Colorado’s Wildest Career
Do you love the outdoors and value conservation? We want you on our team! Officer applications are open from Sept. 1 to 30.
Colorado’s Wildest Career
Do you love the outdoors and value conservation? We want you on our team! Officer applications are open from Sept. 1 to 30.
Interested in a Career with Colorado Parks and Wildlife?
CPW Officer on a property
What Does a CPW Officer Do?
A career as an officer with Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a lifelong adventure. From enforcing hunting regulations and conducting wildlife surveys to performing search-and-rescue operations, you’ll serve the community and the land you love in many ways.
More than an Officer
Wildlife or Parks Management
Unlike other states, Colorado's officers participate in recreation management and wildlife management as part of their position. Officers will have the opportunity to participate in wildlife surveys, land restoration projects, volunteer management and other projects related to conserving natural and cultural resources.
Education & Interpretation
CPW officers are responsible for maintaining public safety within their park or district. Officers engage in opportunities to educate the public on safety practices, including water safety and living with wildlife. Officers will have opportunities to foster greater public appreciation of wildlife and natural and cultural resources through interpretive programs and personal interactions.
Customer Service
While on patrol, officers come in frequent contact with the public and will often perform customer service duties, including answering questions on regulations, recreational opportunities and other topics.
Choose Your Path
New officers are hired as either district wildlife managers or park rangers. Depending on your interests, talents and qualifications, one of these paths may be the perfect career for you. You may apply for one or both positions. Officer applications are open from Sept. 1 to 30. You must upload transcripts at the time of the application. Failure to upload transcripts will result in your removal from the hiring process.
District Wildlife Manager
District wildlife managers enforce regulations; collect ecological data and apply it to management decisions; answer visitor questions; and deliver educational programs in their assigned district.
Apply to be an officer
Park Officer
Park rangers enforce regulations; answer visitor questions; deliver educational programs; and assist with park management at their assigned state park or recreation area.
Apply to be an officerHow Your Pay Will Increase
When you begin as a CPW officer, you begin a program that rewards hard work, determination and commitment. As part of the Step Pay Program, new officers enter a new phase of training and a pay increase each year for their first three years. This training and pay structure offers a clear, standardized path to a rewarding career protecting Colorado’s people and natural resources.
Year One: Trainee
This year-long, fully salaried training covers law enforcement skills such as using firearms, making arrests, responding to active-shooter scenarios and resource management. At the end of this year, you will be a fully commissioned officer and become a park manager II or district wildlife manager II with an increase in pay.
Year Two: First Year in the Field
You will begin performing your essential job duties at your assigned location. Upon successful completion of this year, you will become a park manager III/district wildlife manager III and receive another increase in pay.
Year Three: Second Year in the Field
You will continue performing your essential job duties at your assigned location as a park manager III or district wildlife manager III.
Further Steps
Under the Colorado Steps program, you will receive pay increases for your time in your job series for years 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25.
Ride Along with an Officer
Ride-alongs are a great opportunity for those interested in learning more about what CPW law enforcement employees do to manage Colorado’s parks and wildlife. Ride-alongs can be conducted with a District Wildlife Manager or a Park Ranger. To apply for a ride-along, please fill out the application below and submit to Lori Morgan at [email protected].
CPW staff answers questions from interested applicants about the CPW Officer hiring process
Hiring Q&A Webinar
Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff answers questions from interested applicants about the Officer hiring process.
Steps to Becoming an Officer
Submitting the application is just the first step of becoming an officer. There are several steps in the hiring process. Applicants interested in becoming an officer must meet the following requirements to be considered for the hiring process:
- At least 21 years of age. There is no maximum age.
- U.S. citizenship
- Must be a Colorado Resident. A waiver is available for out of state applicants.
- This is an entry level position. You do not need prior experience to qualify.
Bachelor's Degree
- To apply to be a State Park Officer, it is preferred that applicants have a Bachelor’s degree (any field) or equivalent work experience.
- To be a Wildlife Manager, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife management or other closely related field.
- Applicants who graduate with their degree in December can still apply to be an officer. It would be conditional, dependent on graduation.
Associates Degree
- Applicants can substitute relevant work experience on a year-for-year basis.
Military Service
- Previous military service can be taken into account in lieu of a degree. There is a process to consider experience in lieu of a degree, but it has to be a very specific experience.
Temporary/Seasonal Work Experience
- Working for CPW as a temporary/seasonal employee or intern is a great way to gain experience and familiarity with CPW and the various positions that exist within CPW.
- Temporary positions can be found on the State of Colorado page.
Polygraph
Applicants will be required to submit to a polygraph and psychological assessment prior to being given a final job offer.
Physical Fitness Tests
The physical fitness exam will consist of a 2,000 Meter Row. This test will be conducted on a Concept 2 Rower. Applicants must achieve, at minimum, the 60th percentile VO2 max. Time limits will be individualized and calculated based upon age, weight, and gender. Each rower will be set at 2000 meters with the damper set on level 5. Candidates are strongly encouraged to begin training to ensure that they are able to successfully pass the fitness test. For videos on how to use the Concept2 Rower, Training Programs or to find a Concept 2 Rower near you, visit https://www.concept2.com.
Calculate Your VO2 Max
Written Test
Applicants must complete a written test and writing prompt online. These tests are based on foundational knowledge of the job duties, CPW knowledge and critical thinking. The CPW website can be a great resource for finding information that can be found on the test. The writing prompt will be a written response to a question related to a current topic within CPW or Colorado. The applicant's response will be evaluated based on content and writing ability.
What Does Training Involve?
The training period is focused on law enforcement and resource management. New officers will train in the use of firearms, responding to emergencies, checking licenses and more.
Unlike other states, Colorado's officers participate in recreation management and wildlife management as part of their position. The program expects trainees to enter with substantial education or work experience in natural resource management, outdoor recreation, zoology, ecology or other biological science.
- All trainees are sent to a POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training)-approved academy at a local community college in Denver from January to May.
- Trainees must have a Colorado driver's license before the first day.
- CPW covers all costs associated with your required training.
- You are paid a full salary during training.
- During training, housing is your responsibility. CPW does not pay for housing.
- Benefits begin with the first day of your employment.
Trainees with Current Colorado POST Certification
If you are already POST certified, you will be assigned to Denver from Jan.-May until the remaining trainees finish their POST academy. Then you'd join the class for the remainder of the training year. If your POST certificate has expired or lapsed, CPW will pay for you to attend a refresher academy and pay for associated costs with your testing.
Out of State POST Certification
For someone POST certified from another state, that person can "challenge" the Colorado POST test. You have to show your proficiency in AC, Driving, Firearms, and then challenge the written test. To learn more about the specific challenge process, visit the Colorado POST website.
Duty Location
- At the end of training you will be assigned your duty location. CPW takes into consideration your preference and personal life before assigning you your duty location. It is ultimately the agency’s decision where you will be assigned.
- District Wildlife Managers will be placed in a district that has set geographical boundaries that you may be required to live within.
- Parks Officers will be placed at one of Colorado’s state park locations and do not have specific living requirements or distances to their assigned park.
- After a year of successful training, the trainee qualifies for assistance with relocation expenses.
- Once a trainee has spent their first two years at their assigned duty location, they are then eligible to lateral to open positions throughout the state.
Career Advancement
Parks and Wildlife Officers have many promotional opportunities available to them. During the first three years of their career CPW officers will advance from a level I to level III within their job classification. Many opportunities exist outside of these classifications including managerial positions and supervisory roles.
Officers in Action
CPW annual awards recognize CPW officers and administrative staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to preserving and enhancing Colorado’s outdoors and show a willingness to put their lives on the line protecting the people that enjoy them. Recipients are acknowledged for their expertise in biology, science, law enforcement, leadership, and wildlife or park management, as well as their strong public service ethic, bravery and the respect of their peers.
Parks and Wildlife
Fish Hatchery Technician
Fish Hatchery Technicians are responsible for the aquaculture of 56 separate strains of fish, and raise and stock over 90 million fish every year. Hatchery employees contribute to the preservation of threatened and endangered species such as boreal toads and pikeminnows.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide frontline customer service at local offices, state parks, over the phone and other CPW locations. This position is the face of CPW and is responsible for disseminating information to customers.
Aquatic Biologist
Aquatic Biologists play a crucial role in preserving Colorado’s lakes, rivers, and aquatic species. From studying the effects of environmental changes on aquatic organisms to managing fish hatcheries that produce millions of fish annually, CPW’s aquatic biologists balance conservation and recreation to sustain healthy ecosystems.
Terrestrial Biologist
Terrestrial Biologists collect and analyze data, monitor wildlife populations, trap and transplant wildlife, and recommend plans for wildlife management. They work closely with other Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, land and water managers, hunters, anglers and other groups to manage wildlife populations.
Visitor Services
Visitor Services staff greet and assist park visitors at the entrance station or visitor center by providing information about the park, selling park passes and permits, educating visitors on park regulations, and occasionally supporting special events, all while maintaining a strong customer service focus and upholding the mission of conservation and outdoor recreation within Colorado's state parks.
Administrative Support
Administrative Support staff provides comprehensive clerical and administrative assistance to staff within a regional office or park, including managing customer service inquiries, processing license sales, maintaining accurate records, handling office operations, and supporting special projects related to outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation, all while ensuring excellent customer service to the public.
Park Resource Technician
Park Resource Technicians (PRT) work to maintain and improve visitor facilities, park infrastructure and natural resources within our state parks. This career allows you to spend much of your time outside, improving park facilities while protecting natural resources for millions of park visitors.
Resource Stewardship
A Resource Stewardship position involves actively managing and protecting the ecological integrity of state parks by conducting biological monitoring, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and other conservation efforts, aiming to maintain healthy ecosystems while ensuring sustainable recreational opportunities for park visitors.
Water Resources
The Water Resources Section has several programmatic areas of responsibility: water resource and water right portfolio protection, management and development, water quality, recreational water use, and instream flow. This section exists to integrate all matters of water quality and water quantity (water rights management) and to provide policy direction for statewide consistency in these programmatic areas. Example careers include Water Resources Coordinator, Water Quality Specialist, Instream Flow Program Coordinator and Water Resources Section Manager.
Real Estate
The Real Estate Section coordinates, implements and manages Colorado Parks and Wildlife's (CPW) real estate program. This program is responsible for the acquisition, disposition, management and administration of real property assets, which are necessary for the preservation and conservation of the state's wildlife habitat and parks. Example careers include Real Estate Specialist, Data Manager, and Land Protection Specialist.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
This position analyzes parks and wildlife spatial data; provides a wide range of geographic-based services and expertise to the Division of Parks & Wildlife. They respond to direct requests for GIS products and services, which involves data acquisition, evaluation and assimilation, and the use of complex cartographic techniques for data analysis and display; programming of scripts to automate GIS processes; and providing advice on implementing GIS, geographic and geospatial principles to wildlife-related projects.
Education and Outreach
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a range of careers that involve hunting/fishing education and outreach programs aimed at promoting ethical and responsible hunting practices, educating the public on wildlife and the environment, as well as ensuring the safety of hunters and the public. Example careers include being an Education Coordinator, Hunter Outreach Coordinator, and Angler Education Coordinator.
Volunteer Coordinator
A Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for managing and overseeing the statewide or regional volunteer program, including recruiting, training, and placing volunteers across various CPW initiatives like wildlife monitoring, park maintenance, educational outreach, and conservation projects, to support the agency's mission of protecting Colorado's natural resources and providing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Property Technician
Property Technicians cover a broad range of responsibilities, they conduct day-to-day operations and maintenance of state properties. Property Technicians may oversee seasonal employees and volunteers, implement habitat management strategies, operate specialized equipment, and maintain infrastructure and equipment. Some positions also enforce wildlife laws.
Capital Development and Engineering
This section manages all aspects of the asset management, facility design, engineering, construction and landscape design programs including managing multimillion dollar budgets for CPW. Example careers include Design Engineer, Dam Safety Engineer, Capital Program Manager, Aquatic Design Engineer and more.
Organizational Development
This section at Colorado Parks and Wildlife is responsible for building a strong, productive, and inclusive workforce and culture that supports the diverse mission and vision of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This is accomplished through targeted training for the workforce, internal communication, career development, and associated policy for all Full time employees.
Financial and Capital Services
This section is where finances meets conservation. From crunching numbers for wildlife programs to overseeing budgets for conservation projects, this section is critical to supporting CPW’s mission of protecting Colorado’s wildlife and outdoor spaces. Example careers include Accountants and Budget Analysts.
Business and Technology Operations
This section serves as CPW’s business professional liaison with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) for all CPW projects and services that have a technology component. This section also provides services to plan and manage the business operations side for all technology projects. Example careers include Technology Liaisons and IT Liaisons.
Policy and Planning
The Policy and Planning Branch serves CPW and the CPW Commission by providing policy analysis and development, informing management decisions through public involvement and social science research, and providing expertise for agency planning efforts. By effectively involving both internal and external stakeholders in policy and planning activities, this Branch assures that the best information is available for CPW and Commission decision-making. Example careers include Policy and Planning Analyst, Legislative Analyst, Policy and Engagement Specialist, and Human Dimensions Specialist to name a few.
Branding and Communications
The Branding and Communications Section exists to lead the planning, development, creation, implementation and evaluation of creative methods and communications techniques to efficiently communicate CPW programs, products and activities to local, regional and national communities. Example careers include, Digital Communication Specialist, Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategist, Graphic Designer and Public Information Officers.
Learn about CPW Careers: Interview a Staff Member
An informational interview is a meeting to learn about the real-life experience of someone working in a field or company that interests you. It's not a job interview, so it's important to keep focused on getting information, not a job offer. Email [email protected] to connect with a staff member.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer
Make sure to include the following information: Volunteering is a great way to learn more about our agency, get your foot in the door, and build valuable skills and experience. We have numerous one-day projects as well as long-term volunteer opportunities. A few examples of volunteer work include habitat and trail work, cleanup projects, education and outreach events, customer service, wildlife projects, and community science. Visit our Volunteer Website to browse opportunities and email [email protected] to ask about specific opportunities for youth.
Seasonal and Temporary Employment
No matter what your professional goals are, seasonal and temporary employment will help you get there. Many full-time, permanent CPW staff started out as seasonal employees. Even if your first seasonal job isn’t your long-term goal, it is a great foot in the door and will help you move into your desired position. Temporary/Seasonal jobs are posted on our State Jobs Website.
Paid Internships
CPW’s Youth Internship Program (YIP) employs and develops the next generation of Natural Resource Professionals and recruits new, diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP is unique in that it is designed for career exploration, mentorship, and skills development. This is a great opportunity for someone who knows they are interested in a Natural Resources career but wants to learn more about different options.
Benefits
In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, the job positions also offer quality benefit packages that include:
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Job Alerts
Receive email notification each time a position opens with the State of Colorado whose category matches one of the categories you've chosen. Visit Job Categories/Job Interest Cards on the State Jobs Website.
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