CPW Wildlife Technician IV - Boulder/Gilpin Counties, CO.

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

About the Department

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources manages and conserves Colorado’s natural resources, balancing development with conservation to ensure opportunities for future generations. We encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and offer 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 position supports the goals and objectives of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s strategic plans, focusing on protecting, preserving, managing, and enhancing the State’s wildlife resources in northern Areas 1 & 2 (Gilpin, Boulder, and Larimer counties).

About the Role

The position manages, enhances, and protects recreational opportunities, infrastructure, and wildlife habitat on Tolland State Wildlife Area (SWA) and other properties for the benefit of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) constituents. The technician collaborates with district wildlife managers, biologists, and partners to implement habitat improvement projects, manage infrastructure, and perform wildlife-related responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage Tolland State Wildlife Area (SWA), including habitats such as conifer, aspen, riparian, meadows, and river corridors.
• Develop and implement habitat improvements, five-year maintenance, and legal compliance plans by assessing SWA deficiencies.
• Determine project priorities in accordance with planning documents and consult professionals on specific project needs.
• Administer agricultural leases on SWAs and coordinate crews and contractors, including seasonal employees, volunteers, youth crews, convict labor, NGO projects, and weed control projects.
• Maintain routine upkeep of state wildlife areas, equipment, and facilities, including timber, wetland, grazing, and snow management.
• Develop and implement operational plans, budgets, work plans, and master management plans for SWAs.
• Ensure compliance with conservation easements and CPW’s Strategic Plan goals.
• Maintain property facilities, including fencing, signing, parking lots, bridges, roads, toilets, water manipulation devices, dams, and buildings.
• Operate and maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment, including heavy equipment, farm machinery, welders, and large power tools.
• Assess, describe, and prioritize capital and equipment needs for the property in collaboration with engineers and supervisors.
• Provide customer service to SWA users, addressing regulations and answering questions, and support regional offices as needed.
• Maintain records, property files, tool inventories, and capital equipment inventory.
• Update certifications through training and conferences, and follow purchasing and fiscal procedures.
• Process temporary personnel hiring and employment documents.
• Maintain technical knowledge and qualifications in chemical application for weed control.
• Administer agricultural leases and collaborate with the Colorado State Forest Service to ensure conservation easement compliance.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of relevant experience in wildlife management, conservation biology, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, farming, agriculture, or a related field.
• A combination of related education in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience.
• Experience collecting and processing biological samples and managing detailed records.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat improvements, mitigations, and manipulations.
• Experience with farming practices, machinery, equipment, and tools.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, and construction.
• Experience managing wildlife resources, outdoor recreation areas, and wildlife habitat.
• Experience with Colorado hunting and fishing.
• Knowledge of outdoor safety principles.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication abilities.
• Proficiency in using computers and email.
• Ability to transition between variable tasks smoothly.
• Attention to detail and quality assurance in sample processing.
• Ability to work independently and obtain/maintain position certifications.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, OHVs, power tools, and farm machinery.
• Knowledge of ecological principles, habitat types, and plant/animal identification.
• Willingness to work inconsistent hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to handle exposure to combustible fuels, herbicides, and weed spraying.
• Single and overnight travel throughout the state may be required.

Conditions of Employment

• State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
• Single and overnight travel throughout the state may be required.
• Herbicide applications and weed spraying may be necessary.
• Subject to background check, pre-employment drug testing, and physical exam.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record for State-owned vehicle operation.
• Former State employees disciplinarily terminated or who resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information; prior disciplinary termination may disqualify the applicant.

Benefits

• 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 and Health Savings Accounts.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave.
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.