BACKCOUNTRY COMMUNITY REPONSE OFFICER

This is a seasonal position featuring 10-hour shifts, with weekend availability required (Saturdays and Sundays). The role offers an end-of-season bonus, paid time off, and a choice of medical, dental, and vision coverage—or a monthly stipend.

Below is the position and hiring timeline: 

Position closes: 3/6/26
Final interviews: 3/24/26
Background investigation/psych/physical evaluation: 3/25-4/25
Date of hire: 5/5/26
May 5–May 30: FTO period
May 31: First solo shift
Oct 31: Contract end date 

Performs public safety duties in Pitkin County's backcountry, including patrolling, code enforcement, public education, and minor maintenance. Supports community safety by protecting lives and property, responding to calls, and promoting a peaceful and healthy environment. Duties may vary by assignment.

•  Patrols public lands, trails, rural areas, and designated backcountry zones within Pitkin County, including areas in and around the USFS White River National Forest. Patrol methods include foot, bicycle, boat, and marked Sheriff’s Office vehicles.
• Monitors assigned areas for potentially hazardous situations; investigates traffic accidents, off-highway vehicle (OHV) violations, and other public safety concerns while maintaining a visible, proactive presence in remote and high-use locations.
• Responds to a wide range of emergencies, including medical calls, wildfires, search and rescue missions, injury and non-injury vehicle crashes, and emergency alarms, often in challenging outdoor environments with variable weather and terrain.
• Operates primarily independently while patrolling assigned areas, but may also participate in joint or coordinated severity patrols with local fire and EMS partners. May be deployed on overnight or multi-day patrol assignments in remote backcountry areas based on operational needs and individual officer readiness.
• May support specialized operations through assignment to enforcement, intervention, or investigative teams, including search and rescue, traffic enforcement, civil process service, training delivery, and interagency liaison functions.
• Completes citations, reports, and required documentation accurately, professionally, and within established timelines. Maintains up-to-date PCSO files, records, and event logs.
• Represents the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office in a positive, professional manner through courteous public interactions. Proactively educates backcountry visitors on responsible land use and relevant regulations.
• Enforces Pitkin County ordinances, codes, and specific non-criminal state statutes (including fire restriction violations), strictly within the scope authorized for non-POST-certified personnel.
• Monitors and proactively educates the public on responsible environmental practices, safe wildlife interactions, and local rules and regulations.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls in unincorporated Pitkin County; evaluates situations, requests additional resources, and assists the Patrol Division in scene security and documentation. Integrates effectively into PCSO (Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office)  ICS (Incident Command System)  structure during emergency responses.
• Drives marked PCSO emergency vehicles in an emergency capacity (lights/sirens) when necessary. May drive ambulances (lights/sirens) to assist with medical emergencies.
• Provides courtroom testimony when summoned; provides a factual statement of incidents, presents evidence relating to cases before the court, and assists in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases.
• Provides resource support at special community events, races, concerts, parades, and other recreational activities as assigned.
• Assists the public with motorist assists such as vehicle lock-outs, jump starts, and disabled vehicles.
• Maintains vehicles and equipment in clean and effective operating order.
• Distributes educational materials and public-safety-related information to enhance public knowledge and compliance.
• Assists other Sheriff’s personnel, County departments, outside organizations, and federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations as needed.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff’s Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

•   High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND one year of satisfactory work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Some college experience is preferred. Must pass a background investigation.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• Additional technical training and certifications may be required at the direction of the Sheriff.
• CPR/First Aid (or achievable within the first month).
• Currently possess (or ability to obtain within the first 30 days) ICS100, ICS200, NIMS IS700, and NIMS IS800.
• Pass internal PCSO Emergency driving training (EVOC) within 30 days of the date of hire.

At his/her discretion, the Sheriff may hire or promote outside of these qualifications.

•  Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of Pitkin County.
• Geography of BLM, USFS, land, campsites, and wilderness areas in Pitkin County. 
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Modern public safety principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Hazardous chemicals and materials, first aid, and CPR.
• Principles of records management.
•  County policies and procedures.
• State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.
• Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

•  Off-highway vehicle operation (required).
• Prior backcountry experience, either professional or personal (required).
• Navigation and map reading, route finding, and orienteering.

 Work is performed in mostly external environments with minimal to moderate exposure to internal environments. Work is performed with exposure to inclement weather; subject to physical harm such as dangerous vehicles, ballistic and physical attacks; may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, drugs, infectious and communicable diseases; subject to extended periods of intense concentration in preparing law enforcement reports. 

Must be able to work in uniform, on an assigned shift, including holidays; must maintain physical fitness to meet PCSO standards.