CPW WILDLIFE MANAGER III / Habitat Biologist (Delta, CO)



CPW WILDLIFE MANAGER III / Habitat Biologist (Delta, CO)

Salary

$63,624.00 - $82,716.00 Annually

Location

Statewide, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 32070 03/25

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

03/11/2025

Closing Date

3/26/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

5297 Sawmill Mesa Road, Delta, CO. 81416

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Cayla Phythian Cayla.Phythian@state.co.us

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Hiring Pay Rate

Please note that all employees new to the State Personnel System are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information




This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
 
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-us to 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.

This Habitat Conservation Unit exists to develop, coordinate, and implement a statewide strategic landscape scale habitat conservation program for the conservation of wildlife populations and the ecological functions that sustain them. The Habitat Conservation Unit’s primary responsibilities are focused on biological planning, conservation design, and delivery of habitat conservation through coordination of habitat treatments (e.g. enhancement, restoration), monitoring, research, and post-treatment evaluation.

Description of Job

This position will serve within CPW’s Terrestrial Section Habitat Conservation Team as a habitat biologist.  This position formulates recommendations and management options for management of wildlife habitats through the collection and analysis of pertinent wildlife, vegetation, soils, precipitation and other data and observations as required by the operational and annual work plans.  This position also exists to design, implement and evaluate habitat restoration or enhancement projects within the assigned area.  Specific tasks include development, delivery and execution of various operational and implementation plans to manage wildlife populations and conserve/improve habitats on public and private lands.

Specific duties include but are not limited to: 

Habitat Project Planning
Evaluate and plan specific wildlife habitat protection, restoration or improvement projects.  Using the best available science and GIS spatial analysis, plan active habitat management projects to address limiting factors to prioritize wildlife species and landowner objectives.  Assist with habitat management planning on CPW held conservation easements. Plan projects that are complimentary to landscape and use appropriate equipment to accomplish habitat management plan objectives.  

Habitat Project Implementation
Develop scope of works based on an approved project plan.  Secure and coordinate funding sources. Solicit and evaluate contractors for a wide variety of project work that may include tasks such as mechanical treatments, timber management, weed spraying, and reseeding.  Conduct “bid showings”, evaluate bid submissions and serve as primary CPW contact for contractors.  Schedule and prioritize project implementation activities. Serve as primary CPW contact and oversee project work.  Review project work and approve final vendor payments

Habitat Project Monitoring

Conducts or participates in habitat monitoring by gathering pre and post-treatment biological data, monitoring habitat and wildlife populations, analyzing and interpreting results, completing reports, and delivering presentations.  Maintain habitat monitoring databases (spatial and tabular) to include; habitat data collection and data entry.  Providing data quality control and accuracy. Use GIS to plan and implement habitat project ecological monitoring. 


Special Assignments and Projects 
The implementation of some projects may require a more “hands-on” approach that goes beyond basic contracting and oversight.  These tasks typically involve some degree of lifting (up to 50lbs) or the operation of heavy equipment such as a forklift, chain saw, backhoe or farm tractor.  The position may also be required to perform or assist in the maintenance and basic repair of equipment such as seed drills and tractors.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
Six (6) years of relevant experience in Forestry, biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, wildlife research, natural resource management, botany, rangeland management, soil science or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
A combination of related education in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Forestry, Rangeland Management, Botany, Soil Science or an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current or former State experience relevant to this position
  • Current or former Colorado Parks and Wildlife experience
  • Experience with program management.
  • Experience with budget management.
  • Experience with grant writing.
  • Experience with landscape scale planning.
  • Professional level writing, research and communication development skills.
 Required Competencies
  • Experience implementing active habitat management (forest, rangeland, wetland, noxious weeds).
  • Experience with ArcGIS and spatial analysis.
  • Experience with ecological monitoring.
  • Strong background in Colorado flora and fauna.
  • Experience with habitat grant funding.
  • Experience working collaboratively with private/public landowners.
  • Experience with equipment loading, towing and  maintenance.
  • Experience working native plant material.
  • High level of written and oral communications.
Conditions of Employment
  • State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license if operating a State vehicle.
  • Use, Handling or Exposure to hazardous materials- Use of pesticides and insecticides.
  • Approximately 2-4 nights per month, on average. More travel may be required during field season. 
  • This is NOT a remote position, the applicant selected for this position is expected to report to the physical work location everyday.
  • 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).

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.

Supplemental Information

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.


Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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. 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.
 
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. 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. 

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

01
Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application.
  • I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
  • I am a current or former State of Colorado employee but have NEVER been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation).
  • I am a current or former State of Colorado employee and have been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation). NOTE: Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of Application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.
02
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify you application from the current position (if not applicable, please enter "N/A"):
03
Do you currently have at least a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Forestry, Rangeland Management, Botany, Soil Science?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of professional experience in Forestry, biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, wildlife research, natural resource management, botany, rangeland management, soil science or an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position:
  • 0 to less than 1 year
  • 1 year but less than 2 years
  • 2 years but less than 3 years
  • 3 years but less than 4 years
  • 4 years but less than 5 years
  • 5 years but less than 6 years
  • 6 years or more
05
Please describe your experience with active habitat management (forest, rangeland, wetlands). Active Habitat Management is defined as manipulating vegetation to get a vegetative response.
06
Describe your involvement in the design, execution and data collection related to active habitat management.
07
Please describe your experience working collaboratively with public/private landowners to accomplish habitat management goals.
08
Describe your experience with large scale native plant species seeding and reclamation (site selection, site preparation, seed mix development, and post planting weed control):
09
Please describe your experience with loading, towing and maintaining equipment.
10
Describe your experience with other ecological monitoring.
11
Describe your experience with ArcGIS.
12
Describe your experience with Colorado’s flora and fauna.
13
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 since 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.
  • I acknowledge this receipt of this notice.

Required Question

Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --