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CPW WILDLIFE MANAGER V/Wolf Damage and Conflict Minimization Manager (Grand Junction, CO)

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CPW WILDLIFE MANAGER V/Wolf Damage and Conflict Minimization Manager (Grand Junction, CO)

Salary

$82,836.00 - $132,528.00 Annually

Location

Mesa County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 32182 07/25

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

07/09/2025

Closing Date

7/24/2025 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 [email protected]

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.

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 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 Outdoor Recreation and Lands Branch of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is responsible for providing and/or overseeing the delivery of recreational programs and services statewide, and to manage land use through real estate acquisition and conversation internally and with partnering landowners.

Description of Job

The Wolf Damage and Conflict Minimization Manager 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 both the process and strategic levels. 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.

This position will oversee the Wolf Conflict Minimization program and will develop statewide policy and planning on all wolf conflict minimization tools and techniques. Decisions made are both process oriented and strategic to advise and inform the CPW Director, the CPW Commission, and CPW staff on the implementation of all conflict minimization efforts. This position will work closely with the Wolf Conflict Coordinator whose responsibility is to work closely with local staff and Wildlife Damage Specialists on training, inventory tracking, and implementation.

This position will process and account for all livestock damage claims that have been investigated and found to be caused by wolves and will process payment to producers based on CPW policy and state fiscal rules. 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 all conflict minimization strategies.

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 conflict minimization techniques and strategies such as the range-riding program and a wide variety of other tools and techniques that are directly implemented on both private and public land. The fostering of these relationships is vital to these 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, USDA Wildlife Services, NRCS, and several NGOs in regards to wolf damage conflict minimization for livestock producers. 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. This position 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. Serves as the statewide staff authority on the wolf damage program and reviews and interprets all regulations, policies, and directives associated with wolf damage. Represents CPW and its interests to the Parks and Wildlife Commission and works with CPW legal counsel to provide direct input on damage investigations and outcomes.

Develops and manages all tracking, forms, tools, and protocols to properly and consistently document all investigations of reported damage both direct and indirect. Will work closely with the wolf conservation program to ensure all reporting requirements are appropriately documented and managed.

Wolf Conflict Minimization

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 conflict minimization. Will formulate and develop policies and guidelines on the development and implementation of wolf conflict minimization techniques such as nonlethal deterrents and mitigation tools to be deployed on public and private land. This includes a wide variety of tools and techniques administered by CPW field staff including but not limited to fladry, noise and light deterrents, pyrotechnics, range riding, and all other mitigation efforts. Will serve in a higher-level decision making capacity in both a strategic and process oriented role. Will work closely with the Wolf Conflict Coordinator to ensure implementation of strategies at the local level and to ensure appropriate tracking of all efforts.

Consensus Building and Networking

Develops relationships with diverse constituents, including agricultural groups, livestock producers, wolf advocates, and NGOs. Has a high level of technical 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. This expertise is vital for the purpose of interpreting, formulating, and implementing policy on both wolf damage compensation and wolf conflict minimization.

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, wolf damage compensation, and wolf conflict minimization. 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 that 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

Will be responsible for ensuring that CPW staff are properly prepared to conduct consistent, accurate and documented depredation investigations. Will be responsible for developing training materials and other documents for CPW staff as well as developing and assembling wolf damage toolkits to be utilized by field staff responsible for investigating wolf depredations. Will coordinate with the Game Damage Program Manager in the development of a consistent process in game damage investigations, documentation, and tracking. Will also coordinate with other agencies such as USDA – Wildlife Services to ensure there is consistency in how these agencies may assist CPW in the investigations of wolf depredation. Responsible for all training development and implementation with other agencies.

Budget Management

Responsible for the administration of an annual budget as well as grants that are awarded to the program. Will acquire, develop, and manage financial tracking tools to track expenditures of funds to support the program and will ensure payments are issued in a timely fashion. Identifies and assigns program priorities to allocate resources to meet deadlines and makes adjustments to work/action plans as a result of budget changes. Prepares and contributes to efforts to meet required reporting deadlines and commitments. Comments on and seeks alternative sources of funding (grants, partnerships, legislation, as appropriate) to support Wolf Damage compensation payments. Responsible for regular and accurate reporting of budgetary expenditures.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Eight (8) years of relevant experience in Wildlife research, Wildlife management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or Natural Resource management, Range Management, Agricultural Business/Management, Natural Resource Policy or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

A combination of related education in any Science related degree will be acceptable., Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Policy, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Agricultural Business/Management and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years

Substitutions

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

Preferred Qualifications

+ Current or former State experience relevant to this position

+ Current or former Colorado Parks and Wildlife experience

+ Strong analytical, and inductive and deductive reasoning

+ Enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, positive attitude, innovative thinking

+ Adaptable and open to change

+ Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation

+ Familiarity with agricultural operations and economics

Required Compentencies

+ Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills

+ Strong interpersonal skills

+ Independent decision making and problem solving skills

+ Excellent problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

+ Ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines, and be adaptable to changing assignments

+ Strong understanding of legal and regulatory concepts and language

+ Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google suites

+ Customer-service mindset, respectful, helpful

+ Honest, trustworthy, dependable

Conditions of Employment

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

+ Occasional travel to attend various meetings (CPW Commission, staff training, Area meetings, 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 ([email protected]), 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 [email protected]

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.

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 [email protected] 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: (if not applicable, please enter "N/A")

03

Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of experience in Wildlife research, Wildlife management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or Natural Resource management, Range Management, Agricultural Business/Management, Natural Resource Policy.

+ 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

+ 8 years but less than 9 years

+ 9 years but less than 10 years

+ 10 or more years

04

What is your highest level of education? Please list what your majored in and how it relates to this position.

05

Please describe how your experience and/or education translates to your ability to successfully perform this position's job functions.

06

Please describe your experiences building collaboration, providing leadership and direction, establishing strategies, goals and objectives.

07

Describe a time you had to present complex information or policy recommendations to a public audience. How did you tailor your message, and what was the outcome?

08

Please provide your definition for "conflict minimization" as it pertains to wildlife-livestock conflict.

09

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

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State of Colorado

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