Boulder junior ranger program draws 271 applicants, highlights career pathways and equity efforts

Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks staff and a group of junior rangers updated the Open Space Board of Trustees on the 2025 summer season, reporting 271 applicants for 110 positions and an operating budget of $833,000.

The presentation, delivered Aug. 13 during the board’s regular meeting, described how staff focused hiring on attitude over prior outdoor experience, expanded partnerships with other OSMP teams and nonprofit groups, and directed a large share of spending to staff salaries and on-site needs for youth workers.

Senior Program Manager Lee Michael Krager, introduced as the program’s new manager, told trustees the program’s “ethos” centers on land stewardship, public service and youth development. He said the program partnered this year with OSMP’s water, trailheads and cultural stewardship teams and with Nature Kids Boulder to provide varied work experiences. “We continue to push for equity through marketing, volunteer events, internships and hiring strategies,” Krager said.

Senior program coordinator Alex Rodoski described field projects: crews moved more than 40 tons of woody debris for the water team, carried fencing material up the First/Second Flatiron trail to install safety rails, installed a dock at Sawhill Ponds and helped forestry crews with chipping operations. “The hardest projects end up being the favorites,” Rodoski said, describing teamwork on steep trail work and dock installation.

Students who worked as junior rangers described the job’s mix of technical and “soft” skills. First‑year crew member Ella Haradin described installing log steps in 100‑degree heat and learning techniques and teamwork; Brooklyn Winchester and fourth‑year participant Aster described learning leadership, resilience and career clarity from a multiweek season. “The program saved my life,” Aster told trustees, saying the seasonal work gave her purpose and career direction.

Krager and staff presented program numbers: 271 applications for roughly 110 positions, 12 interviews conducted in Spanish, and an emphasis on hiring former junior rangers as assistant crew leads. They reported an $833,000 starting budget: 77% allocated to staff salaries, 12% to benefits and 11% to operations. Staff said the 11% operations share paid for lunches, snacks, PPE, tools, crew‑leader training, recruitment and program software; they said an in‑season kitchen with open‑door meals aims to reduce food insecurity for youth workers.

Trustees praised the program. Trustee Michelle Estrella, who said this was her fifth and last year on the board, called the presentation her favorite of the year. Board members and staff discussed outreach, gear stipends and ongoing goal to broaden access for youth who have not grown up with strong outdoor education.

Staff said the program plans paid internships in future years, pending budget and hiring constraints, and will continue marketing, partnerships and recruitment to broaden access. The presentation closed with junior rangers’ “seven life lessons,” emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and nature connection.