Full Job Description

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $21.50 PER HOUR
EMPLOYMENT STARTS 03/30/2026 THROUGH 12/25/2026
To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early.
The mission of the
Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) 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.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Requirements
The primary responsibility of this position is to support the Invasive Species Sampling and Monitoring Program by assisting the Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Specialist in coordinating sampling and rapid response efforts for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) throughout Colorado. Candidates will be required to perform administrative work and assist sampling crews and the ANS Laboratory. Candidates will also be required to assist with watercraft inspection and decontamination as needed. Candidates must possess the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
This position will generally report to the Invasive Species Program Office at 6060 Broadway in in Denver 8:00am to 4:30pm daily, Monday through Friday. Work hours will be strictly limited to 40 per week (overtime compensation will only be granted in special circumstances). This position may require occasional traveling Monday through Thursday
weekly including overnight camping when assisting with field monitoring.
Specific Duties:
- Perform administrative duties including scheduling sampling crews, booking campsites and accommodations, maintaining equipment, managing inventory, preparing materials for field training, and assisting with said training.
- Support the Invasive Species Program through mapping, database management, and data analysis including weekly proofing and correcting of data that is generated by field sampling crews and laboratory technicians.
Assist field sampling crews with conducting surveys for ANS, using standardized scientific protocols, in lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers throughout Colorado.
Specifically, sampling crews will conduct monitoring for zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil.
Assist the ANS Laboratory with performing laboratory analysis on samples collected by sampling crews, using standardized scientific protocols.
Specifically, this position will conduct microscopy and taxonomic identification from field samples for mollusks, crayfish, macrophytes, zooplankton, and phytoplankton.
- Assist the EDRR Specialist and Invasive Species Program Manager with any rapid response efforts that may be triggered by CPW’s early detection sampling and monitoring program.
- Finally, this position works very closely with the EDRR Specialist and helps with a large variety of tasks as they arise.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be 16 years of age or older
2. Must have a current and valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record
3. Possess basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite)
4. Experience performing data entry
5. Willingness to be flexible with the weekday work schedule
6. Ability to travel occasionally with overnight stays including camping
7. Ability to work in and around the water
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
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
1. B.S. in natural resources/botany/fisheries/wildlife or other natural resource field OR at least 1 year completed coursework toward a degree in the field
2. Experience performing administrative duties
3. Experience with customer service
4. Experience performing technical writing and editing and document management
5. Experience with zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil, or other invasive species
6. Experience conducting biological field surveys especially with aquatics and/or water quality including performing species identification
7. Experience planning and analyzing biological field surveys and survey data
8. Experience with ArcGIS software
9. Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
10. Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask
Additional 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 at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.
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
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 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 HelpIf 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). 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.