TEMPORARY INTERNSHIP Hatchery Aide- Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (7 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $18.00 PER HOUR

EMPLOYMENT STARTS 05/04/2026 THROUGH 11/30/2026.
This application is for all, current, open seasonal positions at the park. Please select which position(s) you are applying for.
To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early.The mission of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)Our Mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The Hatchery Internship position is designed to be a learning opportunity for individuals interested in a career in natural resources and more specifically in wildlife and/or aquaculture. Work schedule will be Thursdays through Mondays, 8 hours a day 5 days a week. The purpose of this position is to assist Hatchery Technicians with the many aspects of fish husbandry, stocking of State waters, as well as property maintenance. The intern will also be asked to work Saturdays and Sundays mainly in our visitor center; greeting the public, handing out fish food to visitors, answering questions to the best of their knowledge and maintaining clean restrooms. Skills that the intern will attain in fish husbandry are: feeding fish, calculating proper feed amounts, fish counts, fish waste management, transportation of live fish by sustaining an artificial environment in a transport tank, observing proper stocking procedures, egg handling, disease monitoring and treatment, and adhering to correct biosecurity practices. Outside of fish husbandry, interns can expect to learn to use power tools (chainsaws/lawnmowers/trimmers/drills/saws etc.), proper heavy equipment operation, equipment maintenance and much more.

• Fish Culture: Produce trout by anticipating and manipulating the rearing environment to include nutrition and feeding, hatching eggs, picking eggs/ sac-fry, counting, weighing, cleaning and disinfecting of rearing areas, and precise record keeping.
• Stocking:Interns will be asked to assist Hatchery Technicians in stocking state waters, which may sometimes include: all day travel and running nets of fish from the truck to the receiving water.
• Buildings and Grounds Maintenance:Performs the following tasks: spraying weeds, mowing, trimming, painting, cleaning, digging, and general up-keep on buildings and grounds around the hatchery and wildlife areas.
• Greeter at the Visitor Center:The Rifle Falls Hatchery receives over 100+ visitors a day on weekends. Duties on Saturdays and Sundays will be to answer questions accurately while keeping a professional demeanor and conveying CPW’s mission to preserve and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Maintain the visitor center bathrooms keeping them stocked and clean. Hand out fish food to visitors that would like to feed the fish.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: This position will have housing available. Please inquire if interested.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a current & valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle.
• The work-site will provide some uniform items, however the employee may be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense. Temporary employees are asked to provide their own work boots and warm clothing (warm layers, coat, etc.)
• Applicants may be subject to successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
• Must be willing and able to work 40 hours per week. Must be willing to work weekends, with a schedule of Thursdays-Mondays.
• Must be able to lift 50-60 pounds repeatedly during the course of a workday.
• Possess strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Possess strong customer service skills and be able to greet 100+ visitors a day on weekends maintaining a professional demeanor, answering the public’s questions and explaining the hatchery’s purpose as it pertains to CPW’s goals and overall mission.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and work well within a team.
• Must be willing and able to climb in and out of raceways and under trucks to perform job functions.
• Must be willing and able to work outside which may involve inclement weather.
• Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural Resources degree or similar education.

• Pursuant to theDNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

  To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

  • Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

  • Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

  • Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator atdnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.

ADAAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.usat least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

E-Verify employer:

The Department of Natural Resources participates inE-Verifyin accordance with the program'sRight to Workfor all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.Learn moreabout E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.

HOW TO APPLY:Thank you for your interest. Submit an on-line application by clicking the link below or submit a State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and all supplemental questions according to the instructions provided below. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed above.