environment
• Knowledge of or experience working in outdoor conditions, including principles of safety in the outdoors
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with at least a bachelors degree in natural resources management, natural sciences, earth sciences, environmental science, biology, ecology, forestry, geology, range management, wildlife biology, wildlife management, zoology, ichthyology, or related field

Conditions of Employment

• Must be willing and able to submit to and pass a background investigation, which includes:
  
  • Felony convictions
  • Domestic Violence charges/convictions/restraining orders
  • Driving under the influence/impaired and/or boating under the influence/impaired convictions
  • Misdemeanor convictions that preclude POST certification
  • Fingerprint submission and check
  • Polygraph
  • Moral turpitude
  • Suitability interview, and psychological examination
  • Drug screening
  • Medical physical exam
  
  
  
• Must be able to wear a full duty uniform, including ballistic vest and duty belt weighing approximately 20 pounds, for extended periods (up to 8 hours or more per shift).
• Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Colorado driver's license no later than the first day of employment if selected for hire.
• Important: Federal law prohibits use of illegal drugs. If you have used marijuana within the past 12 months or any illegal drugs within the past 36 months, you will be disqualified.
• If convicted of a felony or domestic violence charge, or misdemeanors precluding POST certification, you will be disqualified. See Decertifying Misdemeanors Colorado POST.
• If you receive a conditional job offer, you must pass the POST Academy and CPW Field Training Program within 12 months.
• Former State employees with disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination must disclose information; generally, prior termination/resignation may disqualify.
• Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker driving a State vehicle must maintain a safe driving record and valid license.
• To comply with fleet policy, MVRs will be reviewed for workers with assigned State fleet vehicle, who operate or use a State fleet vehicle.

Appeal Rights

It is recommended to contact the Human Resources Specialist to resolve issues related to minimum qualifications. If you are eliminated from consideration, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. Submit the official appeal form within ten calendar days of notice. For more information, visit spb.colorado.gov or contact the State Personnel Board at (303) 866-3300. See 4 Colorado Code of Regulations 801-1 for details.

Dates and Timelines for Examinations

The assessment process includes the following steps:

• Minimum Qualifications Review: All applications will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications. Resumes and other attachments are not considered for screening. If you meet qualifications via education, upload transcripts. You will receive auto-notification and within 3 business days a follow-up from HR.
• Pre-employment Examinations: Online Exam and Writing Prompt scheduled 10/02/2025 to 10/08/2025. The online exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions and lasts 90 minutes. The writing prompt requires a roughly 500-word response; external help is not allowed.
• Background Investigation: Ongoing throughout selection; must pass a thorough background check.
• Virtual Interactive Oral Panel Assessment: 10/15/2025 to 10/17/2025; candidates should be prepared to present a 5-minute Natural Resource topic.
• Polygraph and Physical Fitness Exams: 10/29/2025 to 11/05/2025. The polygraph may take up to two hours; the physical fitness test includes a 2000-meter row on a Concept2 rower with a suggested VO2 max percentile around 70. Training resources are available on the cpw careers page and concept2 website.
• Executive Management Interviews: 11/05/2025 to 11/06/2025; in-person final interviews.
• Final Exams and Conditional Job Offers: Eligible candidates who complete all steps will receive a conditional job offer subject to psychological, drug, and medical examinations.

Post-Hire Information

Start date January 2, 2026 with CPW orientation and new employee orientation information. Topics include state employment, payroll, benefits, PERA, and COWINS. January 2026 to May 2026: POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) 19 weeks of mandatory training in the Denver metro area. There is no relocation reimbursement. Training includes Colorado Criminal Code topics, officer survival, use of force, civil liability, and investigations. CPW pays 100% of tuition and provides training materials and equipment. May 2026 to December 2026: Field Training Program of seven months, including classroom and field training; extended travel may be required and CPW provides per diem and vehicles. Upon successful completion of training, the District Wildlife Manager must accept any park location assigned and remain in the initial location for at least two years.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by valuing equal opportunity and merit-based hiring. The State is committed to non-discriminatory practices in hiring and employment. The Department of Natural Resources is committed to full inclusion and will assist qualified individuals with reasonable accommodations. If you have a disability and require accommodations, contact the ADAAA Coordinator, Cayla Phythian, at cayla.phythian@state.co.us. E-Verify: DNR uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For technical help with the NEOGOV system, call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627.

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