TEMPORARY OHV Trail Crew Member- Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District

State of Colorado
Routt County, CO

THESE ARE TEMPORARY POSITIONS (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $24.00-$25.00 PER HOUR.

Seasonal, full-time field position based out of the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District.

EMPLOYMENT STARTS Season May 18-October 30.


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 OHV Trail Crew Member supports the maintenance, construction, and restoration of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails across the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. This position involves operating dirt bikes and light equipment, such as mini excavators, to access and complete trail projects in remote, high-elevation environments. The role helps ensure that district trail systems remain safe, sustainable, and enjoyable while protecting natural resources.
Primary Duties:
  • Maintain, repair, and improve OHV trails, including tread work, drainage installation, brushing, and hazard removal.
  • Operate dirt bikes to access remote project areas efficiently and safely.
  • Operate mini excavators and other light mechanized equipment for trail reconstruction, tread shaping, drainage features, and small-scale excavation projects.
  • Assist with major trail projects such as reroutes, rockwork, erosion mitigation, and stabilization on routes like Nipple Peak, Slater Park, and areas across California Park. Install and repair signage, gates, barriers, and travel management structures.
  • Support bridge- and infrastructure-related projects, including riprap collection and material hauling.
  • Collect trail assessment data, GPS tracks, photos, and condition information for district planning.
  • Coordinate and work alongside partner crews including RMYC, volunteers, and other Forest Service staff.
  • Follow all Forest Service safety protocols, especially related to OHV and machinery operation. Maintain tools, equipment, dirt bikes, and mini excavators.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
  • Ability to ride dirt bikes safely in variable terrain and conditions.
  • Comfortably operating mini excavators and other mechanized trail equipment in remote sites.
  • Work in high-elevation mountain conditions that may include snow, rain, heat, steep slopes, and uneven terrain.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and perform physical labor for extended periods.
  • Work in both front country and backcountry settings, often during multi-day hitches with remote camping.
  • Qualifications Interest or experience in trail work, OHV riding, equipment operation, recreation management, or natural resources.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a small crew and take directions from supervisors and project leads. Basic knowledge of trail construction and maintenance techniques (training provided). Valid driver's license required; Forest Service OHV and motorcycle training certification will be provided.
  • Strong communication skills and a willingness to engage with partners, volunteers, and forest visitors.

  • Preferred Skills (not required) Experience operating dirt bikes on trails or in backcountry settings. Experience with mini excavators or other small mechanized trail equipment.
  • Trail construction experience including rockwork, drainage features, or tread shaping. Chainsaw or brush saw certification or experience.
  • Wilderness First Aid, First Aid/CPR, or similar certification. Other Details Seasonal, full-time field position based out of the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District. Hourly Rate $24-$25 an hour. Housing Work may include 4-8 day hitches, overnight travel, and remote project camps. Season May 18-October 30


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.


The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.

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.

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