Posting number: BAA-00425-08032026
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: Conservation Services Division
Job classification: Administrator III
Posting type: Open
Categories: Administration, Planning and Development, Management, Agriculture, Development/Fundraising, Program Management
SummaryWho we are:Who we are:Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and 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 RespectCDA Wildly Important Goals:
To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals:"
Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access
Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders
Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy
Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft
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.
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 aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
- Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)
- Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
- Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
- Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
- 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
- BenefitHub state employee discount program
- Employee Wellness program State of Health
- Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!
To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation
Equal Opportunity
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 believe 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. Examples of dutiesOrganizational Purpose:
The Conservation Services Division exists to provide oversight and coordination of the department's efforts to protect and enhance the state's agriculture activities as they relate to drought and climate resilience, land use and range management, conservation, soil and vegetation management, public land management, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, endangered species, and energy development. The purpose of the unit also includes administrative and financial assistance to the 7 4 conservation districts, oversight and administration of the noxious weed, bio-control, agricultural water quality, chemigation, and weed-free forage programs. It also includes coordination and collaboration with other state, multi-state, and federal agencies.Major Objectives of the Position:
This position will serve as the liaison for the CDA's programs and other state and federal climate and drought resilience programs. They advise and inform the ADCRO (Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office) Managing Director, the Conservation Services leadership, CDA's Markets divisions, other state agencies, and the Governor's Office on climate and drought policy initiatives related to agriculture. This position will attend interagency working groups related to climate and drought, including lnteragency Climate Group and Natural and Working Lands Taskforce, and report back to ADCRO team on new programs and policies. This position will support other ADCRO programs, and lead new initiatives with guidance from the ADCRO Managing Director.
This position will travel 6-10 times a year, often for 1-2 nights. This position will not have regular access to a fleet vehicle, but will be reimbursed for mileage.
This position understands and implements the OIT requirements for digital accessibility as appropriate for the role.
Primary Duties:
Interagency Coordination & Working Groups RepresentativeThis position represents CDA and ADCRO in statewide meetings, interagency climate plans and policies, and state climate reports. This includes balancing the needs of the agricultural community and working towards state climate goals, including climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. This position will regularly support writing plans, including policy documents, and present on climate and ag topics. Duties include:
- Lead the CDA Internal Climate Call, ensuring CDA staff are aware of agency and statewide climate work and actions. This position will be the point of contact for CDA staff involved in climate work.
- Responsible for attending and presenting on behalf of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) at interagency climate and drought working groups and task forces such as the Natural and Working Lands Task Force, Climate Staff working group, Colorado Resilience Office, DOLA, Climate Preparedness Office, Carbon Management, and Drought Impact Task Force.
- This position will draft slide presentations, memos, websites, and other written materials on CDA's climate work, and incorporate edits from the ADCRO Managing Director and other CDA staff.
- Track and complete assigned items in coordination with subject matter experts at CDA (such as Soil Health Program Manager), other state agencies, and groups outside of state government, such as nonprofits and industry groups.
- Provides regular updates to ADCRO Managing Director and CDA staff about interagency working groups.
- Analyzes and provides expert opinion to the ADCRO Director and Commissioner of Agriculture regarding policies and strategies of the interagency working groups.
- Responds in a timely manner to requests for a response from the Department on essential items related to interagency working groups.
- Review relevant planning documents, organize feedback from colleagues, and respond to requests in a timely manner.
This position, with support from CSD staff, manages the Climate Resilience grant process, including outreach, communication, developing grant materials, organizing the review committee, and working with procurement to process successful grant applications to award grant agreements. This position will also oversee the existing Energy Grants (Agrivoltaics & ACRE3). Duties include:
- Advertise grant opportunities on website
- Edit and update grant guidelines, grant application materials, and evaluation materials.
- Lead webinars on how to apply and answer questions from potential applicants on how to apply, application process, and questions.
- Coordinate with CDA's Procurement team on needed materials and paperwork from grantees. Work with grantees to get needed materials.
- Lead evaluation committee process, including recruiting evaluation committee members, organizing evaluation including compiling rubrics from evaluation committee, and working with the ADCRO Managing Director to lead evaluation conversations.
- Use CDA's procurement systems (OnBase, CORE) to create grant agreements or contracts
- Track grants throughout the grant cycle, including collecting quarterly reports, reviewing invoices and working with Procurement to approve and pay, and working with grantees on any changes to project budget or scope.
- Compile grant data and create annual reports for internal and external stakeholders. Communicate grant outcomes through written and oral presentations.
This position will research and summarize agricultural related climate policies and programs, including policies related to greenhouse gas emissions, drought, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and land use planning. This position will work with the ADCRO Managing Director and CDA staff to develop CDA policy positions, and engage agricultural stakeholders as appropriate. Duties include:
- Analyze existing and emerging climate and drought state and federal policies that impact agriculture in Colorado and provide the analysis to the ADCRO Managing Director and CSD Division Director, and other CDA staff as needed to support their work.
- Research and summarize emerging climate, drought, and energy policies adopted by other states in order to inform Colorado's policy development or response.
- Engage Colorado producers and agricultural groups, as appropriate, for input and ideas on new climate or energy policies or programs.
- Research and summarize climate and drought policies from the USDA and other federal agencies that could impact agriculture in Colorado.
- Create recommendations for policy or program initiatives.
Complete ad hoc assignments to communicate with stakeholders and plan events and meetings related to climate or drought issues. This may include, but not be limited to:
- Assist the ADCRO Managing Director, Division Directors, the Communications Director, the Commissioner and the Commissioners Executive Assistant in the creation of communications materials and planning and logistics for events and meetings.
- Assist ADCRO Managing Director with internal communication between CSD programs to ensure all staff and stakeholders understand current program opportunities. This includes presenting to internal staff, advisory committees (like the Soil Health Advisory Committee or Colorado State Conservation Board), and external stakeholders.
- Manage stakeholder meetings by organizing virtual or in-person seminars to discuss new climate policies or initiatives, such as methane emissions or carbon management. Responsibilities would include such things as meeting outreach and advertising, venue selection, vendor interaction, payments for services, and ensuring interpretation services are available when applicable.
- This position will have to set up for meetings, including carrying meeting materials, setting up meeting chairs and tables, and doing tech support including setting up projectors, managing computer and slide decks, and interactive virtual/hybrid meeting software such as Zoom, Google Meet, Mentimeter, etc.
- This position will travel to meetings around the state 6-10 times a year. This will often include overnight travel (1-2 nights).
QualificationsMust be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.
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Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!
Salary Range: BIWEEKLY
$2,286.92 - $2,744.31
ANNUALLY
$59,460.00 - $71,352.00Although 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:
- Six (6) years of professional experience in an agricultural field related to drought or climate resilience.
- Part-time experience will be pro-rated.
Education and experience:
- A combination of related education in agriculture, natural resources, or a field of study closely related to the position (agronomy, renewable energy, agriculture policy), and/or relevant experience in an agricultural field related to drought or climate resilience that equals six (6) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Relevant years of Colorado State service.
- Experience in an agriculture field or working with producers.
- Experience researching state and federal policy.
- Experience with climate change mitigation, adaptation, or resilience programs, natural resource management, or land management.
- Experience in renewable energy development or technology relevant to agricultural lands and operations.
- Experience communicating with diverse audiences.
Conditions of Employment:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel. Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check. (When using your own vehicle, mileage will be reimbursed for the travel).
Circumstances may require the position to work outside of regular business hours.
- Clear understanding and experience in agriculture with an emphasis on drought and climate resilience.
- Knowledge of renewable energy within the agriculture sector.
- Knowledge of grant and budget administration.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and 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.
- Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.
- Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
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. 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:
As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.
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, at mary.hunt@state.co.us or call 303-869-9006.
E-VerifyCDA 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 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.