CPW GRANTS SPECIALIST IV / Grants Specialist (Denver, CO).

Job Overview The primary purpose of this position is to seek out new grants, develop the branch’s grant funding strategy, coordinate grant applications, and administer new grant awards for large-scale habitat projects, habitat corridors, wildlife crossings, and related research and on-the-ground project support. It also involves improving the Division’s grant processes and resources and supporting both grant seeking and external grant programs. Expand CPW’S Grant Base Attend CPW Branch meetings and other related meetings to gain insight regarding CPW staff funding needs and interests, as well as possible new grant opportunities. Search for and identify new federal and non-federal grant funding opportunities using various online tools, databases, and other resources. Analyze potential opportunities to assess CPW eligibility by reviewing and analyzing proposed grant programs and determining the pros and cons of program requirements. Analyze the opportunities in the context of CPW’s project needs, operations, and policies to confirm criteria are allowable. Develop resources and strategies to communicate details about new opportunities to CPW staff. Once new grant opportunities have been determined to be a good fit with CPW’s projects or work, the position will work with the project managers and grantors as described in the duties that follow. Support Grant Applications and the Program’s Grant Strategy Conduct pre-proposal meetings with relevant staff and the grantor contact, if necessary, to ensure the grantor’s interest in the proposed CPW project and the timely and accurate preparation of each submitted grant proposal. Provide grant application preparation support to coordinate, advise, and assist project leaders in developing, preparing, and submitting successful grant applications. Ensure that applications meet the grant program requirements and are structured to accomplish program goals without overcommitting CPW resources. Integration of grant funding into the branch’s planning includes: Consider the current budgetary constraints and whether the grant’s match requirements can be accomplished within existing funding, if additional funding will need to be approved, or if the grant does not fit into budgetary priorities and should not be pursued. Guide program staff regarding grant applications and financial arrangements with partners based on knowledge of fiscal rules, grant program requirements, grant best practices, and CPW’s budget principles. Advise CPW staff regarding possible new broad federal funding agreements (e.g., Good Neighbor Agreements) to allow more streamlined availability of new grant funding for CPW. Pursue and implement grant opportunities to leverage funding while maintaining a manageable administrative burden and program goals. Manage and Administer Awarded Grants Review, track, and reconcile grant financial information in coordination with budget staff, accounting staff, capital development staff, program managers, and others during the grant period. Analyze grant program details to ensure the proper use of new grant award funds within CPW and to ensure the effective use of grant funds to grantors. Work with CPW staff to accurately use grant funds, manage grant projects, and provide performance reports. Support may include grant preparation, review, submission, follow-up amendments, and any necessary subsequent coordination with the grantor and the CPW project leader to ensure the successful completion of the grant project. CPW Grant Policy & Procedures Development Develop and evaluate Grant Unit policies and procedures for CPW. Provide training and guidance to CPW staff, explicitly focusing on the Terrestrial Branch. Provide support and oversight to project leaders to ensure compliance with federal grant program statutes, specific grantor requirements, state fiscal requirements, environmental statutes (including the National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA), and financial management practices. Develop, review, and update website materials available to CPW staff through the Grants Unit website. Review and provide input on proposed policies and procedures that impact grant management at CPW, including federal rules and regulations; Office of the State Controller policies, procedures, and fiscal rules; departmental policies; and CPW Administrative Directives. Manage External Grants and Other Grant Administration Duties Take on various external grant management responsibilities – from fully running an external grant program (or programs) to providing support to other grant managers – as appropriate or needed (e.g., the Born to be Wild License Plate grant program, the Wetlands Partnership, and the Human-Bear Conflict grant programs). Provide other necessary support for Grants Unit activities, including support for other federal and nonfederal grant administration activities and supporting the grants management system administration. Minumum Qualifications Seven (7) years of relevant work experience in natural-resources-related grant management or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. Or a combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science/Aquaculture/Fishery Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Outdoor Recreation, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Public Administration, Business, Accounting, Finance, forestry or an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) 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 Current or former State experience relevant to this position. Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience. Strong organizational skills that support tight deadlines, multiple priorities, and a high volume of work. Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply local, state, and federal laws and fiscal rules. Experience with state budgeting and analyzing financial data. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products and other applications (Word, Excel, Google documents, etc.). Experience with the State’s electronic accounting system (Colorado Operations Resource Engine or "CORE"). Required Competencies Experience finding, applying for, and working with grants supporting wildlife or natural resources. Considerable skill with grant proposal development and review, writing, management, and reporting activities. Demonstrated experience working with multiple staff, stakeholders and authorizing groups with grant programs. Ability to establish and maintain effective strong working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to summarize operational, legal, regulatory, and financial information clearly and concisely and the ability to communicate through all avenues of communication (e.g., email, phone, website, in person, etc.). Conditions of Employment State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application. Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado driver’s license if operating a State vehicle. Travel around the state to attend meetings, provide training, and site visits. Occasional out of state travel for training or conferences. 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, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver’s license prior to driving any State-owned 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, postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered, or faxed within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action. 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. We encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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. E-Verify The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program's Right to Work 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, Mon‑Fri between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues. 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado