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CPW PHY/SCI/RESEARCHER SCIENTIST IV / Sr. Water Project Mitigation Coordinator (Denver, CO)

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CPW PHY/SCI/RESEARCHER SCIENTIST IV / Sr. Water Project Mitigation Coordinator (Denver, CO)

Salary

$95,220.00 - $116,556.00 Annually

Location

Adams County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 00765 10/25

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

10/30/2025

Closing Date

11/13/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

6060 Broadway, Denver, CO

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Kristi Ryan [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

OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

+ Medical and Dental plans

+ Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans

+ Paid life insurance

+ Short- and long-term disability coverage

+ Employee Wellness programs

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Health Savings Accounts

+ 10 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave

+ Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options

+ Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

+ Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (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.

About the Water Resources Team

The Water Resources Team (WRT) at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leads the agency’s work to protect, manage, and enhance Colorado’s water resources for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. WRT integrates all aspects of water quantity and water quality, ensuring that Colorado’s water decisions support healthy aquatic ecosystems, thriving fisheries, and sustainable recreation.

The WRT provides technical expertise, data, and policy guidance on a broad range of programs, including:

+ Water rights protection and development for state parks, wildlife areas, and instream flow needs;

+ Water quality management and policy, including participation before the Water Quality Control Commission and the U.S. EPA;

+ Recreational water use and aquatic habitat protection;

+ Coordination of water quality monitoring and data across local, state, and federal partners;

+ Participation in environmental reviews (NEPA) and other permitting processes for major water development projects.

+ Collaboration and partnerships with external entities to monitor, protect, and restore aquatic resources.

Description of Job

The Senior Water Project Mitigation Coordinator (Mitigation Coordinator) serves as the lead coordinator and technical authority for CPW’s engagement on federally permitted water projects under Colorado’s Water Project Mitigation Statute (C.R.S. 37-60-122.2). This critical position ensures that the needs of fish, wildlife, and habitat are fully considered during major water project planning, permitting, and mitigation negotiations.

The Mitigation Coordinator leads a multidisciplinary team of CPW staff and collaborates with state, federal, and local partners to develop Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plans (FWMPs), ensuring compliance with NEPA, the Clean Water Act, FERC licensing, and other relevant federal processes.

This position leads the work of the Water Project Mitigation staff to ensure consistency across projects and workload balance. This position serves as the state’s expert and leading authority on water project permitting and provides expertise to other state agencies where appropriate.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a motivated professional who thrives at the intersection of science, policy, and collaboration. The position blends analytical expertise, strategic negotiation, and leadership — driving outcomes that sustain Colorado’s aquatic ecosystems while supporting responsible water development statewide.

Specific duties of this position include:

Leadership and Coordination

+ Serve as lead coordinator for CPW’s review and response to federally permitted water projects.

+ Direct and mentor other Water Project Mitigation Coordinators; provide training, guidance, and tools to strengthen consistency and technical rigor across projects.

+ Coordinate interdisciplinary input from CPW experts to produce clear, science-based, and timely agency recommendations.

Environmental Review and Technical Analysis

+ Oversee development of agency comments that define the scope of analysis under NEPA, identifying key fish, wildlife, recreation, and water rights resources at risk.

+ Apply frameworks of direct, indirect, and reasonably foreseeable effects to assess project impacts.

+ Provide references to relevant data sources, state management plans, and mitigation studies that should be analyzed further by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other permitting agencies.

Mitigation Planning and Implementation

+ Negotiate appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures for federally permitted water projects in coordination with project proponents, federal agencies, and other state entities.

+ Lead or co-lead development and implementation of FWMPs and Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) that protect aquatic ecosystems and recreational values.

+ Track and ensure compliance with all mitigation commitments, adaptive management measures, and fiduciary obligations (including grants, contracts, and agreements).

Program Development and Oversight

+ Manage and continually improve the tools, data systems, and templates used by CPW to engage in water project mitigation work statewide.

+ Identify and implement strategies to improve internal consistency, transparency, and effectiveness in mitigation planning and tracking.

External Communications and Representation

+ Serve as the state’s subject matter expert on water project mitigation, NEPA processes, and the intersection of federal and state permitting requirements.

+ Represent CPW and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in meetings, negotiations, and public hearings with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, FERC, and other partners.

+ Build and maintain collaborative relationships with agencies, industry, and stakeholders to support balanced and science-driven water management decisions.

Training and Mentorship

+ Provide ongoing training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer to CPW staff involved in water project reviews.

+ Support professional development within the Water Resources Section by sharing best practices and lessons learned from complex projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Nine (9) years of relevant experience in federal environmental permitting, water project development, water law, public policy with a focus in water, water resources, water supply planning, ecosystem management, or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

A combination of related education in environmental sciences, environmental studies, environmental economics, ecology, hydrology, water resources planning or management, natural resource management, natural resources, natural sciences, environmental engineering or closely related field and/or relevant experience in federal environmental permitting, water project development, water law, public policy with a focus in water, water resources, water supply planning, ecosystem management, or field of study directly related to the work assignment equal to nine (9) years.

Substitutions

+ Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a

year-for-year basis.

+ Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Specialized Knowledge / Skills:

+ Demonstrated experience leading interdisciplinary teams and managing complex, multi-agency projects.

+ Proven record of negotiating mitigation and enhancement measures or developing environmental agreements such as FWMPs or MOAs.

+ Experience with aquatic ecosystem assessment, fisheries biology, or habitat restoration in Colorado or the broader western U.S.

+ Experience representing an organization or agency in high-level stakeholder negotiations or public processes.

+ Strong project management, organizational, and coordination skills, including tracking of mitigation commitments and adaptive management.

+ Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports, policy recommendations, and public presentations.

+ Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as industry and conservation groups.

+ Leadership / Coordination Experience:

+ Strategic thinker who can balance ecological, legal, and stakeholder considerations.

+ Collaborative leader with a coaching and mentoring mindset.

+ Highly motivated, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced, multi-jurisdictional environment.

+ Commitment to CPW’s mission of protecting fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation through sustainable water management.

+ Communication:

+ Exceptional written and verbal communication — able to translate complex scientific and policy concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.

+ Strong facilitation and negotiation abilities — skilled at leading discussions, building consensus, and representing agency positions in multi-agency and stakeholder settings.

+ Professional correspondence and report writing — produces clear, well-organized technical documents, policy memos, and mitigation plans.

+ Public presentation and outreach — comfortable presenting to commissions, boards, and the public on sensitive or complex water management topics.

+ Collaborative communicator — builds and maintains positive working relationships across state, federal, and local partners to advance shared goals.

+ Mentorship and training communication — provides guidance, feedback, and knowledge transfer to colleagues and trainees in a clear, constructive manner.

Conditions of Employment

+ Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.

+ Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a State vehicle.

+ Statewide and/or regional travel required at least one time per month.

+ 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).

+ 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.

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 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 (unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board). A residency waiver was not issued for this announcement. Please confirm that you are a current resident of Colorado.

+ 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:

04

Do you currently possess a valid drivers' license?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you have prior Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you currently have at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in environmental sciences, environmental studies, environmental economics, ecology, hydrology, water resources planning or management, natural resource management, natural resources, natural sciences, environmental engineering or closely related field?

+ Yes.

+ No.

+ I have a degree but not in a field related to the work assignment.

07

Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of professional experience in federal environmental permitting, water project development, water law, public policy with a focus in water, water resources, water supply planning, ecosystem management, or field of study directly related to the work assignment.

+ 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 years but less than 7 years

+ 7 years but less than 8 years

+ 8 years but less than 9 years

+ 9 years or more

08

Please describe how your work experience translates to your ability to successfully perform in this role.

09

A condition of employment of this position is travel at least once per month. Are you willing and able to accept this condition of employment?

+ Yes

+ No

10

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.

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