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Colorado Division of Wildlife Begins Wildlife Officer Recruitment Sessions

It’s about this time every year that Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) human resources personnel and wildlife officers take to the road in search of aspiring wildlife professionals interested in embarking on a life-long career with the DOW. Those individuals hoping to land a position as a Wildlife Manager with the agency are advised to attend one of the upcoming Wildlife Manager informational presentations. The sessions focus on minimum qualifications, the testing process, timeline and the best strategies to prepare for the various tests.

“We’re looking for the best qualified applicants to join one of the top wildlife agencies in the country. Our goal is to hire up to 14 district wildlife managers,” said John Hood, Area Wildlife Manager and Acting Training Officer with the DOW. “Anyone who has any interest in the position is strongly encouraged to attend to find out more about the hiring process and the position itself.” 

For the past five years, DOW representatives have organized public presentations to discuss the testing and hiring process for entry-level wildlife manager positions. This year, they will be available for questions at eleven informational sessions around the state.  

“The presentation is an in-depth explanation of all the different exams, what to expect and how to increase your chances of making it to the top of the hiring list,” said DOW Acting Human Resources Manager, Rita Laitres. “Basically, the session is all about taking the surprise element out of the testing process. The talk combined with the handouts, offers a generous serving of information that is very beneficial for applicant.”  

The DOW has a rich tradition of recruiting talented and dedicated professionals to manage Colorado’s wildlife resources. In working to maintain this tradition, the hiring process for this entry-level position is rigorous and competitive. Anyone interested in applying for these positions must meet the minimum qualifications: a degree in natural resources or a related degree in biology, wildlife management, environmental science, range management or zoology.  

Laitres stressed that a good strategy to successfully maneuver through the intensive testing process would be to attend one of the many recruitment presentations scheduled in October. Many current wildlife trainees agree.  

“I found the presentation to be very helpful as it gave me a clear understanding of the hiring process and realistic expectations about the wildlife manager position,” said Jonathan Reitz, who graduated from Colorado State University this year and is a current wildlife manager trainee. “But more importantly the seasoned wildlife officers really convened how much they love their job. It was inspiring.”  

The presentations go beyond developing a strategy for the testing process.  

“The information that you learn by attending these seminars is very helpful because you are gaining insight from Wildlife Managers who have already been through the experience,” said Mike Swaro, who graduated from Western State College and is one of the current trainees. “I found these presentations to be very helpful.”  

Todd Smith, another of the DOW’s current trainees who graduated from Colorado State University believes that the presentations are also helpful for learning what is expected from an applicant.  

“The expectations of the job were clearly outlined during the presentation,” said Smith. “There were no surprises down the line as I went through the hiring process and I greatly appreciated that.”  
LOCATIONS, DATES, TIMES OF PRESENTATION SESSIONS  

ALAMOSA, Adams State College, 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, Science and Math Building, Porter Hall, Room 135;  

BOULDER, University of Colorado, 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, N240 Ramaley, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Conference Room;  
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado Division of Wildlife Regional Office, 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 4255 Sinton Road.  

DENVER, Colorado Division of Wildlife Headquarters, 6060 Broadway, Big Horn Room, 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5. Enter through door “C” on south side of the administrative building;  

DENVER, Colorado Division of Wildlife Headquarters, 6060 Broadway, Big Horn Room, 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12. Enter through door “C” on south side of administrative building;  

DURANGO, Fort Lewis College, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, 400 Brendt Hall  

FORT COLLINS, Colorado State University, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10, Wagar, Room 232  

GRAND JUNCTION, Mesa State College, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, Mesa State College Center, Boettcher Room; 

GREELEY, University of Northern Colorado, 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, University Center, Spruce “B” Room  

GUNNISON, Western State College, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 130 Hurst Hall  

PUEBLO, Colorado State University, 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, Life Science Auditorium  

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CONTACT:  RITA LAITRES, (303)291-7485 or rita.laitres@state.co.us  

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