Recreation Ranger

with Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area

Salida, CO

Service Dates: March 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025 

Average Hours per Week: 40 

Days/Hours of Service: 4/10 Hour shifts: Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday

Minimum # of Hours to Complete Term: 1200 Hours minimum 

Program Overview: Blue Elements Watershed Stewards is committed to increasing community resilience in the face of changing water conditions by supporting sustainable, equitable access to one of Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. AmeriCorps members will support organizations serving the water conservation, restoration, education and monitoring sectors in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond. Members may provide water education to youth and adults, complete water restoration projects, and support water quality monitoring projects. Members will work with diverse, traditionally underrepresented community members. 

Service Site Overview: The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a river-based state park that encompasses 152 miles of river corridor between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park. The AHRA is co-managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States. The most common activities in the park are rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking and gold panning. 

Service Position Summary: The Watershed Stewards position with the AHRA is focused on opportunities for providing watershed education and stewardship within Colorado Parks and Wildlife(CPW). The member will educate the public on natural resources and sustainable recreation, and will gain education and experience with federal and local partners through the unique cooperative management of the AHRA. The member will gain experience in land and river based ranger activities, emergency services, swiftwater rescue skills, trail construction and maintenance, and naturalist programming. Training will be provided in First Aid/CPR and Swiftwater Rescue. 

AmeriCorps Member Primary Responsibilities

• Environmental education for natural resources and sustainable recreation.
• Conduct land and river based education as a recreation ranger
• Assist with “Every Kid in a PFD” program
• Assist in emergency responses, including swiftwater rescue operations
• Trail construction and maintenance 
• Support the development and delivery of naturalist programming to both youth and/or adult audiences 
• Support watershed stewardship activities and river clean up events 

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area in Salida, Colorado. The position will entail travel throughout the 152 mile stretch of the state park along the Arkansas River on both land and water. A valid driver’s license is required.  Gear and training will be provided for whitewater activities. Expert swimming skills are not necessary, but it is required to wear a personal floatation device at all times during water based activities. The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors in potentially inclement weather, with temperatures ranging from freezing to near 100. The position may involve frequently working with children and community members. 

Qualifications: 

• Passionate about engaging community partnersies in watershed stewardship 
• Patient, kind, caring, self motivated team player 
• Maintain a positive and professional leadership role when supporting youth ● Strong professional communication skills 
• Basic computer skills 
• Commitment to ethics of diversity, equity, and inclusion 

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications: 

• At least 18 years old at start of service 
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. 
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202 
• Must have a valid drivers license

Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Program Benefits: 

• Living Allowance- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $17,090 paid out bi-monthly at $1,068.13 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Education Award / Tuition Assistance- AmeriCorps member(s) can receive an Education Award in the amount of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of service. This can be used to pay back student loans or further your education. 
• All members receive professional development and training, plus covered travel costs for attendance at regional or state conferences. 
• All members may be eligible for the Federal Assistance Program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.) 
• All members may qualify for student loan forbearance while in service. 
• Alumni benefits may include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt. 

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Statement: 

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds and abilities to apply. We are committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.