** CPW is hosting a Park Ranger and District Wildlife Manager Hiring Q&A session Sept. 13th at 6:30 p.m. Interested attendees can register for the webinar through this link: REGISTER     (This session is recorded for those that cannot attend and will be uploaded to Colorado Parks & Wildlife YouTube channel)
A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children. We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow. 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.   In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Medical, Vision and Dental plans (learn more about the wonderful Benefits the State of Colorado has to offer here)
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE
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.
 Description of JobThis position functions at an entry level training classification into the Park Manager series:

• Year one Working Title: "Park Ranger Trainee" 
• Years two and three Working Title: "Park Ranger" 

As a Park Ranger Trainee, this position attends a Colorado Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certified law enforcement academy and at the successful completion of this training, is certified as a Colorado Peace Officer in accordance with the official duties and authority of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. After certification, additional training incorporates classroom education and field exercises that provide knowledge and practical experience to optimize successful performance in the role and support career progression. Park Ranger Trainees work within the Field Services Unit and are trained in CPW park operations, State's laws, rules, regulations, statutes, beginning supervision, and park management techniques. IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates offered a position must be willing and able to accept an assignment to a State Park and remain at that Park 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 park management, data, regulations, public outreach, and conducts educational and interpretive activities to internal and external stakeholders (schools, civic groups, sporting clubs, etc). 
• Understands the responsibilities and expectations of a Park Ranger to represent the Division in a professional manner.
• Applies natural resource management plans, stewardship plans, improvement projects, habitat assessment, inventories, and other field training in order to protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in and around state parks.
• Participates in various certification training including Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescue, and other valuable training.
• Performs patrols through operation of boats, Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV), and snowmobiles.
• Enforces Park's laws and regulations and investigates alleged law violations, seizes equipment and arranges for disposition of illegal activities under the leadership of a commissioned officer.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:
At least a bachelor's degree. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, your transcripts must be submitted as a document upload within your application at the time of application. If your transcripts are not attached and you do not meet the education substitution criteria described below, you will be removed from consideration and you would need to submit a new application before the closing date/time with your transcripts to move forward in the consideration process. Note: If you expect to graduate after 09/30/2024 and before 12/31/2024, please specify in the application's supplemental question.  Substitutions:Appropriate work experience in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, parks enforcement, or parks administration will substitute on a year-for-year basis towards meeting minimum qualifications. Appropriate work experience includes the following:

• Preparing and delivering environmental education and/or interpretation programs for park visitors on a regular basis, park enforcement (any title of the law, county or municipal code enforcement that applies to laws regulations) in a park (equivalent to a State, County or National park)  or outdoor recreation setting.
• Applying the principles, practices, and techniques of natural resource management to resolve problems and effect improvements in habitat and/or environmental impact statements; supervising, planning, organizing, and/or directing a program for the development and utilization/protection of a park or outdoor recreation facility. 
• Assisting in/overseeing the collection, recording, presentation, and/or analysis of research data (related to natural resources, recreation, forest management, etc); professional forest or range management; designing, conducting, analyzing and interpreting the results of resource management experiments; and protecting the quality of natural resources/the environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and QualificationsThe below assessed throughout the process and at different steps:

• 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 Park Management techniques and/or principles
• Ability or experience working in a team environment
• Knowledge of or experience with working in outdoor conditions, including principles of safety in the outdoors.
• At least a bachelor's degree in natural resources management, natural sciences, earth sciences, environmental science, biology, ecology, forestry, geology, range management, wildlife biology, wildlife management, zoology, *outdoor recreation management,*parks administration, or *parks management

Conditions of Employment

•  Must be willing and able to submit to, and pass a background investigation, which includes the following:
  • 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 being P.O.S.T certified as a Colorado Peace Officer.
  • Fingerprint submission and check
  • Polygraph
  • Moral turpitude
  • Suitability interview, and psychological examination (administered by a third party professional organization)
  • Drug Screening (administered by a third party professional organization).
  • Medical physical exam from a medical professional (administered by a third party professional organization).
• Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Colorado drivers' license no later than the first day of employment if selected for hire.
• IMPORTANT - Federal law maintains prohibition of illegal drugs. If you have used marijuana within the past 12 months preceding your employment and/or used any illegal drugs within the past 36 months preceding your employment you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further.
• If you have been convicted of a felony or any domestic violence charge, and/or been convicted of any misdemeanors which preclude POST certification as a Colorado Peace Officer you will be disqualified from the process and will not advance further.  Please see link: Decertifying Misdemeanors Colorado POST (Download PDF reader).
• If you receive a conditional job offer, you must pass the POST Academy and CPW's Field Training Program within the 12-month probationary period.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position.  (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).

APPEAL RIGHTS: It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications.  However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.Supplemental Information*** DATES & TIMELINES FOR EACH OF THESE EXAMS IS OUTLINED BELOW ***

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS:  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW   All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Please be advised that resumes, cover letters and other miscellaneous attachments are NOT considered as part of the minimum qualification screening, therefore, it is important your APPLICATION details your education, experience, qualifications, and any applicable substitutions. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must upload/attach a copy of your educational transcripts when you submit your application. Once submitted, you will receive an auto-generated notification and within 3 business days you should receive a secondary notification from the HR Specialist updating you as to your application’s status.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT EXAMS 10/02/2024 - 10/09/2024: Online Exam and Writing Prompt - The HR Specialist will provide links to the following exams via email to eligible participants on 10/02/2024. Both exams must be completed before 10/09/24 deadline:

• The online exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that assess foundational/educational knowledge, principles of wildlife biology, habitat biology and ecosystem management, Colorado wildlife species life history, knowledge of Colorado Parks & Wildlife (navigate website), and general knowledge of a District Wildlife Manager in Colorado including the nature of the work. Participants will have 90-minutes to complete the exam.
• The writing prompt exam contains a topic or scenario for candidates to respond to. Participants must submit a typed response (approximately 500 words) that will be evaluated for content and writing skills. Candidates can incorporate research in their response, however help or assistance from another person is not permitted. 

Background Investigation - Candidates must comply with background investigation related requests throughout the selection process and are required to successfully pass a thorough background investigation which includes criminal, driving & reference checks.

10/15/2024 - 10/17/2024: Virtual Interactive Oral Panel Assessment - Eligible candidates are scheduled for an assessment. This is a virtual question and answer session led by a panel of subject matter experts who are at various levels in their CPW careers. Candidates will be asked about a broad array of issues related to outdoor recreation and wildlife management, CPW priorities, and interpersonal skills. Candidates should be prepared to give a 5-minute presentation to the panel on a Natural Resource topic of their choice. We highly encourage candidates to visit CPW's website to learn more about Park Ranger and District Wildlife Managers and their role within CPW and be prepared to answer questions from panel members thoroughly, thoughtfully, and in a logical format.
10/30/2024 - 11/06/2024: Polygraph & Physical Fitness Exams - The polygraph exam confirms previous statements made and information gathered throughout the hiring process and is administered by a third-party. This exam may take up to 2-hours and the physical fitness exam will take place the same day the candidate completes their polygraph exam. The physical fitness exam requires candidates to successfully run 300 meters in 72 seconds, perform 21 push-ups in one minute (rest in "up" position only, no knees, arms flex to 90 degrees, stay flat), perform 28 sit-ups in one minute (back completely off the ground when sitting up), and Walk/Run 1.5 miles in 17 minutes. We highly encourage candidates to start training to ensure they're able to successfully pass each component. 11/07/2024 - 11/08/2024: Executive Management Interviews - Participants will be scheduled for an in-person final interview conducted by a panel of CPW Managers. We highly encourage candidates to be prepared to answer questions from panel members thoroughly, thoughtfully, and in a logical format. Final Exams & Conditional Job Offers - Eligible candidates that have successfully completed all of the above steps will receive a conditional job offer that requires successful completion of these additional exams:  Psychological Exam (evaluates mental health and required by Colorado POST and any prior testing is considered), Drug Test, and a Medical Physical Exam (identifies ailments that would prohibit a person from performing the functions of the job and is different from the physical fitness test). 

POST-HIRE INFORMATION Start date January 2nd and consists of CPW orientation and NEO information in section. Topics will include state employment, learning and performance, payroll, benefits, PERA and COWINS.

January 2024 - May 2024:  Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) [19 weeks] mandatory training is held in Denver metro area. There is no reimbursement for relocation expenses. Training includes Colorado Criminal Code: laws of arrest; search and seizure; officer survival; use of force; civil liability; suspect/witness interview and interrogation.  CPW pays 100% of the tuition and provides training materials and equipment. Training includes physically demanding exercises to develop proficiency in firearms, arrest control, and overall law enforcement activities. May 2024 - December 2024: Field Training Program [7 months] - includes classroom and field training (outside) about public relations, customer service, natural resource management and overall law enforcement. Field training requires extended travel away from Denver and CPW provides per diem and vehicles.  Upon Successful Completion of Training:

• Park Rangers must accept any park location assigned to them.
• Park Rangers must remain in the initial assigned location for a minimum of 2 years from the date of placement.
• Park Rangers who fail to relocate as a condition of employment will be terminated and will reimburse CPW for training expenses.

 Equity, Diversity, and InclusionThe 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, Grace Healy, at grace.healy@state.co.us ADAAA AccommodationsAny 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 Grace Healy, at grace.healy@state.co.us  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. 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-VerifyE-Verify:  DNR uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical HelpIf 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). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.