Department Information

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

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.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.

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.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

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.

This unit works in conjunction with the other 19 State Fish Hatcheries to spawn, hatch, rear, and stock cold water and native aquatic species into the waters of Colorado according to the approved “Fish Stocking Schedule” for the benefit of the people of the State of Colorado and its visitors. This unit produces approximately 650,000 catchable-size trout and 2.5 million sub-catchable trout annually.

Description of Job

This position exists to direct, guide, oversee, and monitor the day-to-day operations of the Rifle Falls Hatchery to support statewide fish production goals and objectives by delegating, training, guiding, and evaluating one Technician IV and six Technician III’s. It plans, develops, and monitors capital construction projects, stocking schedules, maintenance schedules, and budgets. This position directs water quality and quantity management for the facility. Monitors, approves, and procures materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to ensure proper growth, health, and survival of fish while meeting annual production goals and staying within an established annual budget. It directs and provides 24-hour security and is on an “on-call” status. It provides all documentation and reports requested, and records and maintains accurate information on the Hatchery.

Administration
Execute and implement the policies, directives, rules, and regulations of State and Federal agencies. Attend and represent the hatchery at meetings with other staff, interagency personnel, and the public. Compose and approve reports, records, and correspondence.

Supervision and Training
Supervises one Technician IV, six Technician III’s, temporary positions, and volunteers. Formulates, delegates, and oversees daily work schedules for the crew. Interviews, hires, informs, advises, counsels, trains, evaluates, and rewards employees. Oversees and assists as needed with daily hatchery and rearing unit operations such as: feeding fish, sorting and moving fish, loading fish, stocking fish, cleaning troughs and raceways, water analysis, water flow management, and fish health management. Assists the Deputy Assistant Director – Hatchery Team with performance evaluation input for employees. Authorizes leave, travel, and training activities. Counsels and mediates employee concerns and conflicts.

Fish Culture and Distribution

Formulates, delegates, and oversees daily work activities and schedules. Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the unit. Anticipates problems and adjusts fish egg requests, fish production, and operating plans to achieve unit and Statewide goals. Calculates, analyzes, and adjusts fish nutrition and growth data, unloads feed trucks, orders fish feed, coordinates egg and fish stocking schedules, fish transfers, inventories, and sorting. Assesses and evaluates progress toward unit goals. Analyzes inventory data and calculates fish feed rates and conversions. Communicates feed chart updates, fish sorts, moves, and transfers to employees through verbal and written communication. Analyzes, audits, and records fish production data. Prepares, cleans, and disinfects rearing containers. Inventories, sorts, loads, transports, and distributes fish with trucks and coordinates with Biologists for stockings. Monitors and controls use of equipment, feed, and supplies and plans for procurement as necessary. Participates in domestic and wild fish spawning operations as needed.

Fish Health and Pathology
Monitors, analyzes, and diagnoses fish health problems through visual, microscopic, and anatomical inspections. Prescribes, administers, and evaluates drug and chemical treatments, measures and calculates water flows and fish weights for dosages, contacts fish pathologist for assistance if necessary, and maintains daily records of chemicals or drugs used in fish treatments. Formulates and oversees disease prevention and disinfection policies and activities for the fish unit. Complies with INAD regulations and requirements related to drug and chemical treatments of fish.

Water Chemistry and Flow Management
Monitors, adjusts, and records water flows throughout the fish unit. Technically analyzes water quality parameters including oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, and chlorine with precision instruments (spectrophotometer, saturometer, etc.) to maintain fish health and meet water discharge permit regulations (where appropriate). Observes and records unit operating parameters such as weir and flow meter readings, inlet temperatures, and valve and pump settings. Manipulates water quality to maximize fish health and growth by adding aeration or oxygen, or by changing flow regimes.

Unit, Vehicle, and Equipment Maintenance
Operates various heavy-duty equipment, vehicles, and hand equipment and performs grounds and equipment maintenance and repair. Ensures adherence to State Fleet Management maintenance schedules and record keeping.

Safety and Security
Develops, oversees, and executes emergency and safety plans for fish unit operations. Patrols, secures, and protects grounds, property, and fish by being on an “on-call” status after normal working hours and being required to live on the fish unit. Secures safe storage and handling of all hazardous materials and develops plans to provide for the safety of employees and visitors, including complying with all Risk Management and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Attends training administered by the Safety & Loss Control Specialist of the State Office of Risk Management.

Public Relations
Conducts interpretive tours, accommodates day visitors, provides professional and technical information regarding Division policies and regulations, provides educational services and presentations, and provides official written correspondence, publications, and materials. Assists Colorado River Watch project.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
Five years of work experience in the aquaculture field, fishery or wildlife biology, or a closely related field that included at least one year of experience propagating and rearing sport fish and/or native species(warm, cool and/or cold water species).

Substitutions

Appropriate education in fishery science, fishery biology, fisheries management, or biology will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
The preferred candidate will demonstrate management and leadership experience in a professional setting.
Strong level of written and oral communication.
Decisiveness: Making timely, informed decisions, even under pressure.
Vision: Articulating a clear, compelling future direction for the team or organization.

Required Competencies

Excellent organizational and time management skills.
This position requires possession of a valid State of Colorado driver's license within 90 days of relocation.
Resilience & Adaptability: Bouncing back from setbacks and embracing change.
Empowerment: Delegating effectively and building others up.
Inspiration: Motivating and encouraging employees to perform their best.
Integrity & Honesty: Building trust through ethical, transparent behavior.
Empathy & Compassion: Understanding and connecting with team members' needs and perspectives.
Communication: Listening actively and conveying ideas clearly and honestly.
Accountability: Taking ownership of successes and failures.

Conditions of Employment

Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado driver's license if operating a State vehicle. Out-of-State applicants will have to obtain a Colorado License within 90 days of relocating.
If you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.
Must be willing and able to live in State housing on the fish hatchery and provide after-hours security, monitoring of water flows, power, and fish health issues as well as responding to emergency situations. Moving expenses will not be reimburse.
Must be available for on-call to receive phone calls or work after hours to help resolve fish health and safety issues related to hatchery operations. Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure fish health, safety, and welfare.
Must be willing and able to exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 lbs. frequently and/or in excess of 20 lbs. constantly to move objects
Must be willing and able to withstand exposure to weather, noise, and atmospheric conditions.
Must be willing and able to withstand the following hazards: proximity to moving, mechanical parts; exposure to electrical shock; working in high, exposed places; exposure to radiant energy; working with explosives; and/or exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
Must be able to possess and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement.
Pre-employment physical, drug testing, and background check required.
Required to work holidays and weekends as part of a rotating work schedule.
Required to live in onsite, state provided housing, exempt from overtime, on-call 24/7.
This position will require but is not limited to the handling of Formalin, bleach, disinfection solutions, equipment batteries, gasoline, diesel, spray paint and motor oil.
Hazing predatory birds/animals will require the use and discharge of cracker/pyrotechnics as a deterrent.
Daily, weekly, monthly fish deliveries can result in overnight travel as needed; various meetings.
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 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

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 (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

The Assessment Process

All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.
This recruitment may be used to fill more than one vacancy at this level and reporting location.

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.

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, at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us

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.

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 dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us 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. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

E-Verify

DNR uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. 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 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.

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