TEMPORARY Roving Invasive Species Technician - Gunnison, CO

Job Title

This is a temporary position (9 months or less) - paying $19.50 per hour. Employment starts 04/11/2026 through 11/07/2026.

Job Description

Primary responsibility is to support the State Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Program through watercraft inspection and decontamination at various locations throughout Colorado. Work will either be completed independently or in pairs to inspect boats launching and leaving reservoir or other inspection locations, with respect to invasive species such as zebra/quagga mussels. Provide public outreach to non-motorized water recreation groups. Provide public outreach on the aquatic invasive species topic by providing printed materials to recreators visiting rivers, reservoirs, and/or attending outreach events. Work may include trailering various equipment, including boats and mobile cleaning stations, throughout southwest Colorado. The position will report to the Program Specialist for assignment. Boat inspection training will be provided. When shift coverage is not needed, the position will support the Program Manager and Specialists by performing a variety of tasks including: watercraft inspection and decontamination, quality control assessment, inventory management, reviewing and editing technical reports, distribution of supplies to field locations, and data entry.

This position may require overnight travel and distance driving. Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday work required.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

• Excellent driving record and ability to travel extensively with overnight stays is mandatory.
• Ability to drive long distances and remain alert.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, early morning and late evenings.
• Must be willing to be flexible with daily/weekly scheduling as field work may be dictated by weather.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and willingness to approach and engage public.
• Reliable and timely.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with boats, trailers, power washers, small engines and/or heavy equipment.
• Ability to travel and be away from home every week, if needed. Camping may be required in remote settings. Must provide own camping gear and equipment when performing biological field work.
• Ability to trailer boats and/or cleaning units on highways and steep mountain roads
• Excellent customer service skills and/or experience working with the public.
• Experience with Microsoft and Google applications.
• Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences or higher education.

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 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

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. 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, Anna Kargobai-Murray, at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

E-Verify employer: 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 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.