Department Information

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $21.00 PER HOUR

EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/25/2024 THROUGH 11/11/2024

To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early.

The mission of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)

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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Description of Job

Conduct Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) survey, using standardized scientific protocols, in various waters throughout Colorado. Specifically, this position will conduct standardized monitoring for zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand Mudsnails and Eurasian watermilfoil including infestation mapping and population monitoring. Crews will also assist with other ANS and native baseline mapping for mollusks, crayfish, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Water quality monitoring will also be conducted. Detailed record keeping and the ability to follow strict field protocols is required.

Applicant must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, to survey select lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers with respect to invasive species. This position will require traveling Monday through Thursday weekly with significant overnight camping. Candidates must be able to work in extreme weather conditions, including working off boats and must be comfortable in backcountry settings. Candidates must have their own reliable camping equipment although some nights will be spent in motels.

Daily hours will vary based on the survey location but work hours will be limited to 40 per week.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Perform leadership related duties accomplish broad statewide objectives for lakes and reservoir invasive species sampling and monitoring. Crew leads are responsible for the following tasks in addition to crew member duties:

* Serve as the lead communicator between the Invasive Species Program office, Sampling Work Leader, ANS Lab and field staff members.

* Ensure the safety of all crew members during all operations. Report safety violations and incident reports.

* Establish the schedule for each week to meet state sampling requirements for high, medium and low risk lakes and reservoirs as dictated by the State of Colorado ANS Sampling and Monitoring Manual (2022).

* Ensure the crew members follow the State of Colorado ANS Sampling and Monitoring Manual (2022) procedures.

* Ensure that the crew has all necessary working equipment for the week's operations. Maintain equipment in good working order and report any problems or issues. Contact key reservoir owners or managers at least one full week in advance of sampling taking place.

* Ensure that all staff members are respectful and that conflict management occurs when it arises.

* Responsible for the quality of the crew's data and sample collection procedures and processes.

* Responsible for ensuring that decontamination procedures are followed.

* Responsible for decision making in the field to accomplish assigned duties while maintaining safety.

* Technical report writing.

* Arc Field Maps Data Collection and Data Processing.

* GIS map production and analysis.

* Verify accuracy of data in the Sampling and Monitoring Data Management System (SMDMS).

Sampling crews are responsible for conducting Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) surveys, using standardized scientific protocols, in various waters throughout Colorado. Specifically, this position will conduct standardized monitoring for zebra and quagga mussels, crayfish, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Sampling methods include plankton tows, substrate deployment and checks, shoreline surveys, plant inventories and crayfish trapping. Water quality monitoring will also be conducted. Detailed record keeping and the ability to follow strict field protocols are required.

Applicant must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, to survey select lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers with respect to invasive species. This position will require significant weekly travel and overnight stay. Some overnight stays will be in motels while other nights will be camping overnight.

Daily hours will vary based on the survey location but work hours will be limited to 40 per week.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

REQUIREMENTS:

* B.S. in natural resources/botany/fisheries/wildlife or other natural resource field OR at least 3 years completed coursework toward a degree in the field is desired.

* Leadership Experience.

* Good driving record and ability to travel extensively with overnight stays is mandatory.

* Ability to drive long hours and remain alert.

* Previous experience conducting field surveys is required. Preference will be given to candidates with aquatic experience and/or water quality monitoring experience; and to those with prior experience leading a field crew.

* Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) are required.

* Extensive experience boating - including knowledge of boat and trailer anatomy, ability to launch and land in extreme weather, ability to trailer boats on highways and steep mountain roads.

* Previous experience conducting field surveys is required, preferably experience with aquatics and/or water quality. Preference will be given to candidates with prior zebra or quagga mussel, New Zealand Mudsnail or Eurasian watermilfoil experience and/or population monitoring experience.

* Must be willing to be flexible with the weekday work schedule, as field work may be dictated by weather.

* Must be able to work closely in small crews for long hours in a professional manner.

* Experience with Trimble GPS Units/Trimble Pathfinder and ArcGIS software preferred.

* Experience with Microsoft Word applications required - Word, Excel, Access and SQL.

* Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.

* Ability to swim.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

* Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences or higher education.

Supplemental Information

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, Anna Kargobai-Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us or call 303-866-2667 x8647.

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 an accommodation, please contact Anna Kargobai-Murray at anna.kargobai-murray@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 employer:

The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program's Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. 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). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.