Colorado residents: CPW PHY/SCI/RESEARCHER SCIENTIST II/ Water Resources Coordinator 

• Salary: $74,604.00 – $82,068.00 Annually
• Location: Adams County, CO
• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Number: PMA 32018 07/24
• Department: Department of Natural Resources
• Division: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
• Opening Date: 07/24/2024
• Closing Date: 8/21/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
• FLSA: Determined by Position
• Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
• Primary Physical Work Address: 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO
• 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

OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY

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.

 
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.

The Water Resources Section (WRS) has several programmatic areas of responsibility: water resource/right portfolio protection, management and development; water quality; recreational water use; and instream flow. The WRS exists to integrate all matters of water quality and water quantity (water rights management) and to provide policy direction for
statewide consistency in these programmatic areas. The WRS is responsible for development, acquisition and protection of water, water rights, and interests in water for the benefit of statewide fish and wildlife management and water-based recreational activities at state parks; the development of instream flow recommendations for submission to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB); the development of position statements (testimony) on water quality matters before the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); collaboration and partnerships with external entities to monitor, protect and restore aquatic resources; the coordination of water quality data acquisition by WRS personnel and personnel within other sections of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), various local, state, federal agencies, industry and non-profits; the coordination and development of comments on water resource development projects undergoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review; and other matters involving water resource development and protection as directed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and CPW leadership.

Description of Job

The primary purposes of this position are to (1) coordinate CPW’s review and commenting on Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) grants and loans, and other actions, (2) coordinate, track, and plan CPW’s spending under the Water Acquisition Funding Plan (WAFP), (3) inform CPW staff regarding water-related loan and grant opportunities, (4) track and coordinate CPW’s efforts as a collaborating agency in the Colorado Water Plan’s Agency Actions, and (5) provide CPW additional water resources coordination support, as assigned. The Water Resources Coordinator is an individual contributor who coordinates both commenting opportunities and feedback from CPW staff in key processes determining how state and other funds are invested in water development, and that may affect CPW’s mission. This position coordinates with other WRS staff, Regions, the Aquatic Section, the Terrestrial Section, and other CPW staff, in compiling, reviewing, coordinating, drafting, and transmitting comments to the CWCB. This position acts as the liaison between the Water Section and CPW’s Financial and Capital Services Branch in tracking, anticipating, and planning spending under the WAFP. This position ensures strong internal communications regarding use of the WAFP with the rest of CPW. This position monitors and coordinates CPW’s activities under the 2023 Colorado Water Plan (and future plans), CWCB grants, and related interdivisional communications.

Specific duties of this position include:Coordinate and Review Grants and Loans
The Water Resources Coordinator (WRC) has the lead responsibility to coordinate CPW’s
input into Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) actions affecting recreation and the natural environment, with a particular focus on the issuance of grants, loans, development, revision, and implementation of the Colorado Water Plan and related documents (the exception to this general rule is with respect to instream flow actions, where Position 1989 continues to have the lead coordination responsibility). The WRC coordinates a team of CPW staff in developing comments and recommendations to advance CPW’s mandate to protect fish, wildlife and habitat resources, as well as CPW’s property interests.

Plan, Coordinate, Track, and Monitor Spending
The Water Resources Coordinator (WRC) has the lead responsibility to plan, coordinate,
track, and monitor CPW’s spending under the Water Acquisition Funding Plan (WAFP). The WRC compiles anticipated spending under the WAFP, communicates with property managers and other relevant CPW employees regarding the existence and use of the WAFP, and plans future WAFP budget needs over a 5-year planning period. This position creates, uses, and maintains tracking and communication tools in support of WAFP spending and planning. The WRC solicits, compiles, synthesizes, and analyses water acquisition funding needs from all relevant programs and work units within CPW. This position organizes regular check-in meetings to review spend-down under the WAFP and coordinate with relevant regional, aquatics, and financial services staff.

Track and Communicate Water Funding Needs and Opportunities
Inform CPW staff regarding water-related financing opportunities from a wide variety of sources, including, but not necessarily limited state, federal, and local grants and loans, and legislative earmarks. Specific potential sources of funding may include, but are not limited to, the CWCB, Colorado’s Natural Resource Damages Trustees, the federal Bureau of Reclamation, the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, and internal opportunities within CPW. This position maintains close communications with relevant WRS, and financial services staff, including the CPW Grants Unit, as well as relevant CWCB and DNR staff. This position is knowledgeable regarding CPW’s statewide water and water-related financing needs. The WRC identifies and communicates potential financing solutions to CPW staff, and where appropriate, offers assistance to CPW staff in securing such funding. The WRC performs related tasks as assigned by the WRS Manager.

Coordinate and Track Participation in Colorado Water Plan Agency Actions
Has the lead responsibility to coordinate CPW’s activities as a “collaborating agency” in the Colorado Water Plan’s “Agency Actions” where CPW has a significant agency interest. The WRC will coordinate and track CPW’s work in supporting implementation of these Water Plan
Agency Actions, and otherwise leverage opportunities available to CPW in this and other related CWCB-led matters. This position coordinates with counterpart staff at the CWCB to track progress under the Water Plan, and identify any all opportunities for CPW to support CPW’s elective participation in these actions, and provide feedback. The WRC coordinates scheduling of relevant briefing meetings, and drafts briefing memoranda, subject to the approval of the WRC Manager. The WRC performs related tasks as assigned by the WRS Manager.

Water Resources Support
Provides coordination support on all matters related to CWCB actions or CPW’s water-related spending, even where this position is not the lead. The WRC performs related tasks as assigned by the WRS Manager.

Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
Six (6) years of relevant experience in water resources management, ecosystem management, water law, public or non-profit administration and finance, grant administration, grant writing, or public policy with a focus in water, or an occupation closely related to the work assigned to this position.
OR
A combination of related education (e.g., Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in public or environmental policy, water resources planning or management, natural resources management, ecology, environmental sciences, economics, natural resource management, engineering, public or non-profit administration, finance, or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) 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.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience
• Technical Knowledge:
  1. Knowledge and experience with Colorado water policy
  2. Knowledge or experience with state and federal grant programs
  3. Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems
  4. Experience working with diverse stakeholders in water (water providers, NGOs, government, etc)
  5. Experience with diverse agencies within the Department of Natural Resources
  6. Relevant master’s degree or other relevant advanced degree
• People and project skills:
  1. Experience coordinating with diverse technical experts and other stakeholders 
  2. Experience facilitating discussions, negotiations, and consensus-building
  3. Experience negotiating with stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and interests
  4. Strong analytical skills, e.g., capable of working with large sets of data and/or complex subjects

Required Competencies

• Technical Knowledge:
  • Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites
  • Knowledge or experience with Colorado water policy
• Communication:
  • Must be able to quickly synthesize complex, multi-disciplinary legal and scientific materials, and provide well reasoned analysis and recommendations for the next steps that the agency should take
  • Experience presenting verbal and written information to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner
  • Strong writing skills and experience drafting briefing papers
• People/project skills:
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a Colorado resident at time of application
• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado driver’s license when operating a State vehicle.
• The WRC is expected to travel overnight at least once a month for CWCB meetings and other tasks.
• 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

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). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.

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/