Temporary Wildlife Biology/customer Service Youth Internship – Hot Sulphur Springs, CO

Youth Internship Program (YIP) With Colorado Parks and Wildlife

This is a temporary position (9 months or less) paying $17.00 hourly, employment starts between 5/12/2026 and 06/01/2026 through 08/31/2026 (flexible to college schedules). To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). 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) has a mission 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 Job

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. We accept people of all ages who are in the early stages of their career path or career transition. A Focus on Career Exploration YIP is unique in that it's not just a job… It is designed for career exploration, mentorship, and skills development. While you'll have some primary job responsibilities, we want you to go out and explore! Depending on your interests this might include shadowing biologists, going on "ride-alongs" with Park Rangers and Wildlife Officers, visiting fish hatcheries, helping at education and outreach events, assisting with trail or restoration projects, and more. 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. This internship will immerse you in all facets of Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area 9 operations. You will spend time shadowing and assisting area staff, including terrestrial biologists, aquatic biologists, officers, and property technicians. You will also spend some time helping to run our area office, where you will assist customers and learn more about how Colorado Parks and Wildlife works. This role will be 75% field work and 25% office work. A large portion of field work will be focused on aquatics.

• Assist terrestrial biologists and aquatic biologists in the field
• Shadow officers on ride-along
• Assist area property technician with general maintenance projects as well as conservation projects
• Assist in the development of a "bear-aware" program for Grand County
• Answer questions about local wildlife, hunting/fishing and general area information.
• Answer incoming calls, handle inquiries, and/or direct to appropriate staff.
• Sell hunting licenses, register OHVs/Snowmobiles/Boats, etc.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Open to current college students or those within two years (can be flexible) post-college graduation
• Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural Resources degree or similar education
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a current and valid drivers' license and reliable transportation
• The work site will provide some uniform items, however selected applicant will be required to have appropriate clothing for weather conditions such as rain gear, warm coat, work boots and dark blue jeans.
• Basic camping and backpacking gear may also be required
• Must be willing to work 40 hours per week
• Some evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required
• Willingness to work hard in inclement weather conditions
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft, Google, etc.)

Supplemental Information

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 dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us or call 303-866-2667 x8647.

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. 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.