Full Time
Mesa County, CO
Posted 6 days ago
$75,132 - $97,668 a year USD / Year

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

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

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)’s mission is “To perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and 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.” C.R.S. 33-9-101 (12) (b).

The Northwest Region work unit is a major, geographical based organizational unit of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), essentially the northwest quadrant of Colorado. The Region is responsible for administering and managing a group of state parks, administrative areas, state wildlife areas and all of the ancillary operations, programs, projects, and staff resources, fiscal resources and miscellaneous property resources relating to state parks, state wildlife areas and wildlife activities in the Northwest Region including the Regional Land Use Coordinator position.

Description of Job

This position exists to function as CPW’s NW Region Land Use Coordinator, a multi-disciplinary, fully-operational professional with little to no day-to-day supervision. Position serves as one of the region’s expert staff leads for reviewing, coordinating, and commenting on large-scale, complex, and often controversial land development and planning proposals involving numerous stakeholders and multiple jurisdictions. The position devises, collects, evaluates, formulates scientific theories and processes to advance CPW recommendations to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts to wildlife resources resulting from development activities. The position collects and verifies field data and other information necessary to comply with program and regulatory standards and requirements for wildlife conservation. While the general program or system exists, the application must be individualized for each project or situation. Examples include, but are not limited to: coordinating with multiple CPW areas to develop recommendations for USFS Forest Plan and BLM Resource Management Plan revisions; large-scale (multi-CPW area) Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments; and landscape-scale developments such as ski areas, regional recreation trail systems, oil & gas developments, renewable energy projects, transmission lines, timber sales, water developments, grazing allotment permit renewals, commercial and residential developments, mines & gravel pits, railroads, highways and wildlife transportation projects.

The position applies a combination of various scientific principles and theories in natural resource and wildlife management in order to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts to habitat resources, and monitor, protect and conserve wildlife species and habitats. The position is responsible for identifying regional habitat conservation and restoration priorities and synchronizing existing plans and strategies. This position ensures communications exchange statewide both internally and externally among stakeholders as well as interested publics to ensure and optimize the long-term perpetuation of wildlife habitat and populations throughout Colorado.

The position works with CPW staff to identify general and specific threats to big game winter range and migration corridors, threatened and endangered species, SWAP species including rare plants and invertebrates. Using available science, this position coordinates and recommends conservation actions directed at avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating threats to big game winter range and migration corridors, threatened and endangered species, SWAP species including rare plants and invertebrates. The position advises the CPW NW Region Leadership on development trends, research, regulatory and policy changes occurring in Colorado. Provides recommendations to Senior leadership on how those changes may impact CPW operations and policy.

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, ect. 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 coordinator will monitor the effectiveness of CPW’s land use commenting process, best management practices, and compensatory mitigation strategies and methodologies.

Serves as a lead for coordinating land use development comments and consultations for the NW Region on federal guidance, implementation, and planning efforts such as Resource Management Plans, Forest Plans, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and other federal evaluation documents required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This position serves as one of the primary liaisons with other state agencies (CO State Land Board (SLB), Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), Department of Agriculture (CDA), etc.), and acts as one of the primary liaisons with county and municipal land use planning staff to coordinate CPW input as appropriate. This position is CPW’s regional expert on many types of development and associated impacts on wildlife. As such, this position is responsible for providing internal and external land use-related presentations, trainings, and testimony, as appropriate.

Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

Land Use Development Consultation

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:

Utilize knowledge, data, expertise, judgment and resourcefulness to interpret circumstances and establish guidance and best management practices for avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, including recommendations to protect, conserve and enhance land areas and their wildlife habitat resources that can be implemented by CPW and/or other regulatory agencies.

Review large-scale, complex, and often controversial land development proposals involving numerous stakeholders and multiple jurisdictions (such as travel management plans, resource management plans, forest plans, watershed plans, water developments, state or interstate highways, commercial developments, and other proposals similar in nature and scope) to determine potential impacts on wildlife and habitats through research, data collection, studies, analysis, etc.

Guide and facilitate the land use commenting process at the regional level, prepare comments, and provide testimony during public hearings as needed.

Perform complex analyses of data and utilize knowledge of environmental laws and policies, environmental systems and wildlife management to formulate, guide, and coordinate recommendations to regulatory agencies to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts to wildlife and habitats.

Coordinate and direct wildlife impact comments on Federal NEPA documents (EA’s, EIS’s, RMP’s, Forest Plans, etc.) utilizing guidelines related to land use on Federal lands within the region.

Monitor for compliance with permit guidelines which are governed by CPW or other agencies for which CPW has submitted recommendations as conditions of approval for an issued permit as well as for other applicable laws and regulations related to wildlife impacts (e.g., ECMC SB-181, Army Corps of Engineers 404 permits, CDOT SB-40 certifications, DMRS Mining Permits, highway development permits, county regulations, state engineering requirements).

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.

Land Use Development Negotiation and Mitigation
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.

Formulate, compose, facilitate, guide and compile CPW’s recommendations for response to large-scale land development proposals.

Assist in the coordination and implementation of proposals to address research and data needs identified in CPW’s Big Game Policy Report.

Formulate, compose, facilitate, guide and compile CPW’s recommendations for wildlife movement mitigation and enhancement measures in collaboration with CPW’s Wildlife Movement Coordinator, CDOT, and the Wildlife Transportation Alliance (WTA).

Correspond and coordinate with a wide variety of state and federal land management agencies, permitting and regulatory agencies, local governments, private entities, landowners, CPW staff and public interest groups.

Evaluate the information collected to formulate a plan of action to mitigate impacts on the environment, wildlife and people who participate in wildlife activities, including determinations of what hazards exist, what resources need to be addressed, and recommending action to be taken against violators.

Conduct consultations related to land use applications, including consultation with developers, energy companies, federal, state, local, and tribal entities, and landowners on-site and coordination with other CPW field operations and biological personnel on development, and negotiation of site-specific mitigation measures with operators.

Correspond and coordinate with Regional Energy Liaisons and other CPW staff to guide the planning and implementation of habitat related projects utilizing SB-181 compensatory mitigation funds and to implement local Secretarial Order 3362 conservation plans.

Develop and maintain expertise on impacts of development and recreation and related infrastructure; develops and maintains expertise on mitigation and best management practices to minimize impacts from development and recreation.

Develop species-specific best management practices (BMPs) for inclusion into CPW’s standardized comment table for impacts to wildlife and habitats. In many cases, these BMPs constitute CPW’s official position concerning land use disturbance and recommendations to avoid, minimize, and mitigate.

Develop recommendations regarding negotiation strategies to address wildlife-related land use issues, and provide expertise, guidance, and assist in the development and implementation of CPW’s Statewide Habitat Conservation and Connectivity Plan.

Attend and participate in various meetings, committees, roundtables and working groups with government agencies and private interests as CPW’s representative on the impacts of land use and development on regional natural resources, wildlife, and habitats.

Provide testimony, presentations, and case studies on effective strategies and positive outcomes to staff, other agencies, and the public.

Help maintain the regional database of land use resources including but not limited to, annotated literature bibliographies, training resources, presentation materials, draft comment letters/templates, and other relevant land use documents including MOUs, legislation, agency planning documents, and policy/guidance documents.

Land Use Development Resources

The position serves as the land use expert for the region and performs outreach to the public and other agencies on protecting natural resources, habitat, and wildlife from environmental degradation as the result of land uses and development activities.

Develops and maintains expertise on impacts of development and recreation and related infrastructure; develops and maintains expertise on mitigation and best management practices to minimize impacts from development and recreation.

Develops species-specific best management practices (BMPs) for inclusion into CPW’s standardized comment table for impacts to wildlife and habitats. In many cases, these BMPs constitute CPW’s official position concerning land use disturbance and recommendations to avoid, minimize, and mitigate.

Develops recommendations regarding negotiation strategies to address wildlife-related land use issues.

Attends and participates in various meetings, committees, roundtables and working groups with government agencies and private interests as CPW’s representative on the impacts of land use and development on regional natural resources, wildlife, and habitats.

Provides testimony, presentations, and case studies on effective strategies and positive outcomes to staff, other agencies, and the public.

Helps maintain the regional database of land use resources including but not limited to, annotated literature bibliographies, training resources, presentation materials, draft comment letters/templates, and other relevant land use documents including MOUs, legislation, agency planning documents, and policy/guidance documents.

Land Use Planning, Regulatory, and NEPA Coordination

This position prepares, coordinates, and reviews draft CPW responses to large-scale, long-term land use project and planning proposals with county governments, state agencies, and federal land management and regulatory agencies within CPW’s broad agency guidelines. This position often serves as the agency’s lead while participating in large resource management planning processes and attends cooperating agency meetings as the lead representative for the agency. The position will be the primary lead for the NW Region when reviewing federal NEPA documents to identify appropriate wildlife stipulations during public comment and cooperating agency comment periods. The position also develops and implements training programs and materials to make staff’s jobs more efficient and technically sound by providing a broader staff understanding of various land use planning processes (HB1041, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), EA/EIS, Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety (DRMS), USFS and BLM RMPs, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing, Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) 404 wetland permitting, Senate Bill 40 Certifications, etc.).

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
Seven (7) years of relevant experience reviewing and commenting on land use development proposals, including but not limited to, county and local municipalities, state agency projects, and federal land management agency projects including NEPA experience; biological experience including field work, research, and wildlife management activities; oil and gas permitting and consulting experience; and federal land planning experience including preparing and/or reviewing materials associated with Resource Management Plan Amendments, Forest Plan Amendments, and Travel Management Planning efforts., or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

A combination of education in natural resources, wildlife management, biology, aquatic biology/fishery science/aquaculture/fishery management, ecology, environmental science, environmental policy, geography, zoology/animal sciences, water resources planning or 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.

Required Competencies

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Conditions of Employment

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license if operating a State vehicle.
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

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.
This recruitment may be used to fill more than one vacancy at this level and reporting location.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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.

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.

To apply for this job please visit www.governmentjobs.com.

CPW WILDLIFE MANAGER IV / NW Land Use Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Supplemental Information

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