Position Title: Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Wildlife Technician - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps - Four Corners, Durango

Site Location: Durango CPW Office, 415 Turner Dr. Durango CO, 810301

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 02/09/2026
• End Date: 04/17/2026
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 300 Hours
• Position is dependent on grant funding

Purpose:

This AmeriCorps program partners with the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) staff at local field offices throughout southern Colorado. This AmeriCorps position is under direct mentorship and technical guidance of the Durango CPW office with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps. CPW has an overall missions to “perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

This AmeriCorps position will be integrated alongside the CPW staff and will be focused on gathering crucial data that will be used to guide mountain lion management across Southwest Colorado. CPW stives to ensure that mountain lions continue to exist in stable numbers in western Colorado for current and future generations to enjoy through hunting, occasional observation and for their scientific, ecological, and aesthetic value. The need for more reliable information on mountain lion density has become increasingly apparent since CPW started a commitment to monitor density in 2021. Obtaining these density estimates will improve the ability to manage mountain lions, model lion habitat and projected abundance in a resource selection function (RSF) estimate.

Description of Duties:

• Under direct supervision from CPWs Wildlife Biologists, capture and radio collar lions
• Collect roadkill deer and elk to be used for bating lions
• Select and monitor bait sites
• Participate in house chases of lions
• Assist in removing immobilized lions from trees as needed
• Gather and record physiological data from captured lions
• Assist with collaring and tagging lions
• Set up and mange electronic call boxes and remote cameras
• Maintain necessary equipment throughout project such as snowmobiles, ATVs, traps, remote cameras and capture kits

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:

• Slips, trips, falls with uneven and variable terrain
• Freezing winter temperatures and inclement weather
• 4WD driving in inclement weather
• Injuries to face, arms, and hands

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident
• At least 17 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Per grant funding requirements, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology/management or a related field
• Previous experience working with wildlife, specifically wild cats
• Experience and knowledge of working and/or recreation in outoor and wilderness environments

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve on an eight-hour five days a week schedule Monday through Friday but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an in-depth orientation provided by Southwest Conservation Corps that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Partner agency will provide appropriate orientation and training(s) for field activities

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,565.08
• Living Allowance of $500 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $280 per week.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Professional development opportunities with both SCC and CPW
• Two SCC field shirts

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Niki Antonio: Individual Placement Manager | nantonio@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.