Get Involved: Larimer County Open Space - Volunteer Ranger Assistant

Volunteer Ranger Assistant

Description:

Recruitment for this role is closed. 

Volunteer Ranger Assistants serve as an ambassador for natural areas and open spaces by promoting outdoor safety and awareness and answering visitor questions. Get exercise, fresh air and quiet time all while giving back to your community. You can volunteer on foot, ride your bike or ride your horse. The schedule is flexible however volunteers are needed most on weekends during the summer. 

This Volunteer Ranger Assistant (VRA) program is a partnership between Larimer County Natural Resources and Fort Collins Natural Areas. Since 2008, it has successfully integrated the community in promoting visitors safety and enhancing the enjoyment of the outdoors. 

Application and position description available at the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas volunteer webpage. 

Time Commitment:

Volunteer Ranger Assistants must complete 20 hours of patrol during a calendar year. They create their own schedule (year-round, weekdays & weekends) at locations that work best for their personal schedule, interests, and/or physical abilities.

The need for VRAs is highest between May and October on weekday evenings and weekends. 

Volunteer Benefits:

Assist others and protect our natural spaces through peer education. VRAs reach over 10,000 visitors a year, greatly enhancing the number of contacts paid staff can make alone. 

• Interact with people with similar interests. 
• Participate in fun volunteer recognition and social events. 
• Be an integral part of large well-respected and forward-thinking land conservation and stewardship programs. 
• Be truly valued by City and County staff and managers. 
• Enjoy of the outdoors and physical activity while representing Larimer County Department of Natural Resources and the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas program. 
• Meet other volunteers and sharing interests in the outdoors. 
• Developing a greater understanding of the role and mission of Larimer County Department of Natural Resources and the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas. 
• Continuing education and volunteer recognition events. 
• Complete 20+ volunteer hours in a calendar year & receive a LCDNR parking pass

Documents:

View the position description. Application is available through the City of Fort Collins website. 

Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Enjoy working in the outdoors under a variety of weather and trail conditions.
• Be capable of working independently with little or no supervision while on patrol. 
• Must share a commitment to the mission and goals of both the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Larimer County Natural Resources and be able to communicate those missions to the public. 
• Must abide by parks, open spaces, and natural areas rules and regulations as well as established volunteer policies and procedures as outlined in the VRA training manual. 
• Must possess the skill and ability to safety patrol the natural areas by their choice of means. This includes trailhead hosting, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 
• Volunteers must provide their own transportation, non-uniform outdoor clothing, and gear. 
• Interview and background check required.
• Must be 18 yrs old.

Duties:

• Provide a visible presence along trails and in open spaces, parks, and natural areas. 
• Focus patrol efforts on most actively visited natural areas and open spaces during high use periods. 
• Respond to visitor questions and issues consistent with training received. 
• Record and report visitor comments, recreational trends and safety issues to ranger staff. 
• Complete and submit an online patrol log following each assignment. 
• Assist rangers at special events and on special patrols when needed. 
• Initiate contact with visitors on issues related to multi-use conflict, safety, and City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Larimer County Natural Resources regulations. 

Paddle Craft Patrollers

Paddle craft patrollers are active Volunteer Ranger Assistants (VRAs) who patrol on approved Larimer County reservoirs and City of Fort Collins properties.

These volunteers serve as a visible presence on the water and serve as ambassadors promoting stewardship ethics, water safety and responsible recreation. Patrol by paddleboard, kayak or canoe.

Volunteers must attend VRA training, have at least one (1) year experience of paddle craft recreation, be able to provide your own boat & equipment, must always wear a life jacket when on patrol, and attend additional mandatory training.