ABOUT THE YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
(YIP)
CPW’s Youth Internship Program (YIP) employs and develops the next generation of Natural
Resource Professionals and recruits new, diverse talent into the CPW workforce. We accept
people of all ages who are in the early stages of their career path or career transition.
A Focus on Career Exploration
YIP is unique in that it’s not just a job... It is designed for career exploration, mentorship,
and skills development. While you’ll have some primary job responsibilities, we want you
to go out and explore! Depending on your interests, this might include shadowing
biologists, going on ride-alongs with Park Rangers and Wildlife Officers, visiting fish
hatcheries, helping at education and outreach events, assisting with trail or restoration
projects, and more. This is a great opportunity for someone who knows they are
interested in a Natural Resources career but wants to learn more about different options.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position is a multifaceted position designed to expose the intern to every part of a state park while also providing interpretive events both in person and on social media. The intern will spend at least one day at each department of the park (maintenance, ANS boat inspections, park ranger, and customer service at the Visitor Center and marina). The intern will also provide in-person interpretive events such as talks, tables, guided hikes and more. Finally, the intern will use their experiences working with park staff and park visitors to create social media posts that educate and inspire online. The intern will also have opportunities to work off-park, visiting fish hatcheries or working with local wildlife officers or biologists.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Intern’s time will be divided between all sections of the park with a weekly schedule that will include:
? Create, post, and manage social media and physical media, such as posters, to promote park events, offer fun facts and figures, and build awareness of state parks and CPW.
? Plan and hold interpretive and volunteer events during holidays and busy weekends, such as fishing or archery clinics.
? Provide customer service, sell park passes, make camping reservations and licenses.
? Inspect and decontaminate boats.
? Provide boat, mooring ball, and marina rentals.
? Assist park rangers in operating boats and performing boat tows and rescues. Promote water safety, life jacket rentals, and boat safety classes.
? Perform light maintenance duties, including tree planting and watering, trail maintenance, and graffiti and trash removal.
? Track and log visitation, gather and interpret survey results and feedback.
? Build and create partnerships, visit schools and libraries.
? If over 21 and interested in law enforcement: can include the ability to issue Title 33 citations and warnings.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
? Good attention to detail
? Outstanding organizational skills
? Excellent written & verbal communication skills
? Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
? Self-motivated and able to balance multiple responsibilities while working independently
? Willingness to engage with people with diverse racial, ethnic, gender identity, ability, political, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
? An interest in learning about career availability with Colorado Parks & Wildlife
? Passion for natural resources, conservation, the environment, equity in the outdoors, and/or similar areas.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
? Skilled in using Google Workspace
? Skilled in creating engaging social media posts
? Background in environmental education, social media, administrative assistance, event coordination, customer service, and/or communications.
? An interest in learning about natural resources, biology, and customer service
HOW TO APPLY:
Send your resume and cover letter to kaeti.lehnus@state.co.us by May 15, 2026. We welcome lived, educational, and work experiences. Your cover letter should include:
? Why are you interested in this specific position?
? How does this position fit in with your long-term goals?
? What makes you a unique fit beyond what we can see in your resume?
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.
