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CPW Firearms Safety Training Specialist IV

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CPW Firearms Safety Training Specialist IV

Salary

$71,544.00 - $93,012.00 Annually

Location

Denver Metro, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 32186 08/2025

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

08/27/2025

Closing Date

9/10/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Hybrid possible; 3 days at 6060 Broadway, 2 days work from home is possible

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Patrick Warnes [email protected]

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.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

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

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 Field Services Branch of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is responsible for providing and/or overseeing the delivery of law enforcement programs, services, and trained staff necessary to enforce laws, rules, and regulations required to protect and preserve the state’s wildlife and parks resources. The branch includes multiple units, including Investigations (LEU), the CPW K9 Program, Emergency Management/Backcountry Search and Rescue (EM/BSAR), Commercial Parks, Illegal Trafficking Unit, Training, Law Enforcement Records, Boating Safety, and Registrations.

Specifically, the Firearms Safety Program is a newly created work unit within Field Services with the passage of SB25-003. The administration of the Firearms Safety Program was legislatively designated as a CPW function, in cooperation with local county Sheriff’s offices and The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, that must be in place and available for public use on August 1, 2026. Additionally, CPW created a new FTE (proposed here) to act as an Firearms Safety Training Specialist, overseeing CPW’s role in the larger scope of SB25-003 requirements.

The Firearm Safety Program will manage the following functions, as required by legislation: 1) Build and maintain a central database housing firearms eligibility information required by the bill that is accessible to county sheriffs, private firearms instructors, Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in a secure manner, 2) Design and write firearms training curriculum as required by SB25-003, 3) Design and write an eligibility assessment questionnaire to be administered by Sheriff’s offices for all applicants, 4) Liaison with sheriffs offices, CBI, firearms instructors and FFLs to complete the requirements set forth by SB25-003, and 5) work in conjunction with the Parks and Wildlife Commission to establish a firearms safety program records fee to provide on-going funding for the program.

Description of Job

The Firearms Safety Training Specialist will serve as the agency expert in building and developing CPW’s firearms safety training curriculum to fulfill the requirements set forth by SB25-003. The position will be the point of contact for firearms instructors that will be participating in CPW’s firearms safety program, provide recommendations and expertise for the Parks and Wildlife Commission and CPW’s Firearms Safety Program Manager. This position will need to closely coordinate with the CPW Hunter Education program and routinely exchange information related to verified hunter education records and training requirements for the Firearms Safety Program.

This position will be tasked with ensuring that CPW approved training is up to date, meets all requirements set forth by SB-003, evolves with new techniques, and build curriculum for both 4 hour and 12 hour training requirements. The Firearms Safety Training Specialist will liaison with private firearms instructors that are certified by county sheriffs to carry out required training classes for SB003. This position may need to provide training for private firearms instructors, audit training records, and assist with questions and clarity surrounding the program.

Additionally, this position will need to work hand in hand with CPW’s hunter education program to coordinate training needs between the Firearms Safety Program and hunter education requirements. This may include additional training for hunter education instructors and support for the program, if affected.

Firearms Training and Curriculum development:

+ The Firearms Safety Training Specialist will need to work with industry professionals and the Firearms Safety Program Manager to identify the best practices and training curriculum to meet SB-003 standards for the program. The position must research the best standards to meet requirements set out by law, and incorporate universal firearms handling rules and other teaching needs.

+ The position should consult with sheriff-certified firearms instructors and other SMEs to determine the best practices for training that should be included in both curriculums.

+ The Firearms Safety Training Specialist will need to maintain training protocol, updating it as needed, in CPW operational guidance. The position will be the statewide point of contact to answer questions, explain and hold agency provided training for private instructors as necessary.

Customer Service:

+ This position will be the primary point of contact for private firearms instructors to become established, sheriff-certified instructors for SB-003 purposes. The position will need to answer questions, assist and guide instructors, and work with hunter education instructors to fully understand requirements of the law and program.

Training:

+ Administer training opportunities for private firearms instructors to better understand and provide SB-003 required firearms training for the public.

+ This training may include in-person training or virtually based training webinars that are widely available. The duty may include developing written firearms training information to be distributed statewide.

+ This duty may include travel to coordinate or administer training, support agency personnel or partners for the program.

Administrative:

+ This position will need to ensure that accurate data is maintained and input into CPW’s Firearms Safety database, and may be required to periodically audit the accuracy of records.

+ In some circumstances the employee may need to manually input data as well.

+ Other administrative needs for the program related to training records, agreements, contracts or logistical requirements related to firearms training will also be the responsibility of this position.

Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in Firearms Safety Training or similar law enforcement experience.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Outdoor Recreation, Public Engagement/volunteer management, Education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.

Class Code: TRAINING SPECIALIST (https://dhr.colorado.gov/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-h4i-training-specialist)

Preferred Qualifications

+ Current or former State experience relevant to this position.

+ Current or retired POST certified officer or federal officer.

+ Demonstrated experience working with government agencies administrating programs.

+ Understanding of CPW funding, policies and protocol.

+ Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

+ Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively convey complex issues in a concise manner to a diverse audience.

+ Strong analytical, and inductive and deductive reasoning.

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

+ Adaptable and open to change.

Required Competencies

+ Organization and time management skills.

+ Strong level of written and oral communication.

+ Strong public speaking.

+ Proficient in the use and handling of all major firearms platforms.

+ Familiarity with hunter education programs and requirements.

+ Strong interpersonal skills including building collaborative environment.

+ Self-motivating, proactive, and able to prioritize and manage large volume of workload independently.

+ Great work ethic, disciplined, conscientious, thorough, and diligent.

+ Customer-service mindset, respectful, helpful.

+ Possesses excellent problem solving ability and good judgment.

+ Ability to work independently and take initiative by using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify solutions for customer or program challenges.

+ Being reliable and punctual.

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

+ Experience with Microsoft Office and Google docs.

Conditions of Employment

+ State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.

+ Firearms proficiency.

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

+ This position will be asked to travel overnight 2-4 weeks a year for meetings and as directed by supervisor

+ 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).

+ Must be able to legally possess and handle firearms.

+ Must be able to pass a criminal background check

+ 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 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 [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

The Department of Natural Resources participates inE-Verify (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/E-Verify\_Participating\_Employer.jpg) in accordance with the program'sRight to Work (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/ier\_righttoworkposter-%20jpeg(1).jpg) 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 (https://www.e-verify.gov/) 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.

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]

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.

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.

Benefits

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/benefitsPlease note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants toview 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.

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

The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that APPLICANTS for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado at the time of application, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board (DPA). A residency waiver was not issued by DPA for this announcement. For more information, please see the FAQ's at: https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply. Are you a current Colorado resident?

+ Yes

+ No

02

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.

03

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"):

04

Describe your experience with firearms safety and training.

05

Describe your experience with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and/or hunter education background.

06

Please describe an experience where you had to effectively communicate a complex topic in a concise manner.

07

Are you legally prohibited from the possession of firearms?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Describe your experience creating educational curriculum and presenting the information to large crowds.

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

Employer

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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