CDA-Southwest Region Nonlethal Mitigation SpecialistPrint (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/4647837) ApplyCDA-Southwest Region Nonlethal Mitigation SpecialistSalary $70,140.00 - $84,168.00 AnnuallyLocation Statewide, COJob TypeFull TimeJob NumberBAA-00439-09052024DepartmentDepartment of AgricultureDivisionAnimal Industry DivisionOpening Date09/05/2024Closing Date9/19/2024 11:59 PM MountainFLSADetermined by PositionType of AnnouncementThis position is open only to Colorado state residents.Primary Physical Work AddressSouthwestern Colorado RemoteFLSA StatusExempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.Department Contact InformationContact Nicholas Kaiser at (303)869-9014 or nicholas.kaiser@state.co.usHow To ApplyPlease submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department InformationWho we are:Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animalyourlife is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.Mission:The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment. Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect CDA Wildly Important Goals: To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four “wildly important goals:” Goal 1: Advancing National and International Market Access Goal 2 : Developing Agricultural Leaders Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan Goal 4: Non-lethal Predator Conflict Reduction Program Awareness We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website (https://ag.colorado.gov/home/about-us) . What you get from us: In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan (https://www.copera.org/) plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org).
Benefits: See "Benefits" tab in the job announcement for the variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.
11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
BenefitHub (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/multiproduct) state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program MotivateMe (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/employee-wellness-program)
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional developmentand more!
To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation Equity, Diversity, and InclusionThe 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. Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi . Description of JobOrganizational Purpose Animal Health Division
Detect, diagnose, control, and prevent infectious and contagious diseases of livestock
Prepare for and respond to significant livestock disease outbreaks
Prevent and investigate cruelty, mistreatment, and neglect of animals
Assist agricultural industries, local governments, and livestock producers in the control of predators that affect agriculture
Assess and collect from alternative livestock producers or captive wildlife facilities a fee for licensing and maintain appropriate regulations for animal health and disease control
License aquaculture facilities and partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife in its regulation
Provide for traceability of livestock locations, livestock, and livestock movements
Provide a regulatory diagnostic testing lab to benefit veterinarians, producers, and the livestock industry
Collaborate with CPW and livestock producers to reduce and manage livestock depredation
Work with other government agencies and non-profit organizations to manage wild horse herds
Major Objectives of the Positions
The primary focus of the Nonlethal Mitigation Specialist position is to use a variety of techniques and tools to mitigate agricultural livestock loss due to depredation from wildlife predators. Due to the nature of depredation, this position will require various differing working hours and locations in which these instances are occurring.
These positions will also function to support CDA’s mission through attending various stakeholder meetings in Colorado. These positions will provide technical assistance and educational materials for landowners and livestock owners regarding livestock depredations and will explain how the resources of both CDA and CPW can be used to mitigate wildlife/livestock conflicts.
These positions will become familiar with and work within state statute and agency regulations and policy to implement hands-on nonlethal conflict reduction fieldwork, including but not limited to carcass removal, installation of equipment, range riding, public communication and outreach.
DutiesNonlethal Depredation Mitigation: This position will provide direct nonlethal mitigation and technical assistance in the field. Specific duties include:
Determine what types of nonlethal mitigation equipment will work best with the individual producer. This will include needing to deliver, install, and/or train producers on how to use nonlethal mitigation equipment.
Tools may include fladry, fox lights, and scare devices, some of which can be heavy and unwieldy to install.
Actively provide range riding and techniques for range riding to producers, and other entities, such as the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes, that may have holdings on public lands, to protect livestock from predators.
Train ranch personnel on Tribal lands on best practices for range riding.
Monitoring the health and behavior of livestock as it relates to depredation.
Identifying signs of wolf or other carnivore activity near livestock.
Livestock carcass removal/burial and education
Either working alone or with the livestock producer, bury or remove and haul away livestock carcasses.
Make suggestions on the best available practices to dispose of carcasses to the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes on their land, or on public allotments.
Ensure carcass disposal is completed in accordance with state and local regulations.
Depredation scene containment. While this position will not be conducting depredation scene investigations to determine which predator depredated the livestock, they may be the first state official on sight and can contain the scene to preserve the evidence and take detailed photos until a CPW employee can conduct the investigation.
This position may conduct site evaluations to help determine the best nonlethal mitigation tools and techniques and submit findings to ranch management, CPW, and CDA.
Meeting with landowners of the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain UteTribes to discuss their livestock operations and determine what assistance is needed to reduce interactions between livestock and predators.
Help disseminate outreach materials.
Attend conferences and stockgrower meetings to disseminate information and inform ranchers of available assistance from CDA and CPW.
Stakeholder Outreach and Networking:This position will develop relationships including with agricultural associations, livestock producers, wolf advocates.Specific duties include:
Educate stakeholders and the public about available programs and services to reduce interactions between livestock and predators.
May be asked to attend livestock trade association meetings.
May be asked to help set up display/booth at conferences/trade shows to disseminate brochures and display samples of nonlethal tools.
Multiple state and federal government agencies will work collaboratively to implement nonlethal conflict reduction efforts in Colorado. This position will be asked to work with other governmental agencies including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, USDA Wildlife Services, CSU Extension, and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Maintains continual communication with livestock associations and impacted livestock producers.
Communicates effectively and articulately both in writing and orally.
Maintains working relationships, educates and informs tribal members in Colorado about CDAs non-lethal program.
Other Division Duties:When requested by CDA leadership and with available capacity, other duties may be assigned based on the Department’s needs such as:
Assists local, state, and federal agencies and entities with livestock handling activities at the time of livestock emergencies.
Potential activities during deployment for animal emergency incidents or disease outbreaks include assistance in depopulation, carcass disposal, livestock handling, animal identification, euthanasia, and tissue sample collection
Become certified and assist with the darting of wild horses with immune-contraceptive fertility control.
Participate in activities associated with the State Fair, National Western Stock Show (NWSS), and other events in which the Department is involved as needed.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsMust be a Colorado resident at the time of application.This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.This position is advertised in line with the Governor’s executive order (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sQLdihrVs9LaAfsxHW-xxITY8EKvNvCg/view) focused on skills-based hiring practices that focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the job and aligns the hiring process accordingly. Skills-based hiring reduces potential barriers for applicants and allows for reduced bias in the hiring process by providing a direct description of skills that are unique to the duties assigned to the position with a recognition that the applicant may have developed these skills through education, training, or past experiences. Salary Range: $2,697.69 - $3,237.23 Biweekly $70,140.00 - $84,168.00 Annually Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.Minimum Requirements:Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
Seven (7) Years Experience in livestock handling, animal husbandry, and horse-riding in mountainous terrain
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of education in a related field such as Rangeland Management, Animal Science, Federal Land Management, Agriculture and/or Public Administration and experience in livestock handling, animal husbandry, and horse-riding in mountainous terrain to equal seven (7) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of or experience with working in outdoor conditions, including principles of safety in the outdoors, camping, wilderness first aid.
Experience with using horses/mules in the backcountry.
Knowledge of non-lethal conflict minimization techniques
Knowledge of agricultural business and ranching operations
Knowledge in working with indigenous tribal relations or affairs
Conditions of Employment:
Must be a resident of the state of Colorado.
Must have an active Colorado driver's license.
Must have ability to travel up to 40% of the time.
Ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and use of trailers.
Be willing to travel for frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout assigned area and overnight travel to other areas of Colorado, for up to four days at a time may occur to attend conferences, trainings, and to assist with fieldwork.
A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process for this position. Certain convictions, including but not limited to felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture Human Resources with an official disposition of any charges.
Required Competencies:
Rangeland and Ranchland Experience
Ability to manage a variety of stakeholders interests
Ability to handle conflict resolution to get results
Experience providing customer service
Experience leading/mentoring others
Written and Oral communication ability
Experience with public speaking/presenting and/or facilitating meetings
Program management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, create systems and processes, and collaborate with and engage others.
Ability to work long and irregular hours, evenings and weekends as determined by business needs and emergent issues.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.
Detail oriented.
Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.
Work well under pressure.
Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.
A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.
Excellent negotiation and consensus-building skills.
Highly resourceful team player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
Important Information:Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.Please submit the following:
Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Colorado%20Paper%20Application%20%28February%202020%29.pdf) . Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to mary.hunt@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
DD214 (if applicable)
Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)
Factors that will be assessed:
Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpastate.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can 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/board-rules .
Supplemental InformationImportant Information: Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself . Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered. All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.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 an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date 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.The Department of Agriculture 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 Mary Hunt, atmary.hunt@state.co.usor call 303-869-9006.Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 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 State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.01 Please describe your experience handling and working around livestock and livestock producers. 02 Part of the job duties include disposal of dead livestock. Please explain your comfort level being around, and disposal of, dead animals. 03 Please explain your experience working with livestock in an open range environment 04 Explain a time when you had two parties that had a disagreement and you needed both of their commitment towards a solution. How did you handle that? What was the Outcome? 05 I am a current or past employee of the State of Colorado
Yes
No
06
If yes to question #5 please provide your State Employee ID number
Required Question
AgencyState of ColoradoAddressSee the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, Websitehttps://careers.colorado.gov/ApplyPlease verify your email addressVerify Email
