CPW Native Aquatic Species Biologist-… at State of… · Colorado

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-usto find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• 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.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE Our Mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.

The Aquatic Branch is responsible for the management of aquatic wildlife resources for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, including fisheries management, hatcheries, native species conservation and recovery, aquatic nuisance species control, and fish health.

The purpose of this position is to implement aquatic wildlife conservation strategies for Greenback Cutthroat Trout (GBCT), including the restoration, protection, and enhancement of GBCT populations and habitats. This position will serve as the dedicated lead for on-the-ground conservation efforts, including serving as CPW’s lead field representative for the Poudre Headwaters Project (PHP). The position protects and enhances GBCT habitat by examining, assessing, and managing aquatic habitat conditions and functions. The position monitors and evaluates the distribution, abundance, and status of GBCT by systematic inventory and selective intensive assessment as required. To achieve this, the role collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, including the Native Aquatic Species Unit, Senior and Area Aquatic Biologists, and other units such as the Aquatic Research Unit, Hatcheries, Water Unit, and Field Operations staff. Additionally, the position partners extensively with external stakeholders, including private landowners, water districts, the Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Team, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

Greenback Cutthroat Trout (GBCT) Recovery and Conservation

Manage GBCT populations on public and private land to perpetuate and enhance populations by monitoring species status, distribution, abundance, and habitat use. Restore habitats by removing non-native fish to expand populations through chemical reclamation and other means, serving as a dedicated resource to plan and implement on-the-ground efforts specifically to create and secure a GBCT meta-population within the PHP. Collect biological, physical and chemical data by conducting lake and stream fishery surveys. Review, analyze, and synthesize data to develop methods and proposals to protect and enhance GBCT populations. Identify and establish additional wild brood waters, and plan and execute feral fish spawning operations. Coordinate egg take timing, procedures, and egg disposition with hatchery superintendents to assist in hatchery propagation and rearing.

Stakeholder Collaboration and CPW Representation

Participate in local or regional work groups, such as the Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Team. Gather and present information regarding GBCT species status and coordinate field efforts, particularly for the PHP, with partner entities and the public. Develop management recommendations based on collaborative findings to anticipate future needs for GBCT data collection and analysis.

Technical consultation, project development, and evaluation

Provide technical consultation to the public and inter- and intra-agency personnel regarding the status of GBCT and other native aquatic species, as well as aquatic habitat management. Work with Aquatic Branch staff and other branches to design, develop, and evaluate field studies, aquatic projects, and conservation/recovery plans specifically targeting GBCT at the state and federal level. Collect, analyze, and synthesize data to prepare written documentation and reports. Provide GBCT-specific data and field operation support to other working units, including Aquatic Research, Hatcheries, NE Region, and the Water Unit.

Implements approved annual work plan

Implements the approved annual work strategies by executing the work items contained within the plan. Interviews, hires, and supervises temporary employees and volunteers. Performs statistical analysis of data and submits survey reports in a standardized format. Sets work priorities, schedules, and job completion criteria to conform to a standard of high quality and performance.

Administrative Functions

Allocates and accounts for resources by tracking travel, capital items, temporary and contractual personnel, and by scheduling and reporting daily activities. Obtain pesticide applicator license and complete mandatory training.

Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Six (6) years of relevant experience in fisheries and aquatic biology, management or research, wildlife biology, management or research, conservation biology or research or other related fields. OR A combination of related education in Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science/Aquaculture/Fishery Management, Ecology, conservation biology and relevant experience in fisheries and aquatic biology, management or research, wildlife biology, management or research, conservation biology or research equal to six (6) years.

Job Class: Wildlife Manager III

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former state or federal experience relevant to this position.
• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience.
• Master’s degree in fisheries or aquatic science.
• Experience in the planning and implementation of complex cutthroat trout recovery and conservation projects.
• Experience working in outdoor conditions, including knowledge of the principles of safety in the outdoors.
• Ability to safely work in and around aquatic habitats including streams, lakes, and wetlands.

Required Competencies

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills, detail orientation, and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.

Conditions of Employment

• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

• Exposure to rotenone, antimycin and potassium permanganate during reclamation projects. Exposure to formalin and alcohol preservatives when preserving or working with specimens. Exposure to herbicides to manage weeds in various environments. Exposure to Sparquat while decontaminating equipment.

• Travel required for training, projects, or other work assignments in remote areas.

• Must have or be willing to obtain a Colorado Department of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor license for pesticide application

• 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

APPEAL RIGHTS: It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

The Assessment Process

• 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 hire multiple vacancies at the same reporting level.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.

ADAAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request accommodation, please contact our Benefits Specialist at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

E-Verify

DNR uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.