Get Involved: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Campground Ambassador

This position exists to maintain camping areas throughout the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. AHRA has 8 paid campgrounds and numerous dispersed camping areas spanning Leadville to Pueblo. Volunteers will perform periodic clean-up duties in these areas such as litter pick-up and emptying fire rings of ash. Volunteers may elect to use personal vehicles and drop off trash at AHRA’s Visitor Center in Salida or be dropped off at the worksites by CPW staff and picked up at the end of the day.

For more information, please view the Camping Ambassador Position Description.

Our camp hosts are located at 8 campgrounds and several dispersed camping areas. They perform customer service and light maintenance at their assigned location. Our campgrounds are entirely self-service and spread over 75 miles, so park rangers may only visit once per day, making camp hosts our vital boots-on-the-ground customer service!

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Campground Hosts maintain a list of arrivals/departures, make sure each site is ready for the next camper, answer basic questions, inform guests of campground rules, and assist visitors in making reservations through the website or over the phone.
  • Hosts in dispersed camp areas don't manage reservations but do keep track of site availability and stay duration.
    
• Maintenance duties include picking up litter, emptying fire rings, light weeding, and light restroom maintenance.

All hosts must have a fully self sufficient camping unit. No hookups of any kind are available. Hosts may be provided a limited amount of propane by staff. 

Looking for 8 hosts for the 2025 season. 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.

Elevation: Varies from 6,000 to 9,000 ft

For more information, please read the Campground Host Position Description.

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Aquatic Nuisance Species - Clean, Drain, Dry! Stop invasive species by helping inspect water vessels. 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.

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Help us out! We are looking for volunteer help in the maintenace and operation of our archery range as well as teaching archery to visitors.

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Greet guests at gate, provide information, and collect money for passes.

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Help with mailings, attend meetings, and help spearhead friends activites.

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The Leave No Trace initiative includes helping to implement the 7 principles in to all aspects of park operations.  This will include education via social media, displays and park brochures.  There are also opportunities to help with LNT education programs.

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Assist with construction projects, plumbing, minor electrical work, snow plow, mowing, tractor operation, cleaning restrooms, landscaping and other maintenance projects.

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Facilitate naturalist programs and information, such as for school programs, displays, website/brochures, roving interpretation along the trail, and more.

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Engaging State Park retirees to remain connected!

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Serve at the front desk, assist with maintenance to keep the park beautiful and functional, dive in to weed control, or offer general housekeeping and more.

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Walk trails to provide information to visitors. Volunteers must act as responsible and inclusive role models exhibiting a friendly face to the public, great personal trail etiquette, and leave no trace practices.

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Bring your horse out to patrol park trails, give out information, note maintenace issues, and be the eyes and ears of the park.

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Help Boyd Lake staff check boats for any Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Inspection and Decontamination training and park equipment will be provided. Training consists of "in-person" or online "Zoom-type" training about how to inspect and decontaminate boats for all Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), including zebra and quagga mussels, mudsnails, plants, etc.

Inspectors should be comfortable looking at boats and interiors of boats, possibly getting wet (from decontamination procedures), walking, bending over to look in engines/ compartments, talking with boaters, using equipment with provided PPE, writing receipts, using a CPW tablet or computer for simple data entry.

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Hello! Come volunteer at our entrance gate and connect with (almost) all visitors that enter the park. One of the most important people at our park is the entrance station staff! You are the "front lines" of the park and you will share information about the area, the park, and the wonderful activities to do at the park. 

You will sell passes, give out maps, give friendly waves to our regular visitors that stop by! 

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Help support Boyd Lake with varoius projects! General help around the park is needed regarding trash pick-up, help with parking and capacity assistance on busy days and holidays, and more!

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Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Serve in our visitor center greeting visitors, offering customer service, doing data entry, and other tasks.
• Position can also include: cleaning, painting, organizing, and assisting other sections of the park during slower periods.
• Experience with customer service, data entry and handling financial transactions is a plus.

Looking for 1 individual or pair for winter 2023!

With a likelihood to extend into the spring. Local volunteers from the community are encouraged, but a campsite could be provided out-of-towners in exchange for service, if needed.

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Located on the eastern plains, Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA) is seeking a Campground Host (individual or pair). Located between the towns of Crook and Sedgwick, Jumbo Reservoir is host to a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, bird watching, waterskiing, hunting, hiking, nature photography, and much more. The property is 1,703 acres with approximately 100 designated primitive campsites spread out over 4 campgrounds. The water is home to one of the best walleye fisheries in the state and is an excellent place to catch crappie, bluegill, perch, and catfish.

Responsibilities:

• Assist campers
• Maintain Campsites
• Clean bathrooms
• Spray weeds
• Pick up trash
• Mow parking areas
• Other tasks as assigned

Elevation: 

3665 feet

Looking for 1 hosts for the 2025 season!

Pairs and individuals welcome to apply. Hosts are permitted to have pets.

 

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Join the team at this beautiful state wildlife area! 

Positions are full for the 2025 season but please apply to be considered on a waitlist! 

Responsibilities:

• Assist campers
• Maintain campsites
• Clean bathrooms
• Pick up trash
• Mow parking areas on the property
• Other tasks as assigned

Elevation: 

4088 feet

Pairs, individuals, and people who are still working/in their careers (e.g. working remotely) are welcome to apply. Hosts are permitted to have pets.

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This opportunity is specific to capturing the story of the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex via construction, events, history, and website advertising (graphic design, etc.). Help us collect and archive photography and written articles through the years of the construction process.

Volunteers will "tell the story" of the development of CSEC from the beginning to completion of the site.

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Complete or assist with construction and fabrication activities at the Cameo facility, including but not limited to:

• target fabrication
• earthwork
• drainage
• structures
• utilities and landscaping.

Complete or assist in the fabrication of material infrastructure, or devices necessary for the operation of the range or it's facilities.

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Provide support in any capacity for scheduled events being held at the Cameo facility.

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Participate in or complete regularly scheduled or as necessary maintenance activities, such as but not limited to:

• maintain UTVs
• sorting brass
• clean up
• target and prop repair
• weed control and road or drainage repairs.

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Provides tours to visitors and interested parties about the facility. Ambassadors are anyone who is or becomes qualified as a subject matter expert on subjects related to the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex and local history of the area.

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FRIENDS of Castlewood Canyon State Park is a nonprofit corporation that provides private support for critical fundraising and special project efforts of Castlewood Canyon State Park. FRIENDS will take a lead role in ensuring both the protection of Colorado's heritage and the provision of full outdoor opportunities for future generations.

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The Leave No Trace initiative includes helping to implement the 7 principles in to all aspects of park operations.  This will include education via social media, displays and park brochures.  There are also opportunities to help with LNT education programs.

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Assist with contruction and maintenance projects at Castlewood Canyon State Park.

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Become a Volunteer Naturalist at Castlewood Canyon and enjoy the unique beauty and history of the park! Volunteers have opportunities year-round to participate in educational workshops, hikes and social events. Volunteer Naturalists present educational programs to school groups and park visitors, hike the trails, work in the Visitor Center, work on special projects, complete trail projects, and monitor a variety of birds throughout the park.

Volunteer Naturalists must enjoy working with people and have a love for the outdoors. Training is required to become a Naturalist at Castlewood Canyon and the first Naturalist training class will be on Saturday, January 25th.

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Resident Volunteers at Castlewood Canyon State Park assist with day-to-day
operations of our Visitor Center Office.

Castlewood offers:

Access to 13 miles of hiking trails, our park is a day use only park (open from sunrise to sunset) with no campgrounds to the public, close to Castle Rock and Colorado Springs, grocery store within 10 miles, 30 miles from
Denver.

Site Elevation:

6,300 ft

We welcome couples, individuals, families with children, and people who are still working/in their
careers (e.g. working remotely) to apply. Hosts are permitted to have
pets. Prior gate attendant/visitor office, and IPAWS software experience is preferred.
Resident Volunteers are an important liaison between park visitors and park staff.

Responsibilities are varied and may include some or all of the following:

• Provide excellent customer service through direct interaction with park visitors.
• Reside on park and report any issues/safety hazards to rangers immediately.
• Assist in operation of the entrance station and light maintenance including
  bathroom checks and minor cleaning when maintenance is unavailable.
• Provide logistical help with special events and educational programs as needed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned and agreed upon.
  
  

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This opportunity is for potential Castlewood Canyon State Park volunteers and for active volunteers who assist with a variety of tasks and projects to keep the park beautiful and functional!

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*This opportunity is only open to volunteers that have attended Castlewood Canyon Volunteer Naturalist training*

As a Volunteer Naturalist, rove the park to talk to visitors and help with resource issues on the park's trails. Volunteers must act as responsible role models exhibiting a friendly face to the public, great personal trail etiquette, and leave no trace practices.

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Assist park staff with creating, restoring, and maintaining trails throughout Castlewood Canyon State Park.

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Visitor Services is an important role in welcoming park visitors, answering questions, offering information and selling applicable pass and licenses.

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Volunteers serve with trained crew leaders and individually to help restore balance to this beautiful natural area by cutting, pulling, and digging nasty invaders like plumeless thistle and diffuse knapweed. Enjoy scenery, wildlife sightings, and the company of fellow volunteers while doing important and much-needed work.

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Volunteers assist in various ways with the Wildcat Canyon Bridge Project.

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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 and registrations
• selling firewood
• selling 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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A customer service based position that involves inspecting for invasive Zebra/Quagga Mussels, Milfoil or other noxious species on boats and personal watercraft at an inspection point on the park. 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.

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, including maintenance of facilities and grounds.
• Accurate counting and recording of all boat inspections.
• Photo-copying and filing.
• May document and report visitor complaints.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers' license and provide a current motor vehicle report.
• Must be able to volunteer outdoors and on weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.
• Must be able to climb in and out of vessels and under trailers.
• Training in boat inspection methods will be provided.
• May need to undergo criminal background investigation.
• Possess strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral).
• Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.
• Ability to volunteer with little supervision.
• May be required to serve at the ANS station for an 8 hour shift and take lunch at the station.

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.

This volunteer opportunity does not offer on-park housing. This means that the applicant lives in or around the area and will commute to the park for their volunteer service.

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Our goal is to establish a group of willing volunteers to assist in sustaining and improving the Dog Off Leash Area (DOLA) at Cherry Creek State Park - a highly used area of the park and Denver metro residents!

Volunteers assist in various projects ranging from, but not limited to:

• habitat restoration
• landscaping
• trail and fence projects.

Depending on the projects that need to be completed, the physical demands can range from easy to moderate and will mostly take place on weekends. This volunteer opportunity are for those who do not require on-park housing. This means that the applicant lives in or around the area and will commute to the park for their volunteer service.

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This is a customer service based position that serves in an entrance station and greet visitors. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relation skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to: - Provide information and assistance to visitors (distributes maps/brochures, orients visitors to park facilities and amenities, promotes education programs, educates on State Park regulation, educates on State Park regulations, etc.) - Sell daily/annual parks passes and gift certificates.  Ability to operate a cash register, collect revenue, complete shift report and balance shift box at end of each shift.  May document and report visitor complaints.  Clean and maintain interior and exterior of entrance station.  Other projects as assigned.

The park will provide training, uniform shirts, hats and name tags.

This volunteer opportunity are for those who do not require on park housing.

This means that the applicant lives in or around the area and will commute to the park for their volunteer work.

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Help create and implement a Friends of Cherry Creek State Park to help support the state park in recreation, education, volunteers and conservation projects.

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The interpretation/education program at Cherry Creek State Park is in need of Naturalist volunteers to bring the program to its full potential! Naturalists create and implement programs for all age groups.

Do you have a special skill you wish to contribute, like bird watching, biking, or story telling? We would love to work together to create programs that will bring more visitors out to enjoy all the resources available at the park!

Naturalists assist with operating the Nature Center, located at the swim beach. Being in such a busy part of the park, Naturalists also provide park information to visitors and present interpretive programs. Some programs include campfire talks, nature walks, multimedia shows to schools or private groups, as well as assisting with large events such as Lake Appreciation Day and Trunk or Treat. All training will be provided.

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Cherry Creek State Park offers 4,000 acres of recreational opportunities for boaters, fishermen, campers, bicyclists, equestrians, swimmers, hikers, and picnickers alike!

Our 850 acre reservoir provides all kinds of water related activities such as paddle boarding, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, and more! During the summer, color masts from sailboats dot the lake against a backdrop of the Rockies. Cherry Creek State Park offers a fast getaway for city dwellers to unwind.

Park Ambassadors are inspired people who serve at entrance stations and walk the trail system, representing Cherry Creek State Park by sharing their knowledge of the park and promoting good stewardship. Ambassadors educate visitors on regulations, sell parks passes, pick up litter, greet guests, present naturalist programs, and notify park staff of any issues. Training will be provided.

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Become a volunteer for special events held at Cherry Creek State Park! From fishing clinics, to Bald Eagle festivals, to our most popular event of the year Trunk or Treat!

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Cherry Creek State Park is a huge park and we can use all of the help we can get! Special projects that volunteers support is generally limited to a well-defined project, usually a one-time project or over several well-organized visits (instead of an ongoing length time period). Volunteers do a variety of unique tasks that benefit you as well as the park!

Although we do not have set schedules for when projects get done, there are always ongoing opportunities, such as picking up trash along the shoreline or removing invasive plants like Mullein weed and Russian Olive trees. When registered under this opportunity, you will also be added to our Special Projects mailing list. This means that we will send out an ask for help whenever a section of the park needs a few extra hands for a project. Projects range from trail maintenance to chipping wood to cleaning up the Dog Off Leash Area (DOLA). No qualifications or requirements.

To find the right project for you or your organization, we'll need to know the number of people and how many hours you or your group wants to volunteer. Knowing what your group is capable of and making sure they're prepared for the project will help to make for an enjoyable experience.? Examples of Partner Organizations who may be a good fit are: Scout troops, local businesses, service organizations, or community and school groups.

This volunteer opportunity are for those that do not require on park housing. This means that the applicant lives in or around the area and will commute to the park for their volunteer work.

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Come be a Cherry Creek State Park Campground Office Attendant! Attendants are needed year-round to support, explore, and enjoy this Denver area gem. All campground attendant/resident volunteer positions with CPW are unpaid volunteer positions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A customer service based position that involves:

• greeting visitors
• selling parks passes and permits
• answering phones
• counting cash receipts
• entering data into computer
• providing information to the public
• light cleaning. 
•  

Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.  Service is completed primarily indoors in the campground office. 

 

NOTE:

This is an ongoing opportunity at the park and applications will be accepted any time. Actual availabilities varies. Once registered, you will be placed on a waiting list and we will contact you as positions open. We receive a high volume of applications for these positions. Please be patient with us and we will contact you as needed.

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Cherry Creek is a very diverse park that offers opportunities for the communities surrounding the park to enjoy Colorado's natural resources. The park is a big family even though we have a lot of staff and we try to make sure everyone feels that they are contributing to Cherry Creek's success as a park. Being in the metro area, Cherry Creek allows volunteers to have amenities close by and still be able to live in a beautiful state park.

This is a customer service based position that serves in an entrance station and greet visitors. Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relation skills.

Responsibilities:

• Assist and inform visitors
• Sell park passes/gift cards
• Collect revenue/balance shift box
• Document and report visitor complaints
• Clean entrance station
• Other tasks as assigned

Elevation:

5400 Ft

Looking for 2-3 volunteers for the 2025 season! 

Pairs/Couples preferred. Hosts are permitted to have pets.

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Volunteers serve with trained crew leaders and individually to help restore balance to this beautiful natural area by cutting, pulling, and digging nasty invaders like thistle and mullein. Enjoy scenery, wildlife sightings, and the company of fellow volunteers while doing important and much-needed work.

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Cheyenne Mountain lies nestled at the base of its namesake, which provides a stunning backdrop to the campground. The park offers a remote location atmosphere, but is only minutes to nearby shopping in downtown Colorado Springs. In 45 minutes or less you can reach popular attractions like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak.

Volunteer Campground Hosts are an important liaison between park visitors and park staff.

Responsibilities are varied and may include some or all of the following:

• Provide excellent customer service through direct interaction with park visitors.
• Reside on park to assist with after-hour situations and report any issues/safety hazards to rangers immediately.
• Complete daily site reservation checks (morning and noon).
• Assist in operation of the entrance station and light maintenance including bathroom checks and minor cleaning when maintenance is unavailable.
• Sell firewood.
• Provide logistical help with special events and educational programs as needed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned and agreed upon.

Successful hosts are willing and able to clean campsites, cabins, restrooms; answer visitor questions; help run park entrance gate; and are friendly and willing to work with a wide variety of people. Prior camp host experience and knowledge of IPAWS software are preferred but not required.

Site elevation:

6,300 ft.

Looking for two hosts for the 2025 season.

Folks who are solo, pairs, families with children, and those working remotely are welcome to apply. Hosts are permitted to have pets, but please note that a lot of our hiking trails and sections of the park do not allow pets.

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The Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park (CMSP) is a 501c3 with a mission to support and advocate for park goals. The all-volunteer board is elected annually and works closely with park management to ensure that we are working in collaboration to effectively and efficiently accomplish the mission. Don't have the time to commit to being a board member? You can still become a "Friend" through annual membership and offer support during their fundraising events!

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Certified sawyers lead a crew to safely remove dead or overgrown brush and trees, will create mitigation lines for wildland fire prevention. Sawyer training provided, but committment to project completion is required.

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Garden Crew

General CMSP Volunteer

Share your special skills with the park! Projects are open-ended and provide an opportunity for creativity and suggestions for projects and/or assignments that are outside the realm of naturalist work, maintenance details or trails crew.

Volunteers may do the following:

• assist with clerical duties in the Visitors Center
• work on the website, Facebook and other media
• clean, organize, rearrange supplies within any of the park's facilities
• newsletter compilation and editing
• assist with park events and other projects

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Join the Timber Tigers, a dedicated bunch of volunteers who remove dead brush and trees, create mitigation lines for wildland fire prevention and remove dead or dangerous trees as needed. Safety equipment and training are provided.

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Trail Ambassadors may:

• walk, hike, bike sections of the trails within the park to greet other visitors
• answer questions
• remind them of safe and responsible trail etiquette
• share unique historical and natural features of the park as situations prompt.

Volunteers must act as responsible role models exhibiting a friendly face to the public, great personal trail etiquette, and leave no trace practices.

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Become a Trail Dog!

Volunteers may do the following:

• Assist with the design, building and maintenance of park trails
• Retain walls and steps using erosion control methods to provide sustainable trail opportunities for visitors.
• Serve as crew members or crew leaders on trail construction, renovation, and maintenance.
• Design or install trail signage as needed.

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Established by statute in 1977, the Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) is a statewide program focused on the recognition and protection of areas that contain at least one unique or high-quality natural feature of statewide significance. Designated State Natural Areas contain a wide representation of Colorado’s rare plants and animals, unique plant communities, rich fossil locations, and geological features. State Natural Areas are found on public or private land and are designated through voluntary land management agreements with landowners.

Examples of landowners include the Bureau of Land Management, State Land Board, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, Local governments, and more. To learn more about CNAP, please visit our website where you will also find information about specific State Natural Areas located throughout the state. 

Volunteers for CNAP are assigned a State Natural Area based on their interests and experience, and will be provided with detailed access and site information by staff. Please note that the many of our Natural Areas are located in remote areas without trails, paved roads, cell service, or other infrastructure. Many sites will require a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle as well as several miles of hiking on steep, uneven terrain.

CNAP volunteers independently monitor their assigned State Natural Area at least once a year, but more often if desired. Volunteers observe and record conditions on the site including, but not limited to, natural disturbances, noxious weed occurrences, and observations of rare flora and fauna. Volunteers submit an annual report and photos to CNAP staff, who passes these on to the appropriate landowner.

Volunteers that are able to commit to long-term site stewardship and with a background in botany, natural resources, vegetation monitoring, geology, or other related fields are encouraged to apply. 

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Assist Colorado Springs area staff with wildlife surveys, habitat improvement, carcass transport, and miscellaneous projects.

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The goal of the Bear Aware team is to teach human responsibility in removing attractants in order to reduce conflicts with black bears in Colorado. The volunteer team may respond to assist officers on active bear calls or distribute black bear information in neighborhoods as sightings occur. Other tasks may include posting signs, making bear unwelcome mats, and helping at CPW booths throughout El Paso County. Training is mandatory.

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The goal of the Bear Aware team is to teach human responsibility in removing attractants in order to reduce conflicts with black bears in Colorado. Team may respond to assist officers on active bear calls or distribute black bear information in neighborhoods as sightings occur. Other tasks may include posting signs, making bear unwelcome mats, and helping at CPW booths throughout Teller County. Training is mandatory.

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For those with an interest and familiarity of birds, volunteers will monitor Bluebird house/nesting sites located around El Paso County.

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Transport sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife to rehabilitators or vets across SE Colorado. Training mandatory for first time transporters. Volunteers use their own vehicles for transportation.

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Serve as a camp host and contribute your time to the rewarding operation that is Crawford State Park. Enjoy the mountainous terrain and the geological wonders of the North Fork Valley, featuring Needle Rock, Castle Rock, Sleeping Indian, and Saddle Mountain - all picturesque landmarks visible from the campsites at Crawford State Park. Nearby attractions include the towns of Crawford, Paonia, Hotchkiss and Delta, the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Gunnison Gorge, and more.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist campers
• Maintain campsites
• Sell firewood
• Other tasks as assigned

Elevation:

6592 feet

Host positions have been filled for the 2025 season but waitlist is still open.

  Pairs, individuals, families with children, and people who are still working/in their careers (e.g. working remotely) are welcome to apply (couples preferred). Hosts are permitted to have pets.

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Assists with interpretation, education, and/or outdoor skills stations for student field trips as needed. Program information/outlines and education kits are made available when appropriate for activities.

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Volunteers improve park structures and grounds through the following: 

• grant writing and fundraising
• increase park attendance by holding approved activities
• serve as park advocates in legislative and other issues
• contribute volunteer hours in ways that complement the needs of the park.

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Volunteers may do the following:

• repair and construct fence
• clean up park grounds and facilities
• complete special or seasonal maintenance tasks such as boat dock repair
• do carpentry, remodeling or other construction projects
• provide landscape design expertise
• make park information signs
• assist with minor vehicle/boat/equipment repairs and maintenance.
• assist with the construction and maintenance of trails at Crawford State Park.

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Volunteers may do the following:

• Assist in a variety of clerical and office support duties
• Assist with a variety of clerical, general office support duties, or fee collection
• Answer phones
• Greet & assist park visitors with park and local area info as well as campsite reservations
• Sell park passes, registrations & Department of Wildlife licenses
• Monitor radio communications
• Sales
• Restocking of fliers
• Filing and data entry
• Assist with special events as needed

This position is perfect for volunteer who enjoys interacting with people, has good customer service & communication skills, and who enjoys retail sales environment; 

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General CPW staff support in the Durango area. Volunteers may work with local district wildlife managers or other area staff on a variety of projects as needed.

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The Friends of Colorado State Parks is building a network of everyday people who work to protect and care for the places in which they play, recreate, and adventure. We accomplish this by providing support for local Friends groups affiliated with individual State Parks across Colorado.

Now more than ever before, our State Parks need the support of Friends. As a Friends of Colorado State Parks board member, you help train and educate local State Park Friends groups in nonprofit management and unite these groups in our collective mission to protect and enhance Colorado’s most important resources.

We are especially excited to connect with committed volunteers who have experience in any of the following areas:

• Volunteer engagement

• Fiscal management best practices

• Accounting

• Fundraising

• Strategic planning

• Community and youth engagement

• Marketing

• Social media outreach

• Nonprofit board member recruitment/retention best practices Statewide "Friends" members attend board meetings

•Act as a liaison to contact and support local Friends

•Organize two annual Friends Rendezvous to bring together Friends groups from across the state to share successes, challenges, and offer training on topics of interest.

Friends of Colorado State Parks is a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit, but board member time counts toward CPW volunteer hours. If you are interested in joining the Friends of Colorado State Parks Board, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. The Board will review your submission, take a vote at a board meeting, and get back in touch with you.

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If you want to help take care of Eldorado Canyon, stewardship volunteering is the place for you. We monitor and control invasive weeds, improve forest health, build and maintain trails, and help keep facilities clean and safe for visitors. All ability and fitness levels are welcome. 

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If you are outgoing and enjoy talking to people, this position is for you! This position focuses on supporting the Visitor Center and Entrance Station by greeting visitors, orienting guests to the park, selling park passes and retail merchandise and answering phone inquiries.

If desired, volunteers may also spend a small portion of their time hiking trails, educating visitors about local flora and fauna and park regulations, picking up trash and assessing trail conditions. This position supplies essential help for park staff by ensuring our visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience! Required training will be provided.

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Trail Patrol

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a park ranger, this position is ideal for you!

The purpose of the Trai Patrol program is to assist Park Ranger staff with quality visitor management through:

• patrolling trails
• helping with capacity
• participating in resource protection
• providing information regarding programs/special activities in the park
• informing visitors about local and natural history
• alleviating management issues (e.g. dogs off leash)
• assisting with emergency situations within level of training.

This position allows for greater staff presence throughout the park during our high-use season and helps enhance visitors' experiences by increasing visitor access to information, helping with emergency situations and the overall safety of our guests, and assisting staff with caring for and protecting this amazing resource.

This position exists to help with weed management in identifying, monitoring, mapping, and removing non-native invasive & noxious weed species from Eldorado Canyon State Park.

Volunteers will be trained to identify, map, and effectively remove select non-native invasive & noxious species. Volunteer Weed Warriors do not apply herbicides to weeds. Come dig in the dirt with us! 

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We are looking for people who love how they recreate and are willing to share their knowledge and skills to foster a love for the outdoors for current and future generations.

Volunteer naturalists coordinate with the park rangers and interpreter to develop fun and exciting workshops, clinics, and programs.

They may also assist the park staff in delivering programs to the public, helping to advertise, engaging on social media, and helping to set up programs. This is an exciting opportunity to share your passion and help leave a legacy!

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Assist park staff by recruiting and training other volunteers; photograph or video tape park programs, special events or resources; provide equipment, donated funds or expertise on special projects.

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Trails Support/Trail hosting. Assist with the design, building and maintenance of park trails.

Perform as crew members or crew leaders on trail construction, renovation, and maintenance. Design or install trail signage.

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife values the right of every visitor to experience our state's natural beauty. To provide this opportunity to the disabled community, Fishers Peak State Park offers the use of the Action Track Chair, which allow visitors with mobility limitations to explore designated trails within the park.

As a volunteer your responsibilities will be to hike alongside Track Chair participants and ensure they have a safe and educational trip! Trainings usually occur in late spring, and trips run end of May through November on Saturdays-Sundays. Please contact us for more information.

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Trail Ambassadors walk, hike, or bike sections of the trails within the park to greet other visitors, answer questions, remind them of safe and responsible trail etiquette, and share park information.

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Help is needed for trail maintenance efforts, corridor clearing, and special projects on this premier southern Colorado property. With 14 miles of existing trail to manage, plus additional new trails scheduled for construction in 2025 and beyond, Fishers Peak State Park seeks to build a corps of dedicated volunteers to keep our trails safe, fun, and sustainable!

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Provide general assistance to the staff in the Glenwood Springs area, such as fence work, habitat improvement projects, and more.

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Campground Office Assistant

This volunteer position is for our Reverend's Ridge Campground office.

The responsibilities consist of selling passes, giving out park information, and general customer service. Light cleaning as well as a flexible schedule are required. Ideally, volunteers are able to fill in when needed and even help out with campfire programs and spur of the moment interpretative programs for families in the campground. The focus will be on pass sales as well as reservation check in's.

This is not a host position. A camping spot is NOT provided for this position.

Present park interpretive program, such as:

• campfire talks
• nature walks
• multi-media shows
• living history programs
• evening programs and others.
• Lead school group programs on-site.
• Visit local students in their classrooms or other groups and conduct interpretive programs off-site.
• Conduct public workshops or classes.
• Conduct roving interpretive patrols in campgrounds, on park trails, at park facilities, or in the backcountry.

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Do you have a special skill that could benefit the park? This volunteer opportunity is for you.

Some of the special projects that people have helped with in the past include:

• write and develop outdoor interpretive signs for self-guiding trails or roadside exhibits.
• Recruit other volunteers.
• Photograph or video tape park programs, special events, visitors, or resources.
• Assist in planning volunteer recognition or social events.
• Train other volunteers.
• Provide equipment, donated funds, or expertise on special projects.
• Design and create puppets, historical costumes, and more.

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Join the team at this beautiful state park! Known for our mountain beauty within an hour of Denver, this opportunity is not to be missed!

Responsibilities:

• Clean and tidy campsites (empty firepits, wipe down tables, sweep tent pads, etc)
• Clean and maintain restrooms, campsites, and grounds
• Provide excellent customer service to the public
• Assist in the campground office when needed (selling passes and retail products)
• Other projects based on individual skills

Elevation:

Please note that this is a high mountain park with altitudes ranging from 8,200 to 10,459 feet. These host positions are physically demanding due to the type of tasks and terrain at altitude.

Looking for 4 hosts to fill in our 2025 season!

Pairs, families with children, and people who are still working/in their careers (e.g. working remotely) are welcome to apply. Hosts are welcome to have pets.

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Provide general assistance to the staff in the Grand Junction area, such as fence work, habitat improvement projects, and more.

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We are looking for 1-2 volunteers to assist in collecting Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) data, answering questions, and tagging deer and elk heads during big game hunting season at CWD collection site.

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CPW volunteers assist staff with maintaining the shooting range, including trash pick up, plywood target replacement, and vault toilet maintenance.

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The fish screen on Rifle Creek below Rifle Gap reservoir was constructed in order to prevent undesirable fish from entering the creek and then eventually migrating down to the Colorado River. The screen has proven to be very effective in capturing fish and not allowing them to enter the watershed.

Aquatic vegetation builds up on the screen, causing it to become ineffective and allowing water to flow through. The screen needs to be cleaned daily in the summer months, and a volunteer to assist staff with this task is highly desired. The cleaning is not particularly difficult, but it can be strenuous at times with leaning and lifting. Tools will be provided to assist with screen cleaning. Training will also be provided.

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Respond to injured, orphaned, and nuisance wildlife calls from the public. Provide wildlife education and solutions to the public. Transport wildlife to rehabilitators and/or CPW offices.

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Cedaredge and surrounding North Fork Valley Area:

Bear Aware is a network of trained Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteers who help their neighbors and communities reduce conflicts and co-exist with black bears. Through this proactive educational wildlife program, volunteer efforts aim to teach human responsibility to help prevent problems between humans and bears. This role can involve answering questions and offering practical advice.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers may: 

• distribute information to the public in areas where conflicts occur
• post signs
• go door to door talking to neighbors
• meet with campers/ organizations/clubs
• support educational programs
• volunteer at information booths and parades.

 

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General CPW staff support in the Gunnison area. Volunteers may work with local district wildlife managers or other area staff on a variety of projects as needed.

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Taylor Challenge is a multi-day outdoor recreation and team-building program that serves every 8th grader at Gunnison Middle School. This annual event is a three-day overnight field trip that occurs during the first week of school every year.

Utilizing the outdoors as a unifying theme, the goal of the Taylor Challenge program is to build and promote community, trust, confidence and healthy life choices within the entire grade class (90-120 students). Over three days, the students navigate several activity stations.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife assists with the archery (NASP) and leads the fly fishing stations, with the help of staff and volunteers. This volunteer role assists with the archery station in small group settings to cover just the basics. A NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) certified teacher from the Middle School leads this station with assistance from CPW staff and volunteers. The station covers eye dominance, the 11 steps to archery success, string bow, and target shooting using whistle command. The students utilize the remaining time to practice shooting.

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Taylor Challenge is a multi-day outdoor recreation and team-building program that serves every 8th grader at Gunnison Middle School. This annual event is a three-day overnight field trip that occurs during the first week of school every year.

Utilizing the outdoors as a unifying theme, the goal of the Taylor Challenge program is to build and promote community, trust, confidence and healthy life choices within the entire grade class (90-120 students). Over three days, the students navigate several activity stations.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife assists with the archery (NASP) and leads the fly fishing stations, with the help of staff and volunteers. This volunteer role assists with the fly fishing station in small group settings to cover just the basics. The station breaks students into two groups: one to cover macroinvertebrates (a discussion and searching/examining using nets), followed by clinch knot tying and different types of flies to tie on. Meanwhile the second group covers trout identification and casting. Then, both groups come together to fish at two small ponds (stocked with large rainbows and browns).

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Do you enjoy camping/RV'ing, working outdoors, interacting with people, and have good customer service and communication skills? Become a volunteer Hatchery Host at Rifle Falls Hatchery - the largest hatchery in the state!

We are relatively secluded, about 30 minutes from Rifle, at the base of Little Box Canyon in Western Colorado. We have some of the most beautiful campsites and the best hatchery crew around! Rifle Falls Fish hatchery sees 7,000 visitors a year, including school tours, summer camps and vacationers.

Host Responsibilities:

• Visitor Center assistance and answering visitor questions
• Conduct tours of the hatchery, distribute fish food, and encourage visitors to sign the visitor log.
• Grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed whacking, and watering. Tractors and mowers are utilized for grounds work.
• Help keep public restrooms clean.
• Other projects as assigned

We are looking for volunteers with good communication, and any mechanical or landscaping skills.

Elevation: 

7,000 ft (If you have health concerns that elevation may affect, please don't apply.)

Looking for 2 host couples for the 2025 season.

Couples/pairs are invited to apply. Couples with kids and couples still in their career working remotely are also being considered.  Hosts are permitted to have pets.

See what a previous volunteer host had to say and apply today!

"This was the most beautiful campsite we have ever had. This canyon has so much to offer volunteers. The staff were a joy to work with and always willing to share information. The work is enjoyable and rewarding if you enjoy working with people. An added bonus was watching the golden eagles from fledglings through their early flights. Wildlife comes through the hatchery and even to your campsite… My greatest regret is our own inability to travel, because we miss the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery family."

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The Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery covers 783 acres, including two miles of the East River and four fishing ponds. The majority of the property is dedicated to wildlife habitat and includes amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.

Responsibilities:

Our volunteer hosts live on-site and:

• Provide hatchery tours to the public.
• Assist visitors with questions about the hatchery property.
• Maintain hatchery grounds, including but not limited to: mowing, weed whacking, landscaping, planting and watering flowers, picking up trash, maintaining trails and way finding signs, cleaning the visitor center, and some equipment maintenance.
• Hosts may also assist with fish culture work when staff is shorthanded.

Public speaking/good communication skills, landscaping, and equipment maintenance would all be beneficial, but not required.

Elevation:

 8,200 ft

Positions are full for the 2025 host season but feel free to apply to be put on a waitlist!

Couples/pairs are invited to apply. Hosts are permitted to have pets.

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Campground Hosts are responsible for checking campers in and out of their campsites while answering visitor questions. Some of Highline's campsites require RVers to go in the "wrong way" to ensure their door doesn't open up into the road, and Hosts help guide campers into their site.

Hosts are not expected to clean the Camper Services Building but are encouraged to make sure toilet paper is stocked and alert the maintenance staff of any issues. Highline Lake is on a "reservation-only" system where campers must have a reservation prior to camping. This system requires Hosts be able to use a tablet to update campsite status (clean, reserved, etc).

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Assist with camping and vehicle fee collection
• Monitor the campground
• Assign campsites
• Process daily reservation (login to camp logs and distribute campsite markers)
• Sell firewood bundles and bags of ice
• Light campsite maintenance
• Give information to park visitors and assist them
• Create excellent public relations.
• Other projects as agreed upon.

Elevation:

4,725 ft.

Looking for five hosts for the 2025 season.

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.

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The Friends of Highline Lake State Park support conservation, encourage environmental education, and enhance recreation opportunities for visitors of the park.

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This is a customer service based position that involves facilitating park interpretive and environmental education programs. Develop and present natural resources/historical related programs to park visitors.

Responsibilities: 

Specific responsibilities may include:

• Schedule, plan and present Junior Ranger programs
• Schedule, plan and present school and group programs
• Schedule, plan and present campfire programs and guided hikes
• Schedule, plan and present outreach programs
• Provide roving interpretation in campgrounds and day use areas
• Collaborate with individual and groups of volunteers
• Collaborate with other State, Federal and local agency naturalists
• Market and promote attendance at programs
• May develop brochures and other written materials
• May assist with special events or programs within the park
• Other projects as assigned

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• Walk, bike or run the 9+ miles of trails at Highline Lake, circling the lake itself, or taking one of the interesting loops.
• Help keep the trail system clean by cleaning up trash along the way and contact the Visitor Center or a Park Ranger if there is something that needs our attention.
• Maintenance and/or occasional re-positioning or modification of the trail system is always appreciated.

This position is best scheduled for weekday mornings. Volunteers are asked to serve at least 5 hours per month to remain active.

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Assist visitors in Highline Lake State Park's beautiful Visitor Center by doing the following: 

• sharing information
• selling passes, registrations, firewood, and retail merchandise
• answer telephones
• monitor radio communications
• data entry
• other opportunities as available.

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Provide general assistance to the staff in the Hot Sulphur Springs area, such as fence work, habitat improvement projects, and more.

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Transport chronic wasting disease (CWD) samples from the Hot Sulphur Springs office to the Steamboat Springs office or other locations as needed during big game seasons.

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Provide administrative assistance to office: filing, typing, answering phones, making copies and various other duties. Training provided.

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Volunteers needed to help keep range clean of trash and debris. Assistance with range maintenance and enhancement efforts when available.

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This site offers great recreation opportunities close by from Grand Lake to Breckenridge. Not a largely populated are and still close to Denver (2 hours). Small team in the area so we all know each other well. Gold medal fishing on the Colorado River and good hunting opportunity.

CPW is looking for two hosts at Hot Sulphur Springs SWA for the 2025 season! 

Volunteer responsibilities include:

• mowing
• running a weed eater
• irrigating
• picking up trash
• fence maintenance
• Checking on campers
• Cleaning campsite restrooms
• other duties.

The person or persons should be in reasonably good physical condition so they are able to do these duties. Experience with ATVs, driving a manual transmission, and some agricultural experience preferred.

 

Site elevation:

7,600 ft

Pairs or individuals are accepted, and hosts are permitted to have pets.

 

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Hunter Outreach Assistance - NE

Support an individual hunt or the Hunter Outreach program in the NE region. Examples of support: equipment maintenance or loading, pre-hunt meal preparation, or general office support. This role may assist with seminars and/or skills clinics but will not participate in hunts.

Assist with maintenance and repair of archery equipment as well as with teaching Field Archery and/or Archery in the Schools programs.

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Assist with CPW led hunts or shooting skills clinics.

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Hunt Leads are needed to plan, run and organize youth and novice hunts/events for the program. Once the Hunt Support Volunteer has completed their three evaluated events, one of which must be from an overnight hunt, and has been approved by the Hunter Outreach Coordinator, they are now ready to attend a two day Hunt Lead Course which will focus on the education and skills needed to plan, organize and run an event.

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Mentor youth and novice hunters. Lead and manage hunts across the state.

This volunteer opportunity requires additional training and certification.

Please register at this link.

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Support an individual hunt or the Hunter Outreach program at large. Examples of support include: equipment maintenance or loading, pre-hunt meal preparation, or general office support.

Must be registered as a CPW volunteer and attend volunteer orientation. This position functions as a support role and does not participate on hunts, seminars, or skills clinics.

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Senior Hunt Leads assist in management of the program by serving on policy boards, providing recommendations for program improvement and assisting with instruction of student Hunter Outreach Volunteers.

Qualifications:

To become eligible for Senior Hunt Lead, the following must be met: 

• A Hunt Lead volunteer must have organized and run a minimum of five hunts/events as a Hunt Lead.
• They must also have taught a minimum of one skills clinic/seminar, or a Hunt Support volunteer Course and be certified as in instructor in a minimum of two skills disciplines.
• He/she must then be formally recommended by a current Senior Hunt Leads.

The recommendation will then be sent to and voted on by the rest of the Senior Hunt Leads. If approved, the State or Regional Outreach Coordinator will then give final approval based upon the recommendations and the performance of the Hunt Lead in the field.

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Conejos Youth Camp is an annual three day camp for youth in Conejos County. Youth can earn their hunter education card as they learn hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills as well as wildlife information.

Volunteers assist with overseeing groups and/or instructing at station rotations- ranging from archery, fishing, wildlife identification, first aid, and shooting sports. Experience teaching these skills is highly preferred, as is a status as a Hunter Education Instructor.

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This volunteer role collaborates with CPW staff to support the Conejos County Public Shooting Range with upkeep and maintenance.

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Love the water? Come help our rangers connect with boaters! You'll be out on the water, supporting water safety practices and boating rules. You may manage boat distance when a ranger makes contact, and may help with safety inspections, such as handing life jackets to rangers.

Volunteers will be a friendly face but will not be doing any law enforcement themselves or operating the boat - those roles are up to our trusty and trained rangers! Your presence on the boat, however, will be incredibly helpful - both because there must be two people on a boat at all times for safety reasons, and to help educate and support the public in their own water safety practices.

If boat assistance isn’t needed that day, you could go along with a park ranger in their truck as they support land-based recreation and regulations.

Qualifications:

We are looking for 2-4 people for summer 2024! This role is open to anyone who wants to come hang out on the water! We'll do on-the-spot training, so no prior experience is necessary.

We prefer ages 21 and older, but could consider 18+ for right person.

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Jackson Lake State Park covers 3,467 acres, which includes a 2,600 acre reservoir. The park is located 78 miles northeast of Denver on the plains of Colorado and has 251 campsites.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

• Assist staff with providing information to visitors.
• Assist with cleaning campsites and maintaining bathroom facilities.
• Hosts may also assist with staffing in entrance stations, the marina, the visitor center or as a member of our maintenance team.
• Other support for staff

Computer skills are desirable but not necessary.

Site elevation:

4,400 ft

Looking for 6 hosts for summer 2025!

Folks who are solo, pairs, families with children, and those working remotely are welcome to apply. Hosts are permitted to have pets. Applications will be accepted any time, but park staff will not make a final decision until after the first of the year.

We are seeking hosts who have a friendly demeanor, are able to provide quality customer service, and have a willingness to work in a team environment.

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Projects can be discussed as opportunities arise. Examples may include: provide equipment, donated funds, or expertise on special projects.

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The Fruita Section of James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park offers volunteer Campground Host opportunities March through November. Currently, there is an opening for July 2025 to Early October 2025.

We are seeking hosts with a wide variety of skills and experiences!

Responsibilities:

Hosts are involved in the following:

• cleaning campsites
• selling firewood
• assisting visitors with park questions.
• Special projects may be assigned based on the skills and interests of the volunteer and the needs of the park.

Qualifications: 

Should be in good physical condition and enjoy working with the public.

Those interested should contact the Senior Ranger for additional information and fill CPW Connect's application.

If you are new to the Colorado volunteer program, please create a profile and select the opportunities you are interested in. Applications are accepted year-round, however, positions are typically filled by December for the following summer. Uniform shirts and hat provided.  

Pairs, families, and individuals accepted, and hosts are permitted to have pets.

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The Island Acres Section of James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park is seeking hosts with a wide variety of skills and experiences! Should be in good physical condition and enjoy working with the public. Contact the Park Ranger listed for additional information. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.  

Responsibilities:

Campground hosts are responsible for:

• Cleaning campsites between reservations including, sweeping, raking, cleaning fire pits.
• Help with other projects may be requested dependent on experience.
• Help in the visitor center may be requested, dependent of experience.
• Assist visitors with questions, sell firewood.
• Special projects may be assigned based on the skills and interests of the volunteer and the needs of the park.

Site elevation:

4,700 ft.

2 vacancies for summer 2025!

Pairs, families, and individuals accepted, and hosts are permitted to have pets.

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Maintenance volunteers serve directly with the Park Resource Technician on daily projects and tasks.

This position will be responsible for all general campground maintenance and cleaning of public facilities and picnic areas including cleaning, showers, toilets, and picking up trash. 

Landscaping to include mowing, weed trimming, watering and weed control.

Additional responsibilities:

• Provide and ensure quality customer service, facility maintenance, repair, cleanliness.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors. 
• May also assist with carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical work, transporting materials, supplies and perform other duties as assigned. 
• This position has the opportunity to be a resident volunteer with a full-hookup site with 50 amp electricity provided. 

Primary residency will be at the Fruita section however, volunteers may assist with work at any location- Fruita, Connected Lakes, Corn Lake/SWA or Island Acres.  Please reach out to Bob Morris with interest in the position. 

[email protected]

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Sustain nursery and tree plantings at Point campground

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Share your special skills with the park!

Special Projects may include:

• Write and develop outdoor interpretive signs for self-guiding trails or roadside exhibits.
• Recruit other volunteers.
• Eagle Scout Projects.
• Photograph or video tape park programs, special events, visitors, or resources.
• Assist in planning volunteer recognition or social events.
• Provide equipment, or expertise on special projects.
• Design and create puppets, historical costumes, and more.

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A customer service-based position that involves inspecting for invasive Zebra/Quagga Mussels, Milfoil or other plant species on boats and personal watercraft at an inspection point on the park. 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.

Requirements: 

• Daily interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills. Training in boat inspection methods will be provided.
• Must be at least 16 years of age with reliable transportation.
• Must be able to volunteer outdoors and on weekends, holidays, and varied shifts. 
• Must be able to climb in and out of vessels and under trailers. 
• Ability to volunteer with little supervision.
• 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.

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.

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This volunteer role is a public outreach effort to share boating safety information, best practices, rules, and regulations with park visitors. While personal boating experience is not necessary, the desire to learn the rules and educate others on boat safety is!

Reports indicate that over 3,000 injuries, and 767 deaths occurred in 2020 due to boating accidents. Our goal is to decrease that number and help our visitors enjoy the waters of CO safely!

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Weed, plant, water and help keep our native Colorado xeriscape garden beautiful. The team gets together for garden work as needed, which is usually weekly in the spring and when working on larger projects, and bi-weekly or monthly during the summer.  Shifts are currently during the week in the morning.  

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Volunteers help with a wide variety of projects throughout Lake Pueblo State Park.

Projects may include:

• general clean up efforts
• tree wrapping to protect from beavers
• general campground maintenance to keep the park in good operating condition.

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Share your special skill with the park!

Special Projects may include but are not limited to:

• Writing and developing outdoor interpretive signs for self-guiding trails or roadside exhibits.
• Recruit other volunteers.
• Photograph or video tape park programs, special events, visitors, or resources.

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Help with Trail maintenance around the South shore trail system. 

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Volunteer responsibilities for Visitor Center/Office Support may include but are not limited to:

• Answering phones.
• Word processing and data entry on the computer.
• File documents.
• Perform other clerical tasks.
• Help to raise funds and write grant proposals.
• Provide computer training
• Trouble-shooting or computer program design.
• Staff a visitor center information desk or sales outlet.
• Design and prepare exhibits, displays, and bulletin boards.
• Market and advertise park programs.
• Write and edit newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and manuals.
• Produce artwork or graphic design for publications, signs, flyers, or exhibits.

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Assist Lamar area staff with wildlife surveys, habitat improvement, carcass transport, and miscellaneous projects.

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife values the right of every visitor to experience our state's natural beauty. To provide this opportunity to the disabled community, Lathrop State Park offers the use of the TrackMaster Track Chair, which allow visitors with mobility limitations to explore designated trails within the park along with opportunities to fish.

Responsibilities:

As a volunteer your responsibilities will be to hike alongside track chair participants and ensure they have a safe and educational trip! Trainings usually occur in late spring, and trips run end of May through November on Saturdays-Sundays. Please contact us for more information.

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Water new planted trees and shrubs, prune, weed, and remove litter from garden area. Generally help keep garden maintained and beautiful! 

Contact Stacey at [email protected] to sign up for shifts

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• Assist with park maintenance, construction, and repair.
• Construct fences.
• Cleanup park grounds and facilities.
• Complete special or seasonal maintenance tasks as needed. (For example: boat dock repair).
• Complete carpentry, remodeling or other construction projects.
• Provide landscape design expertise.
• Make park information signs.
• Assist with minor vehicle/boat/equipment repairs and maintenance.

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Assist park staff with education programs on weekend evenings.

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If you enjoy interacting with people while being outdoors, this may be the opportunity for you! 

Lathrop State Park is recruiting park/boat safety ambassadors for the 2024 summer season to answer questions, share information, and be the eyes of the park on weekends in our popular day use areas. 

Shifts will be listed for 4 hours, but there is no minimum number of hours required on a shift.  Any amount of time spent on the park is helpful.  Volunteer shirt/hat and training will be provided.  

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Vegetation Management

Visitor Center/Office Support. Greet visitors, answer phones, and questions. Sell park passes and licenses and perform other clerical tasks. Staff a visitor center information desk or sales outlet. Coordinate a special event. Design and prepare exhibits, displays, and bulletin boards. Market and advertise park programs. Write and edit newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and manuals. Produce artwork or graphic design for publications, signs, flyers, or exhibits.

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Become a general maintenance technician for our Corral Center Bike Park.

This includes:

• vegetation management
• cleaning out ditches and ruts
• sweeping pump track and jump lines, etc. 

This is a labor intensive position that will require the use of tools (both hand and power) and machinery. This is a year round volunteer position. 

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Since 2013 Lory State Park has participated in a long-term community science project that monitors butterfly populations in various locations throughout Colorado. Lory State Park has two trails certified by the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver.

Join our butterfly monitoring team and learn how to Identify local butterflies, learn about them and collect data.

This volunteer opportunity is only available from May through September or October, depending on the first freeze. This opportunity requires a six month commitment with a weekly schedule. Training is provided to all monitors.

Monitor Requirements:

• Willing to follow a Lead Monitor. 
• Able to commit to a weekly or bi-monthly monitoring schedule. 
• Able to hike 2 miles in 2 hours.

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Since 2013 Lory State Park has participated in a long-term community science project that monitors butterfly populations in various locations throughout Colorado. Lory State Park has two trails certified by the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver.

Join our butterfly monitoring team and learn how to Identify local butterflies, learn about them and collect data. This volunteer opportunity is only available from May through September or October, depending on the first freeze. This opportunity requires a six month commitment with a weekly schedule. Training is provided to all monitors.

Lead Monitor Requirements:

• Willing to lead the weekly monitoring survey and other volunteers. 
• Able to identify local butterflies quickly. 
• Able to record collected data. 
• Able to monitor on a weekly schedule. -
• Able to hike 2 miles in 2 hours.

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Naturalist

Present park interpretive programs, such as:

• Campfire talks
• Nature walks
• Multi-media shows
• Living history programs
• Evening programs and others
• Lead school group programs on-site.
• Visit local students in their classrooms or other groups and conduct interpretive programs off-site.
• Conduct public workshops or classes.
• Conduct roving interpretive on park trails, at park facilities, or in the back country.

These programs are typically done between April and October, and very little is done between November and March. There may be long delays in staff communication during these winter months.

Lory State Park is always looking for volunteers to help with the many needs of the park. This opportunity covers all areas of the park and will receive emails when a opportunity is active and we need assistance.

Activities can include:

• invasive plant management
• trail maintenance
• general upkeep
• event prep and many others.

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This opportunity is to help with trail building and maintenance at Lory State Park.

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Serve in our visitor center doing the following duties: 

• selling park passes
• merchandise
• answering phone calls
• and costumer service.

Requirements:

This opportunity requires training on using the IPAWS system for selling park passes or licenses. Good costumer service skills, basic knowledge of computers, and cash handling skill are encouraged but not required.

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Park maintenance and construction responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Cleanup park grounds and facilities. 
• Complete special or seasonal maintenance tasks as needed.
• Carpentry, remodeling or other construction projects.
• Provide landscape design expertise.
• Make park information signs.
• Assist with minor vehicle/equipment repairs and maintenance

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This position involves general assistance in the Mancos State Park Customer Service Station.

Responsibilities include:

• light clerical work
• answering phones
• filing
• completion of boat, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations
• other projects as assigned.

Additional projects will vary based on the skills and interests of the volunteer but may include writing media releases and coordinating other public relations activities, participation in management of the office bookstore, hosting open houses, etc.

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Provide general assistance to the staff in the Meeker area, such as fence work, habitat improvement projects, and more.

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Provide administrative assistance to office:

• filing
• typing
• answering phones
• making copies and various other duties.

Training provided.

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General CPW staff support in the Monte Vista area. Volunteers may work with local district wildlife managers or other area staff on a variety of projects as needed.

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Volunteer alongside CPW staff and assist with daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife. Primarily this entails cage/pen cleaning, feeding and occasional animal transport. Training in several areas is required in advance.

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Volunteer alongside CPW staff on maintenance and construction projects around the Frisco Creek Wildlife Facility.

Projects can include anything from spraying weeds and shoveling snow to fence construction and maintenance/construction of animal pens and cages. Advanced experience with maintenance and construction is helpful.

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Help keep up Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area! Pick up shot gun shells and trash, upkeep restrooms, keep head gates cleaned out, and more.

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General CPW staff support in the Montrose area. Volunteers may work with local district wildlife managers or other area staff on a variety of projects as needed.

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This volunteer role ‘adopts’ local nest boxes at a specific site in the Montrose/Ridgway area and assists with cleaning and monitoring bluebird houses. You may also help build and mount new bluebird houses.

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Assist the Area Terrestrial Biologist with deer-related projects. These may include trapping and collaring efforts around Montrose and on the Uncompahgre Plateau, or survey work. This role can be strenuous and sometimes dangerous.

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Dan Noble State Wildlife Area (SWA), along with Miramonte Reservoir, is a treasured gem located in remote southwest Colorado and cherished by local residents and out-of-state visitors alike. The Host will be within driving distance to the towns of Norwood, Nucla, and Naturita that all have their own set of amenities and charm. Dan Noble SWA is located in a bowl on the north side of San Juan Mountains and is home to many wildlife species such as mule deer, elk, and migratory birds at various times of the year. Miramonte Reservoir provides one of the best fisheries in Colorado; Not only with several trout species – browns, rainbows and cutthroats – but also a very healthy native crayfish population. Dan Noble SWA has 20 primitive camping sites and fire pits available on a first come first serve basis.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Clean and maintain campgrounds, outhouse and day use areas
• Provide basic maintenance to buildings, outhouses and picnic tables
• Monitor cistern levels and hauling water as needed
• Keep and maintain a daily log of camping use by visitors
• Greet and provide general fishing and hunting information as well as general camping knowledge to people visiting the area.
• Clean and maintain outhouse at Woods Lake SWA (about 46.5 miles to the east) once a week.

Hosts must be able to live in a remote area and enjoy meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life. Must be able to perform basic maintenance on the campground and facilities. Experience with maintenance and carpentry beneficial, but not required. Should be able to lift/drag 60-70 pounds.

Site elevation:

7,500 ft.

Looking for 1-2 hosts for the 2024 season!

We are looking for a couple/pair, although individuals will be considered. Hosts are allowed to have pets as long as set rules are followed.

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Share your love and passion for reel and/or fly fishing with others. Assist with school groups, large events for all ages, and fishing derbys. We have an annual need for assembling, fixing, and rigging fishing poles and other equipment maintenance. Must have good people skills with the ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.

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For those with an interest and familiarity of birds, volunteers will monitor Bluebird house/nesting sites located around the park.

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The CPW archery program teaches international-style target archery to members of the public using steps that are safe and encourage success. Volunteer archery instructors teach events and class participants, both youth and adults, archery using CPW established curriculum.

Archery events for CPW include structured classes, school programs, and large scale, free-flowing events where participants are only engaged for a few minutes. Volunteer instructors usually work as a team with other instructors.

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The Friends of Mueller State Park (FoMSP) is a non-profit 501c3 public charity that raises money to fund youth programs, park improvements and interpretive exhibits to enhance the experience of every visitor who enters the park.

Assist as a board member or volunteer with special events and fund raisers for the Friends of Mueller State Park organization. https://friendsofmuellersp.com/

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Present park interpretive programs, such as: campfire talks, nature walks, multi-media shows, living history programs, evening programs and others. Lead school group programs on-site. Visit local students (or other groups) in their classrooms and conduct interpretive programs off-site. Conduct public workshops or classes. Conduct roving interpretive patrols in campgrounds, on park trails, at park facilities or in the backcountry. Help at large special events.

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Special Projects is open-ended and provides an opportunity for some creativity and suggestions for projects and/or assignments that are outside the realm of naturalist work, maintenance details or trails crew.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with clerical duties in the Visitors Center
• work on website
• Facebook and other media
• cleaning
• organizing
• rearranging within any of the park's facilities
• newsletter compilation and editing
• Assisting with park events and other projects

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Help preserve the park's trails system and backcountry by performing maintenance on current trails such as:

• creating water bars
• clearing trees
• posting, removing, redoing signs
• raking and brushing trails
• replacing, repairing and maintaining water culverts
• Also, occasional fence removal from the park's undeveloped areas

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Located in the mountain community of Divide, Colorado. This park boasts beautiful mountain views. Mueller is currently seeking a volunteer host for the winter season. November and December have the highest need, but this host role can stay through March if desired.

Amenities:

There are two housing options for this volunteer role depending on the season. An RV site will be available with water and propane hookups along with a 20 or 30 amp electrical hookup. In the winter a furnished staff cabin on park with water, heat, kitchen, one full bath, 1 bedroom, wood burning stove, refrigerator, microwave, and outdoor fire ring. Both housing options would be in exchange for working 20 hours per individual each week (4 hour shifts, 5 days a week). Days off vary.

Laundry and internet are available at the maintenance shop right up the road from the cabin and RV site.

Responsibilities: 

Some responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• cleaning of a flush toilet facility
• cleaning campfire pits
• trash collection
• rental cabin housekeeping including laundry
• other projects to fulfill the 20-hour per week agreement.

Good to Know:

The park is at 9,800 ft elevation.

Couples and pairs welcome to apply. (Fill out separate applications, please!)

Dogs are allowed in developed areas of the park, not on trails or in the backcountry. 

There will be snow here in the winter. At times, the park will get multiple feet of snow at once. The maintenance team is very good at keeping roads within the park plowed. Highway 67, the road outside the park, can be snow covered and icy at times. Heavy snow is usually expected February-April.

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Navajo State Park's shuttle driver program is one of the most popular of volunteer activities in the park! Service includes driving a passenger utility vehicle between the overflow parking lots and the marina. The shuttle service is free to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Amenities:

A full-service campsite is provided for 18-20 hours of service per driver per week. A machine/park orientation is required.

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Join us for an exciting opportunity to give back while enjoying the beauty and history of Navajo State Park! Located midway between Durango and Pagosa Springs on the New Mexico border, Navajo Reservoir is 15,600 surface acres of aquatic fun!

Navajo State Park has a large number of campsites throughout the park, camp hosts will communicate with each other and turn over 20 sites per host spot.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain Clean Campsites
• Sell Firewood
• Answer visitor questions
• Shuttle drive visitors to and from boat ramp with UTV
• Wetland/trail management projects
• Other tasks as assigned

Site elevation:

6,100 ft.

Looking for hosts for the 2025 season!

Couples are preferred, but individuals are also accepted. Hosts are permitted to have dogs as long as they are kept leashed and/or contained/under control.

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• Repair and construct fence.
• Clean up park grounds and facilities.
• Complete special or seasonal maintenance tasks as needed. (For example: boat dock repair).
• Complete carpentry, remodeling or other construction projects.
• Provide landscape design expertise.
• Make park information signs.
• Assist with minor vehicle/boat/equipment repairs and maintenance.

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These volunteers perform general park support functions (depending on skill and preferences):

• maintenance
• visitor center
• environmental education
• dock/marina store attendant or other responsibilities 

Maintenance includes:

• litter control
• landscaping
• grounds keeping
• cleaning of park facilities.
•  

Visitor center includes:

• pass sales
• revenue collection and dispensation of information

There are also opportunities in Environmental Education which includes:

• development and presentation of environmental programs as well as networking with local entities for guest programs.

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• Answer phones
• Complete word processing and data entry on the computer
• File documents
• Perform other clerical tasks.
• Fundraise and write grant proposals
• Provide computer training
• Trouble-shooting or computer program design.
• Staff a visitor center information desk or sales outlet.
• Coordinate a special event.
• Design and prepare exhibits, displays, and bulletin boards.
• Market and advertise park programs.
• Write and edit newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and manuals.
• Produce artwork or graphic design for publications, signs, flyers, or exhibits.
• Train staff or volunteers in desktop publishing software and techniques.

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North Sterling is a water-based recreation area (3,000 acres of water/1,500 acres of land) on Colorado's eastern plains offering a variety of recreation opportunities including fishing (walleye, wiper, catfish), boating, swimming, and hiking.

Volunteer host responsibilities include:

• Posting campground reservations
• Clean campground sites and camper services buildings.
• Assisting at park office when needed
• Light maintenance, such as yard work.

Hosts should be willing to help maintenance staff with campground duties and be comfortable speaking to visitors who have questions regularly.

Elevation:

3,200 ft.

Looking for 2 hosts for the 2025 season.

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.

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Volunteers are needed to help teach novice anglers of all ages how to fish. Teach classes on aquatic ecology, fish identification, handling, casting, and knot tying.

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Interested in helping with wildlife projects across the Northeast Region?  This is the place to start!

Some examples include walleye spawn, electrofishing, angler outreach, hunter outreach, interpretation and education, customer service, festivals/booths, habitat improvement and wildlife transport.

These projects tend to be seasonal so we will be in touch with more details!

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Assist education staff with multiple programs and on-site education at schools and at events.

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Assist with watchable wildlife education, activities, and office assistance.

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Assist Pueblo area staff with wildlife surveys, habitat improvement, carcass transport, and miscellaneous projects.

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The goal of the Bear Aware team is to teach human responsibility in removing attractants in order to reduce conflicts with black bears in Colorado.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers distribute black bear and mountain lion information in neighborhoods where sightings have occurred. Other tasks may include posting signs, making bear unwelcome mats, and helping at CPW booths around the town of Beulah.

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Transport sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife to rehabilitators or vets across SE Colorado. Training mandatory for first time transporters. Volunteers use their own vehicles for transportation.

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Assist state parks in learning more about the quality of the night sky by collecting measurements of light pollution at night. CPW is working to document sky brightness in State Parks through the Dark Sky Monitoring community science program. We connect volunteers with tools to collect dark sky data that can be used to help preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies.

Help us identify parks for recognition of their Dark Sky quality so that astronomers, campers, and nighttime photographers know where to see the Milky Way, escape to true nighttime, and enjoy the natural night sky!

Using a smart phone or printed star charts, our Dark Sky monitors take a few minutes on moonless nights to document how many stars can be seen with the naked eye. Observations can be made year round in different moon phases (new moon is best). To fully document a park's night sky quality, multiple measurements need to be taken, depending on the size of the park the time commitment would vary. Observations may be made in any state park that allows overnight recreation - please check the state park website before visiting! No experience needed.

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Welcome to Raptor Monitoring!

Raptors are keystone predators - animals without which the ecosystem would fail. 

Raptors are carnivores, and their food base is comprised of fish, mammals, and reptiles. If there is a lack or decline in raptor population, one of the reasons is often lack of prey species. Therefore, these top-level carnivores provide insight into populations of small animals within the parks. 

Some raptors have specific breeding and nesting needs that can indicate something about the functions of the larger system. Bald eagles and northern harriers provide good windows into the ecosystem puzzle, and whether certain areas of the park may be experiencing excess disturbance. From there, we can formulate suggestions about how to promote healthy system functioning. 

Besides these invaluable benefits, raptors are amazing, charismatic creatures that are relatively easy and a whole lot of fun to monitor! It’s a great way to learn about the ecosystem and get volunteers involved in public land stewardship and management.

Seeing a bird of prey in the wild is an incredible experience and one that is quite common in many of our state parks. We want to keep it that way. By staying on top of the whereabouts, behaviors and populations of the raptors that call our parks home, we can plan ahead when considering land use and recreation changes. By protecting their territory and allowing them their space, we carry on the opportunity to spot a raptor for generations to come. 

Responsibilities:

1.) Must become trained as Raptor Monitor by CPW Resource Stewardship and able to make at least a 1-year commitment

2.) Intermediate raptor identification skills and access to necessary equipment such as binoculars or a spotting scope required.

3.) Become familiar with a particular State Park and observe raptors during both the winter and the summer nesting season twice per month.

4.) Use email and computers to enter data and communicate with the project managers.

5.) During the winter, travel around the park on a regular basis, visiting winter monitoring points and following a standardized monitoring protocol to observe and record raptor activity. During the summer, identify and monitor raptor nests. Follow a standardized monitoring protocol to observe and record raptor nesting activity. Complete raptor monitoring datasheet for every formal observation and enter data in online database.

6.) Attend meetings and training events.

7.) Have a good time and get recognized for your efforts!

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

- Have own transportation and be willing to travel to site

- Ability to walk the site. Length and level of difficulty of getting to site varies by park. Some require only minimal walking. Others require traversing sometimes difficult and unmarked terrain (such as at State Forest, Mueller, Spinney/Eleven Mile, Staunton, Eldorado, and Golden Gate).

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Help collect data on the biodiversity of herptiles within our state park system! CPW is collaborating with the Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (COPARC) to better understand the current state of herptiles within Colorado. The Resource Stewardship Program at CPW manages the State Parks herptile community science monitoring project, and has partnered with COPARC to provide training opportunities to volunteers, staff, and visitors to assist in ecological monitoring.

The herptile community science monitoring program is currently being built from the ground up, with future program updates to come. Volunteers should have a keen knowledge of reptiles and amphibians and be able to identify species that exist in the desired state park. Contact staff to see how you could help build this program!

Responsibilities:

1.) Must become trained as Herptile Monitor by CPW Resource Stewardship and able to make at least a 1-year commitment.

2.) A willingness to learn and identify herptiles down to species.  Training workshops will be available to all volunteers.

3.) Become familiar with a particular State Park and monitor for herptiles at least twice a year.

4.) Collect data in the field using paper or digital applications.  Enter data into the database via a computer and communicate survey results or questions to project managers.

5.) Attend meetings and training events.

6.) Have a good time and get recognized for your efforts!

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

- Have own transportation and be willing to travel to site

- Ability to walk survey sites over uneven terrain. Length and level of difficulty of getting to site varies by park. Some require only minimal walking. Others require traversing sometimes difficult and unmarked terrain (such as at State Forest, Mueller, Spinney/Eleven Mile, Staunton, Eldorado, and Golden Gate).

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Help collect data on the biodiversity of state parks! iNaturalist is a mobile app and online network where you can record what you see in nature, meet other nature enthusiasts, and learn about the natural world. The Resource Stewardship Program at CPW manages the State Parks NatureFinder project, which provides volunteers, staff, and visitors the opportunity to assist in ecological monitoring.

To participate, simply download the free iNaturalist app on your mobile device or visit iNaturalist.org to set up a free account, then join the State Park NatureFinder project by visiting https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/state-parks-naturefinder and clicking "Join this project" in the upper right corner. Observations or identifications need to be within the boundaries of a Colorado State Park.

State Parks NatureFinder Project Terms & Rules:

- Remember to always be respectful of wildlife and keep these viewing and photography guidelines in mind. By following these guidelines you are helping promote conservation of wildlife and their habitats, as well as the safety of yourself and others! - Wildlife should be viewed/photographed from a safe and respectful distance.

- Use binoculars, spotting scopes, zoom lenses, and viewing blinds to avoid disturbing species.

- Avoid getting close to nests or dens, your presence can disturb breeding and alert predators to nest/den locations.

- Never post locations of nests/dens.

- Stay on trails and roads, tread lightly, and leave plants and animals where you find them.

- Do not use recorded animal calls to attract wildlife.

- If an animal shows any sign of stress, move away.

- Keep pets on leash at all times.

- Do not feed wildlife.

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife values the right of every visitor to experience our state's natural beauty. To provide this opportunity to the disabled community, Ridgway State Park offers the use of the Action Track Chair, floating wheelchair, and inflatable wheelchair paddle board, which allows visitors to explore designated trails in the park. 

The chair allows access to gorgeous park features, sweeping views of the San Juan Mountain Range, a wide variety of fauna, geological and water features and spectacular views of the Cimarron Range.

Responsibilities: 

As a volunteer your responsibilities will be to hike alongside Track Chair participants and ensure they have a safe and educational trip! Training will be provided. Year round opportunities available for summertime and autumn strolls, fall hunts, and snow packed trails on occasion (snowshoes provided). Please contact us for more information.

The floating wheelchair and inflatable wheelchair paddle board are available at our Marina office. They can be reserved just like the track chair. As a volunteer your responsibilities will be to prep, store, and show individuals and families how to operate the equipment at the park.

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Ridgway State Park values the data collection needed to know about current flora and fauna populations at the park. Butterfly monitoring happens annually April-September to capture which butterfly species are migrating and how many are passing through. You would be assigned a monitoring station at the park.

Bird banding happens each September for two weeks and is part of the Audubon's national research. The park hosts school groups during bird banding and at times gives educational training to elementary to high school aged students to participate in the research. Training will be provided. No prior experience needed. 

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Located at the base of the spectacular San Juan Mountains in Western Colorado, and close to Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway, make Ridgway State Park the gateway to a wide range of outdoor natural recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, alpine 4x4 roads, nature photography and much more. Ridgway State Park has 280 campsites, a 1000-acre reservoir, 15 miles of trails, a swim beach, a marina, picnicking areas, and a fly fishing stream.

Responsibilities:

Our volunteer hosts assist campers, maintain the campsites, sell firewood, and help with reservations. Hosts may also help in other sections of the park depending on their skills and interests.

• Provide excellent customer service to rental customers and visitors to the park.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed by customers and team members.
• Seek assistance as needed from emergency personnel.
• Serve as a team member in a positive and friendly manner that fosters a high level of success for the overall park operations and an enjoyable marina atmosphere.
• Ensure all proper financial and safety forms have been completed by the customers and forwarded to the finance department in a timely manner daily.
• Inspect and maintain the rental slips, buoys, and boating craft daily with fuel, cleaning and repairs as needed.
• Require all rental craft are ready for use prior to their reservations by customers.
• Be neat, presentable and in uniform.
• Operate computer for financial and administrative transactions.

Site elevation:

6,800 ft.

0 opening for summer 2024.

We are looking for couples or pairs and will discuss Solo applicants on a case-by-case basis

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Ridgway State Park is fortunate enough to have a Group Events Facility and an Overlook at the park that is rented May-September for 1-4 events each weekend. Event types range from company picnics, weddings, wedding receptions, birthday parties, family reunions, celebration of life ceremonies, and more. The group sizes range from 10-250 people at each event. Group Event Facilities can be rented any day 9am-9pm and the Overlook/Conference Room can be rented anytime during business hours.

Responsibilities: 

This position would greet the group, answer questions, go through a check-in/check-out procedure, and at times, sell day passes for groups in the Visitor Center parking lot. No clean up or set up duties. 

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Support the set up/tear down of large education events at the park where school groups or partner organizations come to the park for a day. 

 

 

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Support public outreach through archery programs. Work one-on-one with all ages to teach introductory archery skills. Must attend at least one instructor course.

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The Friends of Ridgway State Park (FRSP) is a non-profit group which supports Ridgway State Park in many ways. They are particularly involved in supporting the parks' education programs community relationships, and special projects. Friends members may also volunteer in other areas of the park.

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Volunteers who serve on the Friends of Ridgway State Park Board are particularly involved in environmental education and interpretation, community relations and special projects. The Friends of Ridgway State Park (FRSP) is a non-profit group which supports Ridgway State Park in many ways. Board Members of the Friends of Ridgway State Park provide the leadership and guidance to the Friends group.

The Friends Board meets monthly (except November-January) and determine what projects or programs they are working on and would like to support. They work collaboratively with the State Park staff and provide valuable community input, innovation, and enthusiasm about the park and the surrounding area.

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Assist Ridgway State Park with maintaining the beauty and safety of the park by helping with building and grounds maintenance, special construction projects, equipment maintenance and repair, and trail support.

Responsibilities:

• Clean grounds and facilities
• Special and seasonal maintenance
• Construction projects
• Vehicle repairs
• Trail maintenance

Elevation:

 6800 feet

Looking for 1 host for the 2024 season!

Couples/Pairs preferred.  Individuals, families with children, and people who are still working/in their careers (e.g. working remotely) will still be considered. Volunteers are permitted to have pets.

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Put your passion for interpretation and environmental education to use by helping kids of all ages become more aware of the world around them while encouraging them to become active stewards of our precious resources.

Responsibilities:

Naturalist/Education volunteers assist the park interpreter with assigned programs and projects. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• preparing and presenting park interpretive programs including campfire talks
• nature walks
• arts and crafts children's activities
• assisting with multi-media shows and living history programs
• assisting with special park programs and events
• preparing and conducting Jr. Ranger programs and assisting with fishing days and archery clinics
• help prepare and conduct school and group programs
• conducting roving interpretive patrols in campgrounds, on park trails, and at park facilities.
• producing artwork or graphic designs for publications, signs, flyers, or exhibits.
• marketing and advertising park programs.
• assisting with writing and editing newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and manuals.
• volunteers may live in the local community or stay on-site if park has the sites available.

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This volunteer position would support Ridgway State Park presence at community outreach events to answer questions about Colorado Parks and Wildlife and build community relationships. 

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Do you have a specialized expertise, skill, or interest that you would like to share with Ridgway State Park? If so please contact us and share your ideas. We are always willing to discuss any potential volunteer projects on the park.

In the past we have worked with many talented people that have offered assistance and expertise on many special projects and assisted with building and maintaining many of the programs run by Ridgway State Park.

Responsibilities: 

In the past Special Interest / Program Support volunteers have:

• Completed research projects
• Completed Eagle Scout projects
• Worked on park photography and completed other art projects
• Assisted with water quality monitoring
• Completed and assisted with fish & wildlife biology projects
• Assisted with the park recycling program
• Completed, assisted, and provided technical guidance on weed, forestry, GIS, geology, mapping, and historical projects
• Helped with public safety and awareness issues
• Assisted with boating, snowmobiling, and OHV safety and registration programs
• Provided training or other technical assistance to park staff and other volunteers
• Assisted with special events.

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Assist with design, construction, and maintenance of park trails. Serve as crew member or crew leader on trail construction. Renovation and maintenance. Design or install trail signage. Participate in prearranged trail or maintenance days.

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Assist Ridgway State Park with a variety of clerical, general office support duties, or fee collection. This position is perfect for a volunteer who enjoys interacting with people, has good customer service and communication skills, and who enjoys working in a retail sales environment.

Responsibilities:

• Answer phones
• Assist visitors
• Sell park passes
• Retail sales
• Restocking inventory
• Other tasks as assigned

Elevation:

6800 feet

Looking for 1 host for the 2024 season!

Couples/Pairs preferred.  Individuals, families with children, and people who are still working/in their careers (e.g. working remotely) will still be considered. Hosts are permitted to have pets.

 

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Includes checking bluebird nest boxes every 7-14 days, counting chicks, counting survival, and entering information into NestWatch.com. Role could also include building and installing more boxes throughout Rifle Gap State Park (materials provided).

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Rifle Falls is a majestic and beautiful park nestled in a box canyon behind the grand hogback in western Colorado! A trio of waterfalls, lush vegetation and a series of small caves helped Rifle Falls State Park earn a reputation as one of Colorado's best parks.

Responsibilities:

Volunteer camp hosts are needed in the winter time and may help greet visitors and provide information, complete light maintenance (changing trash bags, cleaning sites, and restrooms), and other special projects to support staff and visitors.

Both Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls strive to provide the very best experience to the visitors possible, and we could not do that without our camp host volunteers! Our hosts are more of a family than anything else.

Site elevation:

6,000-6,600 ft

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Maintenance projects at Rifle Falls State Park

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A park naturalist can research and present programs to the general public including day and evening hikes or day and evening programs, staff an education table exhibit at Rifle Falls State Park on the weekends, lead school group programs on site, and greet and answer questions for park visitors

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Opportunities may include: serving in the entrance gate, general maintenance and carpentry, trail building and maintenance, and volunteer patrol.

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The trail crew cuts in new trails and cleans up after trail dozers.This is a physical volunteer role that involves the use of various hand tools such as rakes, shovels and chainsaws. Once a section of trail is complete, there is the need for ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

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This position at Rifle Gap State Park provides information to visitors about Rifle Gap and the surrounding area. Attendants collect fees for camping and daily entrance fees, bookstore items, boat registrations, etc.

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River Watch is a statewide volunteer monitoring program that generates water quality data on rivers around the state and utilizes this high value data to educate individuals and inform decision makers about the condition of Colorado’s waters. Those who can participate include individual volunteers, teachers, school groups, and conservation organizations. Real People, Real Science, Real Purpose.

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River Watch is a program that provides equipment to schools and adult groups to monitor rivers in their community. This data is used in water management decisions. The program manages lots of equipment and data and needs assistance at CPW Denver Headquarters.

Requirements:

We are looking for a one year commitment that equates to 3-4 hours per month to help process samples and manage inventory, equipment, and data. Work at CPW Denver Headquarters must be done on weekdays but can be flexible each month as long as consistent. No experience necessary, and all training will be provided. Basic Microsoft excel experience preferred, all other training will be provided.

Additionally, we manage data from macroinvertebrate analysis to chemical data and routinely update reports summarizing the data by watershed. We are looking for volunteers able to work remotely 5-10 hours per month on data analysis, report writing and website updates (wordpress). 

Please sign up, and then email Megan McConville to take the next step to volunteer. Thank you.

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Now it is easier than ever to join our volunteer program and help make a difference in the park! Join as a General Volunteer and you can sign up to help in events and projects that require a group effort. This can include helping with:

• Set up and take down public events on weekends
• Removing weeds or maintaining trails with our Weed Warriors and Trails Team
• Special projects like inventorying historical artifacts
• Greeting visitors during events or running an arts and crafts table for visitors

All volunteers start as General Volunteers once the required orientation and training is completed. After becoming a General Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to apply and join the training for other volunteer positions in the park if you would like.

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Protect our natural and cultural resources by helping maintain the facilities and grounds. The most popular Park Maintenance positions are:

• Trails Team - building new trails in the park, as well as maintaining and trimming all existing trails.
• Weed Warriors - manually remove invasive and noxious weeds in the park to protect the natural landscape.
• Garden Maintenance - curate and maintain the native garden on the patio of the Visitor Center.

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Welcome visitors entering the park and at the Visitor Center, while providing information and selling passes and merchandise. Our Visitor Services volunteers help in the entrance station and the Visitor Center where you would questions and give trail condition updates and recommendations. These are customer service positions and volunteers are a friendly face to all who visit the park.

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Assist Salida area staff on habitat improvements, fencing and construction projects, adopt-a-trail ambassadors, invasive species removal, irrigation and planting projects.

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For those with an interest and familiarity of birds, volunteers will adopt local nest boxes throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley to monitor Bluebird house/nesting sites.

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Volunteer help is needed to do regular maintenance projects such as picking up trash, changing out targets, and cleaning restrooms, once or twice per month.

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Maintain ditches, irrigate fields, clear obstructions. A fair amount of walking and physical exercise is required.

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Volunteers adopt a section of trail to trim trees, mow and weed eat, pick up trash, and other general maintenance. Also maintain signage.

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Assist biologists with miscellaneous aquatic projects including inventories, electro shocking, gillnetting, walleye spawn, and other projects around the southeast region.

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Volunteers are needed to assist with fishing events throughout SE Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Lamar and Salida. Assist with school groups, large events for all ages, and fishing derbys. We have an annual need for assembling, fixing, and rigging fishing poles and other equipment maintenance. Must have good people skills with the ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.

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Assist with School programs, general education programs for the public, and other education equipment maintenance support. Must have good public speaking skills. Must be comfortable teaching all ages, including young children.

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CPW Festival Ambassadors assist with tables, booths, and other community outreach events. Topics and themes vary, such as bighorn sheep, birding festivals, utilizing skins and skulls, trivia wheel, and other engagement tools. Events may occur on State Properties or at other community venues. Must have great people skills with the ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.

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The CPW archery program teaches international-style target archery to members of the public using steps that are safe and encourage success. Volunteer archery instructors teach events and class participants, both youth and adults, archery using CPW established curriculum. Archery events for CPW include structured classes, school programs, and large scale, free-flowing events where participants are only engaged for a few minutes. Volunteer instructors usually work as a team with other instructors.

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Volunteer archery instructors teach students archery using the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) curriculum. This utilizes international-style target archery, focusing on steps that are safe and encourage success. Archery events for CPW include structured classes within the schools or school programs at other locations. Volunteer instructors usually serve as a team with other instructors.

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Volunteers assist with CPW's kokanee salmon spawning operations in Durango and Dolores. The work is 'light duty' in nature- assisting with gathering fish, washing eggs, and counting the number of kokanee spawns.

Those assisting should bring a sack lunch, water, sunscreen, & warm clothes (including rain gear, hat, gloves, etc.). Volunteers will need to provide their own transportation. The crew usually gets started around 10 am and finish around 2 pm (with travel, Dolores tends to be 9 am to about 4 pm from Durango).

For Dolores spawning operation the group will meet in Durango at 9 am at the Area Service Center located at 151 E. 16th Street (the Fish Hatchery just North of Main Street Bridge). Typically 3-4 volunteers are needed per day.

For Lake Nighthorse the group will meet at the Durango Area Service Center at 9:30 am or at the entrance gate located 1.7 miles on CR 210 at about 9:45 am. Typically 3-4 volunteers per day are needed.

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Support aquatic biology staff within the Gunnison area - most often assistance with kokanee spawning operations in the raceways at Roaring Judy Hatchery. On the spot training; no experience required. Waders, a rain jacket, and gloves will be provided if needed.

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Support CPW Staff and the Outdoor Understanding for Teachers (OUT) professional development program in the Southwest Region. Volunteers may assist in leading a variety of CPW education/outreach programs for teachers and/or students during the school year.

Programs may include:

• school field trips
• academic programs
• interpretive programs
• and/or outdoor skill programs (such as archery and fishing).

Year-round support may include educational or logistical assistance at teacher trainings and/or community outreach events.

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Special Projects. Annual Events. Assist with Interpretation/Education.

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Volunteer will help in managing the park by offering administrative, resource management and customer service to visitors of the park.

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What's the Problem?

Invasive wildlife are plants, animals, insects or diseases that are not native to Colorado and have harmful negative effects on the environment and the economy. They are introduced accidentally or intentionally outside of their native range. Because they are not native to Colorado, they have no natural competitors or have predators and are able to reproduce rapidly to out-compete native species.

As habitat is destroyed, wildlife that depends on the habitat disappears as well. Invasive species damage Colorado's natural resources in many ways.

• Invasive weeds outcompete native plants for food, space, light and nutrients.
• Consume enormous amounts of water, reducing the water supply for livestock, wildlife, native vegetation, and humans.
• Alter food chains and reduce biodiversity.
• Hurt the economy ($200 billion is the cost of ecological damage and control of invasive species per year in the United States).
• Ruin recreation opportunities and damage or impair infrastructure.

How Can You Help?

Restore balance to the beautiful natural area of St. Vrain State Park by flagging, cutting, pulling, and digging nasty invaders like thistle, mullein, and Russian Olive.

Volunteers are provided with any equipment needed (tools, uniform shirt, uniform hat), as well as in-person and in-field training from park staff.

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Stagecoach State Park is a hidden gem in the Yampa Valley only 20 minutes South of Steamboat Springs and 10 minutes West of Oak Creek. Our staff is a great team that is easy to work with and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and participate in other areas of the park including, but not limited to, education, boating and wildlife viewing.

CPW is looking for one campground hosts for Stagecoach State Park's 2025 summer season!

Requirements:

All volunteer host applicants should have good customer service and people skills, general clerical skills, and general RV and camping knowledge. Park staff will provide training on specific duties and policies as needed. Hosts are responsible to walk their loop twice per day when on duty.

Responsibilities:

• Greeting guests, providing information or offering other assistance to park visitors, and validating reservations.
• Clean campsites after they are vacated and perform basic landscaping duties.
• Report incidents or situations requiring ranger attention to on duty law enforcement staff as needed.
• All maintenance issues will be reported in writing to the park resource technician.
• Advertise, maintain a change fund, keep records of and sell firewood to campers on behalf of the Stagecoach Friends Group.
• Under direction from the park resource technician, maintain the Day Use Area closest to their site to include collecting trash, cleaning fire grills, trail maintenance, mowing and weed control as required.

Site elevation:

7,250 ft.

Couples with children are considered, and hosts are permitted to bring pets.

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Revenue and customer service volunteers will serve three, 8-hour shifts per week at the Park Office or Park Entrance Station.

Responsibilities:

• answering phones
• greeting and assisting park visitors with park and local area information as well as campsite reservations
• selling parks passes, camping permits, registrations, and wildlife licenses
• balancing shift boxes as needed
• counting self serve revenue
• monitoring radio communications
• serving at the Park Office information desk
• assisting with word processing and data entry on computers
• filing and other clerical tasks as needed
• design and prepare displays for bulletin boards
• marketing and advertising park programs
• assisting with writing and editing brochures, fact sheets, and manuals
• producing artwork or graphic designs for publications, signs or flyers and assisting with special events as needed.

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