Park Ranger Intern

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

01/31/26

Division:

Open Space Division

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility:

This position is non-benefit eligible and must work no more than 130 hours per calendar month.

Description:

Jefferson County is currently looking to hire a Park Ranger Intern. This position provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges.    
   

The Park Ranger Intern provides work assistance to the Park Ranger team at Jefferson County Parks and Open Space. The Ranger Intern will also complete a self-guided project by the end of the internship period.

  

SCHEDULE:

This is a temporary position scheduled for 8 weeks and requires full on-site support 3 days per week to be worked from 8 AM - 4 PM with flexibility allowed for chosen days. Prior to the start of the summer internship, one full day of training on Sunday, April 12, 2026, is required.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $20.00 – $21.00 USD Hourly 

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.

BENEFITS:

Please note that this is a temporary, non-benefited position scheduled to work approximately 20-24 hours per week. There is no holiday pay. Employees are able to earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Work with Park Ranger FTO’s and other Rangers as assigned to gain experience in the field duties and operations of a large Ranger team. This may include field projects, regular patrolling duties as assigned, medicals, search and rescue operations, learning emergency accesses, etc.
• Assist the Ranger education team and learn the coordination and operation of an education program at Lookout Mountain Nature Center. This may include school programs, pop-up booths, Camp Junior Rangers, public programs, and admin duties as assigned.
• Take personal initiative in gaining stewardship education experience by doing solo patrols when not with Ranger team.
• Assist with visitor count surveys when not with Ranger team.

REQUIRED TRAININGS:

• Receive training in stewardship education and authority of the resource contacts by attending the Park Patroller Training in April.
• Receive a CPR/First-Aid Certification by attending the Park Patroller Training, if not already attained by an outside agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in hiking and/or mountain biking.
• Awareness of current events and management issues in Jeffco Parks & Open Space.
• Experience guiding and/or managing youth.
• Interns must have completed or be enrolled in a program with a relevant degree.

Skills, qualities and attributes that will lead to success in this role include: 

• Possess strong interpersonal skills, including approaching staff and visitors in a friendly manner.
• Have a commitment to the mission and goals of Jefferson County Parks and Open Space.
• Must possess good decision-making skills, and ability to communicate with appropriate staff as needed.
• Possess physical ability to work outdoors, in various weather conditions and on natural surface terrain.
• Provide own mode of transportation, appropriate outdoor clothing and gear.
• Be on time and attend all scheduled shifts.
• Interns are expected to project a positive image of the Park Ranger program and therefore must abide by the rules and regulations of Jeffco Parks and Open Space Parks, both on AND off-duty.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact careertalent@jeffco.us. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates. 

• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position. 
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer. 
• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday.
• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities

A resume and cover letter submitted with your application is encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal.   

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Experience:

:

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:

Enforcement & Protective Services