CPW Area Wildlife Biologist (WILDLIFE MANAGER III) - Montrose, CO

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

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

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. The purpose of the work unit is to gather, evaluate and summarize data and observations on terrestrial wildlife and habitat resources. This work unit develops and participates in the implementation of recommendations consistent with CPW’s Strategic Plan, State Wildlife Action Plan, other pertinent federal and state planning documents, and direction provided by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission for the wise stewardship of wildlife populations and habitat in western Colorado. Position Overview This position serves within CPW’s Terrestrial Species Conservation Section as an Area Wildlife Biologist (WM III), based out of the Montrose Service Center/Area 18. The role formulates recommendations and management options for wildlife species and habitats through collection and analysis of data and implements monitoring studies and inventories. Responsibilities include population inventory, modeling, and habitat management on public and private lands. Customer service and collaboration with other CPW staff, the public, external stakeholders, private landowners, and land management agencies is integral to this position. Responsibilities Formulate and present wildlife management recommendations to CPW staff and external partners by collecting, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting biological data; provide data, reports, and comments to other CPW employees; review internal and external plans, environmental statements and other decision documents. Develop, plan, and conduct wildlife and habitat inventories; analyze data to compile reports on wildlife abundance, demographics and distribution and/or habitat quantity and quality. Minimize or mitigate impacts on wildlife and habitats by providing biological expertise in reviewing environmental statements, natural resource plans, and other decision documents proposed by state, federal or local agencies and landowners; collaborate with other CPW work units to accomplish agency goals. Conduct or participate in wildlife and habitat management studies; gather biological data by planning studies, capturing, marking, monitoring wildlife populations and habitat; analyze and interpret results; complete reports and deliver presentations. Work with CPW Habitat Unit staff, Field Operations staff, and other CPW work units to develop habitat management programs and plans; coordinate with procurement staff on contracts to implement plans on state wildlife areas, public lands and private lands. Employ computer‑based wildlife population models to interpret and manipulate data obtained from inventories, hunter harvest data, and other field observations. Formulate management plans by compiling data, soliciting public and agency comments, negotiating options, analyzing results, and writing final plans; implement or adapt existing plans to meet conservation objectives. Educate and inform the public on wildlife and habitat management through dissemination of information to hunters, wildlife constituents, schools, and media (newspapers, radio, television). Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Six (6) years of relevant professional experience in wildlife research, wildlife management, conservation biology, or related fields, with a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources management, or a related field. *OR* a combination of related education (e.g., biology, environmental science, fisheries/wildlife biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, ichthyology, or another closely related science‑based degree) and a minimum of two (2) years professional experience in wildlife research, wildlife management, wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources management, or a related field, totaling at least six (6) years. Preferred Qualifications Current or former Colorado Parks and Wildlife work or volunteer experience. Previous experience working with species of conservation concern. Professional level writing, research, and communication skills. Experience with GIS software. Understanding of local, state, and federal conservation planning and rulemaking processes. Ability to operate ATVs/side‑by‑side vehicles. Experience facilitating meetings. Familiarity with the flora and fauna of western Colorado. Ability to work collaboratively or in a team environment. A Master's degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, or related field. Required Competencies Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to prioritize work across multiple projects. Ability to work independently and in challenging outdoor environments. Ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles. Conditions of Employment This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. Travel required approximately 12 nights per year. Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation; such circumstances may disqualify the applicant. Employees who will drive a State‑owned vehicle must maintain a safe driving record and a valid driver license; applicable fleet vehicle policies apply. Equal Opportunity Statement 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 applications from all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to providing culturally responsive programs and services and ensuring equal opportunity for all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, medical conditions related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans). Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable completion of an employment assessment. Please contact our Benefits Specialist at View email address on click.appcast.io at least five business days before the date that an accommodation will be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado