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CPW CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR III / Aquatic Nuisance Species - (West Slope, CO)

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CPW CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR III / Aquatic Nuisance Species - (West Slope, CO)

Salary

$73,380.00 - $102,720.00 Annually

Location

Statewide, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 32174 07/25

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

07/08/2025

Closing Date

7/22/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

711 Independent Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505, USA

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Cayla Phythian [email protected]

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.

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.

This work unit exists to comply with, and coordinate implementation of, the Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Act (SB 08-226). In tandem with implementing the ANS Act, the work unit strives to implement the State Zebra and Quagga Mussel Management Plan, State ANS Management Plan, State New Zealand Mudsnail Management Plan, State Eurasian watermilfoil Management Plan, and State Rusty Crayfish Management Plan. In doing so, this position is required to provide assistance to staff in complying with CPW regulations Wildlife-Chapter 0, Wildlife Chapter 1, and Parks Chapter 8 (ANS regulations), and the Colorado Weed Management Act (35-5.5-101-119).

Description of Job

This position supports the statewide ANS Program’s mission of preventing the introduction of aquatic nuisance species and containing current infestations through the implementation of roadside watercraft inspection and decontamination programs, law enforcement and investigations. It requires the knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve as subject matter expert in ANS law enforcement matters for CPW field staff. The position will manage watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) stations, including hiring and supervision of temporary employees, and coordination with partner agencies as well as area and regional staff. Position will provide training to WID stations as part of the regulation required certification program for ANS and participate in procedure/curriculum development including participation in the WID Supervisors Team and State ANS Task Force. This position will regularly enforce ANS laws and regulations at watercraft inspection and decontamination stations and work with partner agencies to ensure high compliance rates at aquatic nuisance species check stations.

This position provides law enforcement investigation planning, coordination, and evaluation services for the aquatic nuisance species program as needed. This position investigates violations related to aquatic nuisance species in an overt capacity. This position writes and reviews search and arrest warrant affidavits and warrants, deploys needed resources statewide that will provide for the safety of all involved. This position also writes and reviews court order affidavits and court orders. This position also works with and maintains direct contact with all of the District Attorney Offices and acts as an advisory witness and wildlife law enforcement expert on ANS related criminal cases. This position assists in training CPW officers on ANS detection, enforcement and investigative techniques.

Law Enforcement / Emergency Services

This POST-certified officer participates in the work unit’s law enforcement program. Provides professional level law enforcement of Colorado’s Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), including parks and wildlife, criminal, traffic, children’s, and liquor codes across the state of Colorado. Responsible for training temporary officers (limited and fully commissioned) and ensuring the quality of their law enforcement. Enforces ANS laws and regulations as they pertain to ANS check stations including the routine pursuit of vehicles bypassing mandatory inspection station stops. Issues warnings, tickets, arrests, and investigates OHV, snowmobile, and/or minor motor vehicle accidents. Supervises others as needed performing the same duties. Generates law enforcement cases, docketing cases in the appropriate courts, making required court appearances, completing incident offenses and other law enforcement reports, and maintaining training standards commensurate with the position. Assists with the development of law enforcement operating procedures as they pertain to ANS enforcement.

This position must train and certify in all required disciplines by Colorado POST and CPW policy, including but not limited to; firearms training and qualifications, defensive tactics and arrest/control, driving, anti-bias and other annually mandated training. Additionally, this position must be proficient in the use of defensive equipment (all firearms, ASP Baton, OC Spray, Conducted Electrical Weapon), body worn cameras and RAMS.

Manage Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations

Plans, directs, oversees, and supervises watercraft inspection and decontamination stations at Ports of Entry and other roadside locations. Ensures program management needs are met effectively, efficiently, and consistently by researching, designing, developing, planning, budgeting, and implementing work unit operational guidelines, procedures, programs, and/or plans. Works collaboratively with partners to make decisions regarding schedules and potential site improvements. Researches, designs, develops, plans, implements, and supervises a variety of educational, public safety, informational, and interpretive programs and events to expand upon the purpose of the aquatic nuisance species program and to promote the work unit as well as Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Resolves program related challenges. Collaborates and assists seasonal staff, other FTE staff, supervisors, and work unit managers to ensure efforts are consistent with the goals of the work unit and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Prepares, maintains, documents and evaluates all efforts related to watercraft inspection and decontamination. Completes and maintains accurate and complete program files. Budgets, tracks, determines, recommends, and documents expenditures related to program management. Orders and/or purchases materials/supplies necessary to maintain/operate WID stations,

Investigations

Coordinates and conducts misdemeanor and felony investigations, both intra and inter-regional, and interstate. Acts as a case manager and team leader on complex investigations involving aquatics and aquatic nuisance species. Coordinates such investigations within the state and/or with other state and federal agencies (i.e. BLM, USFS, USFWS, local sheriff’s departments, District Attorneys, DORA, etc.). Conducts interviews of suspects and/or coordinates interviews in cooperation with field staff. Arrests and restrains suspected violators. Issues citations in the form of penalty assessments, summons or indictments as needed. Writes and reviews search and arrest warrant affidavits and warrants, deploys needed resources that attempt to take in all contingencies and will provide for the safety of all officers, subjects and the general public that might be involved. Provides direction to personnel in their assignments before, during and after the warrant service. Coordinates and/or conducts the collection of evidence in criminal investigations, ensuring compliance with applicable rules of criminal procedure and case law. Analyzes criminal histories. Analyzes complex data before, during and after an investigation and makes decisions on the direction and scope of an investigation. Compiles, organizes and summarizes evidence, reports and documentation in the form of case files and discovery as required by law and provides that information to district attorneys for prosecution. Assists prosecutors with their case preparation, response to defense motions, trial preparation, witness coordination, and presentation. Acts as a prosecution expert witness during complex wildlife and park trials. Testifies during trials as a witness and as an expert witness as needed.

In addition, this position may aid other law enforcement units across the state on an as-needed basis to help fill personnel shortages, provide specialized knowledge and for training purposes. The employee may assist with the Boating Safety Unit, Law Enforcement Unit, K9 Unit, or other regionally based work units (state parks or wildlife areas) as needed. Examples of these duties may include providing additional resources for large scale search warrants, surveillance operations, providing cover for covert operations or assisting at parks when there are personnel shortages.

Public and Partner Contact and Relations

Encounters daily contact with the public and partner agencies during law enforcement and informational contacts with potential for positive or negative public and partner relations implications. Strives to maintain a positive image of themselves and of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Conducts a variety of educational, public safety, informational, and interpretive programs and events to expand upon the purpose of the work unit and to promote the work unit as well as Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Advocates the interests of the work unit to gain public support for the work unit, its programs, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Presents public safety, environmental education, and/or interpretive programs, makes appearances on radio and television, and writes newsletter, newspaper, and magazine articles to generate interest and support for the work unit and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Answers questions and conducts informal public contacts on the phone, by email, and at aquatic nuisance species check stations. Identifies target audiences such as park visitors, the general public, schools, and special interest groups. Explains rules, policies, and regulations to visitors. Promotes all Colorado Parks and Wildlife areas and activities. Participates in working groups and develops positive and productive working relationships with partners.

Temporary Work Program Supervisor

Assumes a leadership role in interviewing, hiring, training, supervising, developing work plans, scheduling, motivating, and conflict resolution for temporary customer service employees. Takes (and/or recommends to direct supervisor) appropriate corrective/disciplinary action for temporary employees. Directly oversees and supervises unarmed temporary workers at watercraft inspection and decontamination stations. Recruits, interviews, hires, trains supervises, advises, counsels, motivates, assigns duties, schedules, resolves conflicts, delegates special projects/duties, ensures compliance with statutes and all policies and procedures, takes appropriate corrective/disciplinary actions regarding employee performance as directed, conducts meetings, and develops work programs for their respective temporary employees, that accomplishes the work unit and Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s desired mission. Implements processes to ensure assigned temporary workers are trained and performing their assigned duties on a daily basis. The position will work with the work unit’s management staff on scheduling and adjusting staffing patterns as the need arises.

Administration

Acts as agency authority for law enforcement issues relating to overall agency mission, which includes working knowledge of state park and wildlife law, state criminal law, and federal statutes pertaining to parks and wildlife. Reviews and analyzes submitted law enforcement documents and reports to assure adherence to applicable law enforcement procedures and policies. Provides direction to contract and temporary staff. Reviews, revises, and recommends state-wide agency policies, procedures, regulations and statutes as it pertains to aquatic nuisance species enforcement. Develops law enforcement plans for aquatic nuisance species check stations as needed. Maintains liaisons and attends meetings with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s offices, and United States Attorney’s offices. Answer questions from the public concerning aquatic nuisance species law enforcement and CPW policies and programs.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Six (6) years of relevant experience in law enforcement, park/recreation management, natural resource management, wildlife biology/management/research, conservation, environmental science/management, biology or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

A combination of related education (Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science/Aquaculture/Fishery Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Outdoor Recreation, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Law), formalized apprenticeship program, certification, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years.

AND

Any required certifications as needed for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Current or former State experience relevant to this position

+ Current or former Colorado Parks and Wildlife experience

+ Invasive Species Management

+ Law enforcement experience

+ Ability to work with different teams and foster productive relationships

+ Ability to work independently and in a team environment

+ Excellent communication skills

Required Competencies

+ Organizational and time management skills

+ Strong multitasking skills

+ Dedication to ongoing training

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google suite

+ Strong level of written and oral communication skills

+ Case management analysis

+ Analyzing complex intelligence information and deploying correct resources

+ Logistical planning for arrest and search warrants

+ Up to date knowledge of laws, rules, procedures, systems, techniques, and skills related to all aspects of law enforcement

+ Public presentations and speaking

Conditions of Employment

+ Must be POST certified in Colorado or another state at the time of application.

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

+ Pre-employment Physical

+ Successfully run 300 meters in 72 seconds

+ Perform 21 push-ups in one minute (rest in "up" position only, no knees, arms flex to 90 degrees, stay flat)

+ Perform 28 sit-ups in one minute (back completely off the ground when sitting up)

+ Walk/Run 1.5 miles in 17 minutes

+ Lift a 60-lb pound object from the ground, and carry at chest level for 100 yards without stopping in two minutes

+ Pre-employment Drug Testing

+ Ongoing Functional Capacity Testing: Firearms proficiency – Post Certified minimum requirements

+ Background Check

+ Regular work hours may start before 5AM or end after 10PM. Given the incident driven nature of the position, shifts of 12+ hours are not uncommon. In emergency situations, shifts may run for an indeterminate period

+ Required to work variable hours and work/respond based on need, not schedule

+ Use, Handling or Exposure to hazardous materials- Explain: Not regularly, though emergency response may expose employees to hazardous materials.

+ The LE officer will carry a firearm daily, meet proficiency standards at least quarterly and encounter armed citizens regularly in the course of regular duties (Law enforcement, hunting, fishing, campground checks etc.)

+ Travel for training, on-going investigations and wildlife management is required (both in and out of state travel)

+ Travel in state travel may exceed 30 days per year

+ Must be capable of operating all regularly carried law enforcement/defensive equipment/uniform items (including but not limited to: duty belt, handgun, handcuffs, OC, ASP baton, radio) as required. Must complete 40 hours of law enforcement training and must stay current in CPR and First Aid, duty weapon qualifications and other required certifications.

+ 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).

The successful applicant will be required to live within the area of responsibility. The Officer assignment is listed below:

+ West Slope: The successful applicant will be required to live within the area of responsibility. The successful applicant must be able to respond to the Durango or Grand Junction CPW office in no more than 1 hour.

+ Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W0g2QAGmusbXBJzL3HxhGitIZOEKnwhrFnx9GqVcQHA/preview?tab=t.0) , 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 ([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.

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

Are you currently POST certified?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you currently hold either a CPW Wildlife Officer or Park Ranger commission?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of professional experience in invasive species management, specifically aquatic nuisance species, natural resource management or outdoor recreation/education:

+ 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 plus years

06

Please describe your experience or education specific to human resource management.

07

Please describe your experience or education specific to operating watercraft inspection and decontamination stations in the United States

08

Why do you want to be a CPW ANS Enforcement Coordinator?

09

West Slope: The successful applicant will be required to live within the area of responsibility. The successful applicant must be able to respond to the Durango or Grand Junction CPW office in no more than 1 hour. Do you understand the living requirements for this position?

+ I understand and accept the living requirement for this position if selected.

10

This position requires on average 50% travel. Travel can be as much as 75% from March to October, and as little as 25% from November through February. All travel is within the state of Colorado. Out of state travel is not expected for this position but may occur on rare occasions. Position will be required to work early morning, late evening or weekend shifts when WID stations are open.

+ I acknowledge this receipt of this notice.

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

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

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the "Printer" icon located above the job title

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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