TEMPORARY Policy and Planning Associate – Hybrid

Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A state environmental agency is looking for a temporary Policy and Planning Associate to support planning, policy, and public involvement projects. This full-time role will require assisting with meeting planning, analyzing feedback, and conducting internet research. Candidates should possess a degree in Environmental Science or related field, strong organization skills, and experience with Microsoft Office. The position is hybrid, based in Denver, offering $26.00 per hour with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience and interest in parks, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Skills in data collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist with public and internal meeting planning.
• Analyze and summarize public feedback.
• Conduct internet research and draft documents.

Skills

Organization

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Excellent communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Environmental Science/Studies or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Google Suites

Job description

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $26.00 PER HOUR EMPLOYEE STARTS 3/01/2026 THROUGH 11/30/2025. (Starting date is negotiable)

Hybrid; 2 days per week at 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80216

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.

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.

CPW’s Policy and Planning section supports development of parks, wildlife, and outdoor recreation policies and plans. The Policy and Planning section is seeking a temporary Policy and Planning Associate to help with a variety of high priority planning, policy, research, and public involvement projects.

This temporary, entry-level position is full-time (40 hrs/week) for up to nine months.

Primary Duties

• Assisting with both public and internal meeting planning and logistics, including taking meeting minutes.
• Analyzing and summarizing public feedback, survey results and, comment forms.
• Supporting visitor use and experience surveys at state parks; including overnight travel to state parks across the state.
• Administrative tasks, Zoom support and other day-to-day tasks to support public involvement, policy and planning activities, and internal staff processes.
• Conducting internet research, drafting and editing documents, memos, or presentations related to a wide variety of park, wildlife, outdoor recreation, natural resource and/or community engagement issues. Preparing and modifying information for a wide variety of stakeholder audiences.
• Supporting agency staff in data collection, entry, and analysis efforts. Data collection may take place in the field or online.
• Position may require occasional overnight travel.

Basic Requirements

The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Communications, Community Engagement, Parks Administration, Natural Resource Policy, Conservation Leadership, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources, Wildlife/Biology or a related field, with experience and interest in parks, wildlife, outdoor recreation and/or community engagement professions. Experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Suites and internet research is required. Candidates should also be well organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated and have excellent communication skills (oral and written). They should also be able to work independently as well as collaboratively, multi-task effectively and possess an overall positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement/outreach efforts
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness and desire to learn
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to learn various web applications and digital tools
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects at once
• Demonstrates passion and interest in related subject areas
• Experience in data collection and analysis
• Experience conducting research and summarizing it into easy-to-read reports

Fleet Vehicle Policy

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 [e-mail].

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 an accommodation, please contact [e-mail] at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare 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 Employer

The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program’s Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about 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). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.