Department Information

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Description of Job

The position works with public and private organizations (e.g. municipalities, counties, state agencies, industrial businesses, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission, Bureau of Reclamation, Division of Mining, Reclamation & Safety, Colorado State land Board, etc. regarding impacts of development on wildlife. The position also serves as the primary contact for land use comments above the county level, in accordance with CPW’s Land Use Directive (OG-1), specifically serving as the team leader directly influencing management decisions within the agency in commenting on regional projects that cross area boundaries. Examples would be Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, other NEPA documents, Forest Resource Plans, Resource Management Plans, Grazing Plans, County Master Plans, Watershed Plans, and Travel Management Plans; and coordinating between CPW regions when project proposals cross regional boundaries. Additionally, the position will help develop and implement trainings related to land use reviews and commenting for other staff members who engage with land use activities. Finally, the land use specialist will monitor the effectiveness of CPW’s land use commenting process, best management practices, and compensatory mitigation strategies and methodologies.

Apply theories, principles and practices of natural resource and wildlife management, physical sciences and life sciences (e.g., geology, earth science, engineering, hydrology, soil science, botanical science, biology) in working with federal, state, and local agencies and industry to evaluate potential development proposals and land use change impacts, along with the relevant policy, law, and regulation and how those policies, regulations and laws can be used to further the wildlife conservation mission of CPW:

Assesses research and data and applies the principles of geology and wildlife biology to develop and negotiate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies that consistently address direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to wildlife and their habitats within the assigned region. Coordinates the regional process and implementation for determining the short and long-term impacts of development including, but not limited to, the development of species-specific and habitat-specific mitigation models, programs, and strategies.

The position evaluates, plans, and implements natural resource protection, recovery, remediation and reclamation projects. In that regard, the position’s responsibilities are to:

Serve as one of the agency’s primary points of contact, often designated as a Cooperating Agency lead and expert for land use proposal reviews and assessments of habitat protection measures.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
Seven (7) years of relevant experience in natural resource management, field based scientist, project and/or program management and/or community engagement or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
OR
A combination of education in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science/Aquaculture/Fishery Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Water resources planning or management, Public Administration, Communications, Education, Business, Program Management/Project Management and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.

Substitutions

• Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Organization and time management skills.
• Interpersonal skills and accountability.
• Technical proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Products, and geospatial mapping software.

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Experience providing oral presentations and representing a team during stakeholder meetings.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to complete tasks within identified deadlines.
• Biological knowledge of wildlife species and ecosystems present within the work area.
• Ability to function within a team setting to promote collaboration and facilitate success.
• Familiarity with SE region county 1041 regulations.

• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• Position is expected to attend night and weekend meetings as necessary to adequately perform job functions.
• Travel will be required for training, work requirements/assignments and special projects as needed. This travel may include overnight stays on an infrequent basis.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
• Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

  To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

  • Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

  • Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

  • Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Supplemental Information

• All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
• Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
• Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
• This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.
• This recruitment may fill multiple vacancies.