Regional Inspection Lead – Arkansas River Watercraft Inspector & Decontaminator

Job Summary

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) – PAYING $20.50 PER HOUR. EMPLOYMENT STARTS 03/17/2026 THROUGH 12/05/2026.

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.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is dedicated to perennial stewardship of wildlife resources, providing quality state parks, and sustainable outdoor recreation. Our mission is to perpetuate the state’s wildlife resources, offer a quality state parks system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

Position will be responsible for oversight of watercraft inspection & decontamination stations throughout the Arkansas Valley and southeast Colorado. The area lead will assist with recruitment, interviewing and hiring of watercraft inspection & decontamination staff, obtain state certification, and provide on‑the‑job training.

Additional duties include scheduling, accurate time‑keeping, payroll submission to ANS Program Office, addressing staff/customer challenges, staffing recommendations, equipment provisioning, quality control assessments, data entry verification, inventory management, basic maintenance and troubleshooting, public outreach on aquatic invasive species, and participation in regular meetings.

• Minimum 1 year of experience in the ANS or invasive species field.
• Current (Stage II) certification in Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination.
• Experience performing boat inspections and decontaminations.
• Experience working with the public in a customer‑service related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills.
• Excellent driving record and ability to work weekends, early mornings, and evenings.
• Ability to travel and be away from home every week if needed.
• Employee may be required to camp in rustic settings and must provide own camping equipment and gear when performing biological field work.

Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences or comparable work experience.

Pursuant to the policy, any worker who will be expected to drive a State‑owned vehicle must maintain a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving. 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 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. All qualified applicants are afforded employment opportunities 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), in accordance with applicable law.

Any person with a disability can request reasonable accommodations at least five business days before the required date. Contact the ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_ for assistance.

The Department of Natural Resources participates in E‑Verify. New employees must complete I‑9 and submit original documents to verify eligibility.

For application support, call NEOGOV at 855‑524‑5627, Mon‑Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).

State of Colorado