Recreation Ranger

Service Dates: April 20, 2026 – July 30, 2026 

Average Hours per Week: 40 

Days/Hours of Service: 4/10 Hour shifts

Minimum # of Hours to Complete Term: 450 Hours minimum

About Blue Elements Watershed Stewards: Blue Elements Watershed Stewards are committed to increasing community resilience in the face of changing water conditions by supporting sustainable access to one of Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. AmeriCorps members will support organizations serving the water education and monitoring sectors in the Arkansas River Valley and beyond. Members may provide water education to youth and adults, complete watershed management projects, and support water quality monitoring projects.

About the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a river-based state park that encompasses 152 miles of river corridor between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park. The AHRA is co-managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States. The most common activities in the park are rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and gold panning. 

About the position: The Watershed Stewards position with the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) provides a unique opportunity to engage in watershed education, stewardship, and outdoor recreation management within one of Colorado’s most significant river corridors. Working in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service, the member will play an active role in educating the public about natural resource conservation and resilient recreation, while gaining hands-on experience in river and land management.

This position offers comprehensive training in First Aid/CPR and Swiftwater Rescue and provides field experience in emergency response, swiftwater rescue operations, trail construction, and naturalist programming. The member will serve as a Recreation Ranger, conducting both land- and river-based education, assisting with river stewardship and cleanup projects, and supporting the development of environmental education programs for youth and adults.

Primary Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Environmental Education for natural resources and sustainable recreation
• Conduct land and river based education as a Recreation Ranger
• Assist in emergency responses, including swiftwater rescue operations
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Support the development and delivery of naturalist programming for youth and/or adult audiences
• Support watershed stewardship activities, including:
• Public education to encourage balancing river health and human activities, including teaching visitors about proper waste removal, utilizing a fire pan, and Leave No Trace principles
• Assisting the CPW aquatics section as it relates to monitoring the fishery
• Supporting projects that address erosion issues and noxious vegetation removal
• Learning land management tools that promote a healthy watershed
• Supporting river clean up events

Trainings Provided:

• First Aid/CPR
• Leave No Trace
• River Watch Water Quality Monitoring
• Experiential Education
• Volunteer & Stewardship Project Coordination
• Swiftwater Rescue

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Pursuing or completed higher education in the natural resources or outdoor recreation fields
• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities and responsible recreation best practices
• Passionate about engaging communities in watershed stewardship
• Experience with river safety and navigation helpful
• Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a variety of teams and participants
• Comfortable using technology for communication and record keeping
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, squat, kneel, sit for several hours at a time. Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 lbs. Ability to safely use hand tools and other outdoor related equipment. Reasonable accommodations available

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications: 

• At least 18 years old at start of service
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202

Physical Demands and Service Environment:  This position is based at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area in Salida, Colorado. The position will entail travel throughout the 152 mile stretch of the state park along the Arkansas River on both land and water. A valid driver’s license is required.  Gear and training will be provided for whitewater activities. Expert swimming skills are not necessary, but it is required to wear a personal floatation device at all times during water based activities. The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors in potentially inclement weather, with temperatures ranging from freezing to near 100. The position may involve frequently working with children and community members.

Watershed Stewards AmeriCorps Program Benefits: 

• Living Allowance- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of up to $5,400.00 paid out bi-monthly at $771.43 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Housing Stipend- AmeriCorps member(s) will receive a total stipend of $2,100 paid out bi-monthly at $300.00 per pay period over the course of the term. Taxes are deducted and the housing stipend is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• Education Award / Tuition Assistance– AmeriCorps member(s) can receive an Education Award upon successful completion of service in the amount of $1,956.35. This can be used to pay back student loans or further your education.
• All members receive professional development and training. Mileage reimbursement is paid for travel to required trainings.
• All members may be eligible for the Federal Assistance Program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
  ● All members may qualify for student loan forbearance while in service.
  ● Alumni benefits may include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

Blue Elements Watershed Stewards is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, sex, origin, and ability to apply. Our service culture embraces—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives, contributions and experiences of all our members.