Lead & NON Lead Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Crew– 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO

About the role

This is a temporary position (9 months or less) paying $20.50-$21.50 per hour. Employment starts April 6, 2026, through November 6, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aquatic nuisance species (ANS) surveys, using standardized scientific protocols, in various waters throughout Colorado.
  • Specifically, this position will conduct standardized monitoring for zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil including infestation mapping and population monitoring.
  • Crews will also assist with other ANS and native species baseline mapping for aquatic plants, mollusks, crayfish, and other invertebrates.
  • Water quality monitoring will also be conducted.
• Perform leadership duties to accomplish broad statewide objectives for invasive species sampling and monitoring.
  • Serve as the lead communicator between the EDRR Specialist, ANS Laboratory, and crew members.
  • Serve as the primary decision maker when working in the field with limited supervision from the EDRR Specialist.
  • Ensure the safety of all crew members during operations and report safety violations to the EDRR Specialist.
  • Ensure all crew members are respectful and conflict management occurs when needed.
  • Ensure crew members follow State of Colorado ANS Sampling and Monitoring Manual procedures.
  • Ensure decontamination procedures are followed to official state watercraft inspection and decontamination standards.
  • Ensure the crew has all necessary working equipment for the week’s operations, maintain equipment in good working order, and report any problems or issues directly to the EDRR Specialist.
  • Perform ArcGIS Field Maps data collection, processing, and quality control/assurance of said data.
• Other duties may include:
  • Map production and analysis using ArcGIS Pro and technical report writing.

Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record.
• Will need to be flexible with the weekday work schedule.
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, to survey select lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers.
• Must be comfortable interacting with members of the public in a professional manner while representing the Invasive Species Program and the agency as a whole.
• Must be able to work in and around the water.
• Must have their own reliable camping equipment although some nights will be spent in motels.
• Must also assist the Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Specialist and Invasive Species Program Manager with any rapid response efforts that arise as a result of the sampling and monitoring program.

Qualifications

• B.S. in natural resources/botany/fisheries/wildlife or other natural resource field OR at least 1 year completed coursework toward a degree in the field.
• Experience leading field crews, especially for the Lead Technician.
• Experience performing data entry.
• Experience conducting biological field surveys especially with aquatics and/or water quality including performing species identification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ArcGIS software.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask.

Prior Experience

• Experience with zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil, or other invasive species.
• Experience boating and/or trailering – including knowledge of boat and trailer anatomy, ability to launch and land in inclement weather, and ability to tow trailers on highways and steep mountain roads.
• Experience with ArcGIS software.
• Technical writing skills and experience performing statistical analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Word applications required – Word, Excel, Access and SQL.

Supplemental Information

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.

Additional Questions

• Why do you want to work for Colorado Parks and Wildlife?
• Are you at least 16 years of age or older?
• This Is a Temporary Position Starting At $20.00 Per Hour And Is Anticipated To Not Exceed 9-months. Please Acknowledge Your Acceptance Of These Terms
• Are you a student or have your graduated within the last three years?