Colorado residents: Colorado River Policy Specialist

Colorado Department of Natural Resources

Denver, CO, USA 🇺🇸

Salary: $92,448.00 – $96,668.04 Annually

Location: Denver Metro, CO

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: PDA 00089 8/23

Department: Department of Natural Resources

Division: Colorado Water Conservation Board

Opening Date: 11/16/2023

Closing Date: 12/4/2023 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA: Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address: 1313 Sherman Street, Room 718, Denver, CO 80203

FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Information

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


 Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?
 
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 401K and 457 plans
  • Paid life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Wellness programs
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • 10 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. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
 Colorado Water Conservation Board:

The Colorado Water Conservation Board exists to advocate the protection, conservation, and development of water of the State in order to secure the greatest utilization of such waters and the utmost prevention of floods for the benefit of the present and future generations of the State of Colorado.  

This position is in the Interstate, Federal, and Water Information Section (IFWI) within the Colorado Water Conservation Board. IFWI exists to support Colorado’s obligations under nine interstate Compacts and three species recovery programs; to collaborate with the Federal Government, neighboring states, and Tribal Nations; to develop information to support decision-making through Colorado’s Decision Support Systems and similar platforms; and to support the Colorado River Commissioner in Colorado River negotiations.

Description of Job

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
This position, which is subject to the general supervision of the IFWI Chief, functions as the IFWI policy specialist. As climate change and population pressures escalate Colorado’s water challenges, there is an increasing number of interstate agreements, NEPA processes, federal and state legislation, and Basin State negotiations occurring simultaneously. Additionally, there are a number of federal funding packages and programs that may provide funding for Colorado River Basin States, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The position tracks and helps coordinate engagement on draft legislation, policies, and reports as directed, in order to protect Colorado’s interests in the Colorado River Basin.Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that applicants for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board. This announcement does not include a residency waiver.

Minimum Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of experience in in policy work with/for elected officials, local government, state agencies, federal agencies, and/or interstate commissions.  

– OR-

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in public policy, political science, government, public administration, international studies, natural resources management, environmental science, or field of study related to the work assignment.

AND

Five (5) years of experience in policy work with/for elected officials, local government, state agencies, federal agencies, and/or interstate commissions.  

Please note:  Applicants must submit both a cover letter and rĂ©sumĂ© at time of application. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of your application. The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

Substitutions:

  • Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
  • Experience writing and revising white papers, position papers, and/or legislation 
  • Experience utilizing talking points
  • Knowledge of Colorado’s General Assembly 
  • Knowledge of U.S. Congress 
  • Knowledge of Colorado River policy and issues
  • Knowledge of Colorado water rights and prior appropriation doctrine
  • Work experience with state agencies and interstate commissions

Required Competencies:

  • Ability to accurately understand policy framework and context for technical
     work
  • Trouble shooting, problem solving, and critical thinking skills
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
  • Strong analytical, and inductive and deductive reasoning abilities
  • Strong organizational and evaluation skills, with keen attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal skills including coaching, conflict resolution, facilitation, and negotiation
  • Self-motivation
  • Ability to multi-task and identify systematic approaches to solving problems
  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diverse viewpoints as well as different communication and work styles in a multi-cultural and inter-generational environment
  • Ability to identify and creatively resolve issues while exercising appropriate judgment
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all partners
  • Ability to drive and support group, customer, and program initiatives
  • Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations
  • Ability to analyze and present information to colleagues in a way that enables good business decisions
  • Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team

Conditions of Employment: 

  • Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
  • Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
  • A current & valid Driver’s license is required for operating a state vehicle and occasional travel is anticipated.  
  • Must be willing and able to occasionally exert up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects

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, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered 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 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

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

The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.
 
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
 
 Applicant Checklist:
 
Complete Applications must include the following documents:

  • A complete online Application for Announced Vacancy 
  • A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online  application.
  • A current resume uploaded as an attachment to your online application
  • If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
  • If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

The Assessment Process:
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system to be made according to merit and fitness. Your on-line application will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.

Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process may consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review.  Utilizing your detailed on-line application, cover letter, resume and transcripts, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit in comparison to all other applicants for this position.  It is imperative that you provide adequate detail on your application and cover letter to describe how you meet and/or exceed the requirements for this position.  â€śSee Resume” or “See Attached” will not substitute for the completed and detailed on-line application.

Comparative analysis factors to be assessed:

  • Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
  • Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement; varied and not one dimensional; and demonstrate progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.
  • Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current/recent experience is preferred.
  • Upload additional pages if necessary to detail your experience and accomplishments.  Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.

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, Anna Kargobai-Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@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 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:
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 will 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 at http://dhs.gov/e-verify
  
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.   Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.

Agency: State of Colorado

Address: See the full announcement by clicking
the “Printer” icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, —

Website: https://careers.colorado.gov/


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DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development