TEMPORARY Positions 2026 – Ridgway State Park.

State of Colorado; Colorado; On-site; USD 24,796 - 26,863; Part time

Job summary

A state government agency is seeking temporary employees for various positions at Ridgway State Park in Colorado. Roles include maintenance, ANS boat inspection, visitor center attendance, and marina concessions. Ideal candidates should possess strong customer service skills, be organized, and be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting. Applicants must be 16 or older and should have reliable transportation. Pay is $18.00-$19.50 per hour, with employment running from April/May 2026 through September/October 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years old or older.
• Reliable transportation to and from work is required.
• Background screening may be needed for placement.

Responsibilities

• Perform general park maintenance tasks.
• Inspect boats for Aquatic Nuisance Species.
• Provide excellent customer service at Visitor Center.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to perform physical tasks

Job description

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $18.00-$19.50 PER HOUR. EMPLOYMENT STARTS Flexible but as soon as April/May 2026 THROUGH September/October 2026.

To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED.

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 Mission

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.

Job Opportunities at Ridgway State Park

This post is for multiple open jobs within Ridgway State Park.

Maintenance

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, general park maintenance. This position is responsible for maintaining and upkeep of Parks facilities by cleaning, mopping, vacuuming, disinfecting, emptying trash, and power washing park buildings and facilities. Employees will be required to wear personal protective equipment as necessary and will use equipment such as pressure washers, hand tools, small power tools, shop vacs, vacuums, park vehicles, and other equipment on a daily basis.

The position has daily interaction with park visitors that requires effective communication and public relations skills. This position will be expected to assist with other maintenance duties including maintenance of equipment, facilities, and grounds with other assigned duties.

ANS Boat Inspector

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, inspecting all incoming and outgoing boats for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Inspections include contacting incoming and outgoing boaters and physically and visually inspecting boats and all associated boating equipment. Training will be provided to follow statewide procedures.

Visitor Center / Entrance Attendant

Position is for either Visitor Center or one of our three Entrance Stations. This position involves substantial contact with the public and requires excellent customer service, computer, and communication skills.

Duties include, but are not limited to, greeting the public and answering the phone, providing information on park facilities and procedures, verifying and selling park passes, boat and OHV registrations, hunting and fishing licenses, selling and stocking our Visitor Center's merchandise, updating and maintaining three bulletin boards, creating flyers, brochures, newsletters as assigned, perform general clerical duties as needed.

Marina Concessions

Marina staff overall duties include, but are not limited to, management and maintenance of rental boats and equipment, managing seasonal and short term marina rental space, and selling concessions at the marina store. Specific rental duties include checking in and out customers, inspecting rental equipment and giving instruction on proper use, safety, and terms of rental.

Marina employees are also expected to clean and do light maintenance duties of the interior and exterior of concession and rental dock areas. Marina employees will have daily interaction with park visitors that includes greeting customers, providing park information, selling passes and fishing licenses.

Naturalist

The park naturalist will research, plan, advertise and present educational and interpretive programs. Programs include, but are not limited to, youth outings and school field trips, archery and fishing programs, campfire talks, and guided hikes. The Naturalist may also be responsible for coordinating and scheduling guest speakers and volunteer naturalists to conduct and lead programs.

Other duties include promoting attendance at programs; roving interpretation; community outreach programs/events; maintaining interpretive displays and bulletin boards throughout the park; assisting with planning, organizing, advertising and facilitating special events on the park such as Lake Appreciation Day.

Physical Requirements

ANS and Marina positions will perform physical activities including, but not limited to, lifting 50 lbs. or more, balancing, walking, standing, stooping, climbing onto/into trailered boats, crawling, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and bending in different positions in order to properly inspect and decontaminate boats and handle equipment.

Maintenance will perform physical activities that include, but are not limited to, lifting 50 lbs. or more, balancing, walking, standing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and bending in different positions.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Must have reliable transportation to and from work
• A background screening may be required for placement in this position
• Applicants may be disqualified based on some felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
• Strong customer service and communication skills required
• Must be enthusiastic, organized, and self‑motivated
• Must be able to perform, or with reasonable accommodation, the physical requirements as listed above
• Able and willing to do data entry on tablets and computers
• Must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts
• Willing to work outside and in inclement weather
• Upon hire attend and successfully complete required boat inspector training
• Supply and work in appropriate uniform as directed by policy
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• Must be at 16 years old or older

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.

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 for the accommodation.

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.

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: ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit an online application by clicking the link below or submit a State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and all supplemental questions according to the instructions provided below. 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 above.