Get Involved: Chatfield State Park

PRESENCE, EDUCATION, ASSISTANCE. Our Boat Safety, Bike, Park, and Trail Ambassadors provide education and experience to the visitors on our park while implementing Leave No Trace principles to help with litter control and keeping our park clean! Do you enjoy riding your bicycle, boating, or being on the trails within Chatfield State Park? Do you enjoy chatting with people you meet along the way? How about picking up trash and advancing Leave No Trace practices? This might be the right opportunity for you! Boat Safety, Bike, Park and Trail Ambassadors assist park staff by boating on the reservoir, riding, or walking the non-motorized trails within the park to assist visitors and provide information about Chatfield State Park. We also ask Ambassadors to pick up trash and support Leave No Trace principles. Ambassadors are knowledgeable on park regulations, trail locations, plant and wildlife ID, and much more! Mandatory training is required. Must be 18 years of age of older. Boat Ambassadors must have their own watercraft. Bike Ambassadors must be able to provide your own bicycle and proper fitting helmet.

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Do you have a passion for keeping Colorado waters clean of invasive species? We want you to join our team! Training will be provided and is REQUIRED prior to starting as an ANS volunteer. Volunteers will be trained to become certified Aquatic Nuisance Species inspectors and will assist Chatfield State Park staff with vessel inspections and the statewide seal and receipt program.

This is an important position for the protection of natural resources from non-native species that threaten wildlife, drinking water/irrigation and all water related outdoor recreation in the State of Colorado. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.

 

Specific volunteer responsibilities may include:

• Serve in the park ANS (aquatic nuisance species) inspection station.
• Conduct physical boat inspections and boater interviews.
• Provide information and assistance to the boating public (distributes brochures, promotes ANS education, educates about State Park regulations, etc.)
• Cleaning and light maintenance duties of interior and exterior of ANS inspection areas.
• Accurate counting and recording of all boat inspections.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The position will perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, as well as whole body movement. These activities include but are not limited to climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials. Ability to discern color differences and to hear in-person and radio communications is required.

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General Volunteers

Join the Chatfield State Park Naturalist Team! If you have a passion for sharing the outdoors with others, we want you to come volunteer with us! Lead a hike of school students along the South Platte River as they learn about the ecosystem. Demonstrate the powerful strength of a carnivore's jaw with a table of animal fur and skulls to campers at the Chatfield Amphitheater. Enjoy a quiet, solo walk in the Plum Creek Nature area while you document your scientific discoveries on the iNaturalist smart phone app. You can do all of these things while meeting people with similar interests, spending more time outdoors, and accruing hours to earn a free Colorado State Parks Annual Pass. Special note: Some pre-approved volunteers in this role may also conduct bird observations and provide data to the park.

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Volunteers serve with trained crew leaders on specific work days and/or individually at any time. Please email a Park Resource Technician to coordinate timing. Help with weed management by cutting, pulling, and digging up invasive species within our park. Work on general maintenance projects such as trash clean-ups, trail work, painting, etc. Enjoy scenery, wildlife sightings, and the company of fellow volunteers while doing important and much-needed work.

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Assist visitors in Chatfield State Park's offices and gates by sharing information; selling passes, registrations, firewood, and retail merchandise; answering telephones; monitoring radio communications; entering data; other opportunities as available.

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Volunteer Hosts assist Chatfield's Visitor Services and Campground Maintenance Departments with the day-to-day operations of our Campground Office, Park Entrance Gates, and Campground Maintenance program. In exchange for volunteer hours, Volunteer Hosts receive a full hook-up campsite (water sewer, and electric {20, 30, & 50 amp service}, volunteer appreciation events, and a free State Parks pass after volunteering 48 hours.

Chatfield offers complimentary public WiFi, coin laundry, and a beautiful place to call home.

Site Elevation: 5,500 ft

This location is full for the 2024 season but you may apply to be put on a waitlist. Pairs, individuals, families with children, and people who are still working/in their careers (e.g. working remotely) are welcome to apply. Hosts are permitted to have pets. Computer skills to help in the gates/office is always a bonus.

After registering, staff will review your application and put you on the contact list for future openings!

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