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CDA-Biocontrol Technician (Life and Social Scientist II)

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CDA-Biocontrol Technician (Life and Social Scientist II)

Salary

$50,856.00 - $61,032.00 Annually

Location

Mesa County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

BAA-03144-08192025

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

Conservation Services Division

Opening Date

09/04/2025

Closing Date

9/15/2025 11:59 AM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

750 37 8/10 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, USA

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

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 Contact Information

Human Resources, Colorado Department of Agriculture, 305 Interlocken Parkway, Broomfield CO 80021

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four “wildly important goals:”

+ Goal 1: Advancing Local Food Access

+ Goal 2: Expanding Water-Resilient Agriculture

+ Goal 3: Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture

+ Goal 4: Advancing Animal Health and Welfare

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website (https://ag.colorado.gov/home/about-us) .

What you get from us:

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

+ Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan (https://www.copera.org/) plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)

+ Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)

+ Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)

+ Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options

+ Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage

+ 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals

+ BenefitHub (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/multiproduct) state employee discount program

+ Employee Wellness program State of Health

+ Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

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.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi .

Description of Job

Organizational Purpose:

This work unit collects, raises, and distributes biological control agents for use against weeds and insect pests. The unit also monitors the results of biocontrol releases and uses the information to formulate pest control recommendations. The unit educates resource managers and the public on the uses and benefits of biocontrol. These actions result in more effective pest control and decreased use of pesticides in the State of Colorado - serving both the agricultural industry and citizens of the state.

Major Objectives of the Position

The position will be dedicated to yellow starthistle biocontrol with the goal to raise about 300 weevils per year to be used in the regional program. Will Produce biological control agents for use against insect and weed pests in Colorado and other western states through laboratory rearing, particularly using live plant material while assist in performing laboratory investigations and thoroughly document, organize, enter and quality control data on all projects that are worked on.

Primary Duties

Laboratory Rearing of Biocontrol Agents:

+ Produce biological control agents for use against insect and weed pests in Colorado and other western states through laboratory rearing, particularly using live plant material.

+ Agents are typically insects but may also include mites or fungi.

+ This includes fulfilling project plans created by program managers or the Insectary director. Production work will include working in the greenhouses and work with production equipment, which may involve moving potting soil, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

+ Implementing appropriate rearing techniques that employ host plants or insects produced at the Insectary and documenting methods used and numbers produced.

+ An essential part of these duties include production of live host plants or insects, stereoscope technique, manipulation of small insects, accurate identification and thorough documentation.

Laboratory work on biological control programs that have a field work component:

+ This set of duties will be developed and designed in recognition of the need for a laboratory work component to complement the many biological control programs already in place at the Palisade Insectary.

+ Assist in performing laboratory investigations that may be utilized to further the understanding and application of already established biological control programs.

+ Assist in implementation of laboratory experimental protocols that directly address issues of temperature and day length response, cold tolerance, required reproductive conditions, associated parasitoid identification, and sample preparation for genetic analysis.

Education, extension and outreach for Colorado’s biocontrol program:

+ This position will need to thoroughly document, organize, enter and quality control data on all projects that are worked on.

+ As part of the duties of this position a short summary of biocontrol lab experiments and work accomplished will be provided to collaborators and colleagues in biological control.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Please Note - As of August 27, 2025, a hiring freeze is in effect for the Colorado Executive Branch. Any positions that are posted after August 26, 2025 have been either exempted from the hiring freeze or have been approved for a waiver and the hiring process may proceed. Exempted positions include those that are critical to protecting the health, life and safety of Coloradans.

Please contact CDA human resources with any questions about a (or "this" if tied to an announcement) specific job

*This is a Grant Funded Position set to expire on 6/30/2027 if not renewed*

Must be a State of Colorado Resident in order to apply.

This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

This position is advertised in line with the Governor’s executive order (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sQLdihrVs9LaAfsxHW-xxITY8EKvNvCg/view) focused on skills-based hiring practices that focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the job and aligns the hiring process accordingly. Skills-based hiring reduces potential barriers for applicants and allows for reduced bias in the hiring process by providing a direct description of skills that are unique to the duties assigned to the position with a recognition that the applicant may have developed these skills through education, training, or past experiences.

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Salary Range:

HOURLY

$24.45 - $29.34

ANNUALLY

$50,856.00 - $61,032.00

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Minimum Requirements:

Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

+ Five (5) years of full-time professional experience with insect biology.

+ Experience should include direct experience working for at least six months with invasive plant (weed) biocontrol, preferably with experience working with yellow starthistle biological control, Russian knapweed biological control and/or arthropod parasitoids.

OR

Education and Experience:

+ A combination of education and experience equaling Five (5) years of full-time professional experience with insect biology.

Experience should include direct experience working for at least six months with invasive plant (weed) biocontrol, preferably with experience working with yellow starthistle biological control, Russian knapweed biological control and/or arthropod parasitoids.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Previous experience with working with the state of Colorado

Conditions of Employment:

+ Must be a resident of the state of Colorado at the time of application.

+ Circumstances may require the position to work outside of regular business hours.

+ Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel.

+ Some overnight travel will be required since collection and monitoring sites are located at points throughout the state.

+ Must be able to work in inclement weather including hot, cold, wet, humid, and/ or windy conditions and lift up to 50lbs..

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Required Competencies:

+ Excellent interpersonal communication.

+ Detail oriented.

+ Ability to write detail-oriented reports based on analysis.

+ Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.

+ Work well under pressure.

+ A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.

+ Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.

+ Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

+ Clear understanding of, and experience with, biological control agents.

+ Knowledge and experience with laboratory data management.

+ Knowledge and experience with laboratory equipment including stereoscopes

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Please submit the following:

+ Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications

+ OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link:PDF State Paper Application (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Colorado%20Paper%20Application%20%28February%202020%29.pdf) . Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to [email protected] by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.

+ DD214 (if applicable)

+ Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed:

+ Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.

+ Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.

+ Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

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

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself . Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.

All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

ADAAA Accommodations:

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date 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 Department of Agriculture 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 Mary Hunt, at [email protected] call 303-869-9006.

E-Verify

CDA 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 Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

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

I am aware this is position is grant funded and set to expire on 6/30/2027 if not renewed.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Describe your direct experience working with biological control agents.

03

Describe your knowledge and experience with specimens under a stereomicroscope.

04

Describe your working knowledge of invasive plants (weeds)as host of biological control.

05

Describe your relevant laboratory experience and how it has prepared you for this position?

06

Are you willing and able to work outside throughout the field season in all weather conditions including inclement weather that could include hot, cold, wet, humid, and/ or windy conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Have you been a State of Colorado Employee?

+ Yes

+ No

08

If yes to the previous question what is your EID?

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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