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CPW Wildlife Manager V/ Wolf Damage and Range Riding Administrator (Grand Junction, CO)

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CPW Wildlife Manager V/ Wolf Damage and Range Riding Administrator (Grand Junction, CO)

Salary

$81,204.00 - $105,564.00 Annually

Location

Mesa County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 32128 09/24

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

09/27/2024

Closing Date

10/14/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

711 Independent Ave. Grand Junction, CO 81505

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.

Type of Announcement

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

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.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Department Information

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

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 (https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch) .

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (http://cpw.state.co.us/)

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 work unit (CPW Wolf Unit) administers Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Wolf Conservation program. This work unit is responsible for restoration of wolves to Colorado per CRS 33-2-105.8. This encompasses the restoration of wolves including the capture, translocation and release of animals as prescribed by the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. This includes the monitoring of wolves and packs upon release and estimating population sizes. Nonlethal conflict for wolves is administered out of this program, working to reduce and minimize wolf-livestock conflict. Also included in this work unit is the Wolf Damage and Range Riding Program.

Per CRS 33-2-105.8 (2)(e)( II), CPW is legislatively mandated to “(II) Pay fair compensation to owners of livestock for any losses of livestock caused by gray wolves, as verified pursuant to the claim procedures authorized by sections 33- 3-107 to 33-3-110.” The Wolf Damage Claims Program is guided by State Statute 33-2-105.8 (2)(e)( II), 33 Article 3 – Damage by Wildlife and Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulations, Chapter 17.

Description of Job

The Wolf Damage and Range Riding Administrator administers and oversees CPW’s Wolf Damage Program. This includes both direct losses from depredation, as well as indirect losses. This position possesses a unique level of knowledge and expertise in wolf damage investigation, payment, and management that is needed by CPW to implement the Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. As senior authority, the purpose of this position is to determine, develop, interpret, and direct agency statewide objectives, policies, rules, and precedents for this program and to ensure statewide consistency in program implementation. This position ensures that CPW is administering and fulfilling its responsibilities per state statute and Division regulations. Decisions are made at the process level. This position will provide policy and program analysis to advise and inform the Director of CPW, the Parks and Wildlife Commission, and CPW staff on issues related to wolf damage compensation and program administration.

The Wolf Damage and Range Riding Administrator will formulate, develop, administer and oversee the CPW Range Riding Program. Utilizing other models from other state wildlife agencies, this position will build this program to provide contracted range riders, and a cost-share program to defray costs to individual producer. This position will work in close coordination with the Wolf Conflict Coordinator who operates more directly with individual producers.

This position will process and account for all livestock damage claims that have been confirmed to be due to wolves and will process payment to producers based on CPW policy. This position will coordinate depredation investigation training and other related training with CPW staff throughout the agency who will be conducting depredation investigations to ensure that high standards and consistency are met. This position will work with Regional Damage Specialists as well as the Game Damage Coordinator, and Wolf Conflict Coordinator to identify processes to improve payment systems and to minimize conflict. This position will develop a tracking and reporting system to efficiently provide relevant information on how funds are used and distributed on local, regional and statewide scales. This position has been identified and delegated by management to represent the agency and speak on behalf of the agency to other organizations on the topic of wolf damage compensation and range riding programs. This position is responsible for cooperative working relationships with key individuals and public groups to foster positive interactions with respect to wolf depredation investigation and compensation and implementation of range riding operations. The fostering of these relationships is vital to this positions, and thus, CPW’s successful negotiations with these groups, counties, and the state legislature. For example, this position liaises with the Colorado Department of Agriculture for Wolf Damage to livestock. By its very nature, this program is inherently sensitive and complex – legally, legislatively, financially, and politically. This position will be familiar with agricultural practices and will work with producers on recordkeeping, sales, fair-market value payments. The Wolf Damage Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all problem resolution complies with the legally and legislatively mandated responsibilities of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Agency’s commitment to Wolf Damage is outlined by the Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Plan and directed by State Statute and Parks and Wildlife Regulations, specifically 33-2-105.8 CRS and regulations in Chapter 17.

Wolf Damage Program Administration

Provides senior authority and expertise within the CPW and to private livestock producers, external state and federal agencies, other state governments, and to the public on issues relating to wolf livestock damage. Interprets, recommends, formulates, reviews, directs, and comments on CPW guidelines, policies, Statutes and Regulations for implementation of the Wolf Damage Claims Program and Wolf Conflict Minimization Program.

Wolf Range Riding Program Administration

Provides senior authority and expertise within the CPW and to private livestock producers, external state and federal agencies, other state governments, and to the public on issues relating to wolf range riding program administration. Will formulate and develop this program from its conceptual framework to implementation. This includes developing contract language, screening applications, administering funds, developing tracking tools, and reporting on program accomplishments. Recommends, formulates, reviews, directs, and comments on CPW guidelines, policies, Statutes and Regulations for implementation of the Wolf Range Riding Program.

Consensus Building and Networking

Develops relationships with diverse constituents, including agricultural groups, livestock producers, wolf advocates, and NGOs. Will have a high level of technical and biological expertise in these areas and is called upon to advise higher staff on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues in complex biological and legal issues within CPW, DNR, Attorney General, and Governor Office and to other state and federal agencies. The expertise is vital for the purpose of interpreting, formulating, and implementing policy.

Provides senior authority and expertise within CPW and to external state and federal agencies, other state governments, and to the public on issues relating to wolf damage, and wolf damage compensation. Will have a high level of technical and biological expertise in these areas and is called upon to advise staff on policy, regulatory and legislative issues in a complex biological and legal framework. The expertise is vital for the purpose of interpreting, formulating and implementing wolf damage compensation policy. This work will influence decisions made by governmental agencies including Colorado Department of Agriculture, USDA APHIS- Wildlife Services, CSU Extension, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. These negotiations often relate to pending legislation and regulations and have significant fiscal and policy impacts on the CPW and regularly include Parks and Wildlife Commissioners and legislators. Negotiates to obtain support for program(s) goals and objectives.

Depredation Investigation Training

Responsible for ensuring that CPW staff are properly prepared to conduct consistent, accurate and documented depredation investigations.

Budget Management

Administration of an annual budget as well as grants that are awarded to the program.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Nine (9) years of relevant experience in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

A combination of related education in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years

Substitutions

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

Required Competencies

• Excellent time management skills

• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and various perspectives

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with, staff, external partners and stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills, detail orientation and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects

• Ability to work independently and take initiative by using critical thinking and problem solving skills to identify solutions to challenges.

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work productively on a team

• Experience with Microsoft office, google suite and demonstrated ability to learn new technologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position

• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience

• At least a Master’s Degree in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology or a closely related field.

• Project management experience, including project team leadership

• Previous experience with the conservation and management of gray wolves

• Previous experience in depredation investigation implementation and training

• Previous experience in managing budget and maintaining tracking systems to report progress.

  Conditions of Employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado driver's license if operating a State vehicle.

• Must be able to travel throughout the state for various meetings (CPW Commission, staff training, etc.)

• 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 todocument 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 dnrhremployeebenefits@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 dnrhremployeebenefits@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 aboutE-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/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:

  03

  Do you currently have a degree in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology or a closely related field?

• Yes

• No

  04

  If you are using education to meet minimum qualifications please list your major and how it relates to this position. If you are not using education please put N/A below.

  05

  For the areas of work experience you indicated, please select which range most accurately reflects your years of experience in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology:

• No experience yet

• 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 but less than 7 years

• 7 years but less than 8 years

• 9 years or more

  06

  Explain your experience in wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology:

  07

  Explain your experience carnivore depredation investigation or training.

  08

  Explain your experience with designing and developing new programs, particularly those that pertain to range riding programs or other novel approaches to conflict minimization.

  09

  Explain your experience with multi-agency and multi-state collaborative conservation projects.

  10

  Explain your experience with planning and budgeting for the implementation of wildlife conservation programs.

  11

  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

Agency

State of Colorado

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