CPW Land Protection Specialist (Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program Administrator) ADMINISTRATOR V

CPW Land Protection Specialist (Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program Administrator) ADMINISTRATOR V

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CPW Land Protection Specialist (Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program Administrator) ADMINISTRATOR V

Salary

$91,320.00 - $146,124.00 Annually

Location

Denver Metro, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 32198 03/26

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

03/06/2026

Closing Date

3/27/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Hybrid possible

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Patrick Warnes patrick.warnes@state.co.us

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Hiring Pay Rate

Please note that all employees new to the State Personnel System are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

How To Apply

Please 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 Information

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

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 (https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch) .

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (http://cpw.state.co.us/)

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.

The Real Estate Section (Section) coordinates, implements, and manages the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Real Estate Program for the acquisition, disposition, and administration of real property assets in order 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. The Section is responsible for ensuring compliance with the legal and procedural requirements of federal and state statutes pertaining to the Section as well as the directives and policies of CPW and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission). The Section is also responsible for creating and maintaining recording systems (manual, electronic, and interactive databases) necessary to document, track, and archive real property asset records and transactions.

Description of Job

This is an Authority position which manages the annual Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP), a statewide competitive Wildlife program with an annual budget of at least $11 Million, which includes an Annual Request for Proposals (RFP) to protect wildlife habitat and provide public access by acquiring and funding conservation real estate interests. The position will continue to develop communication and representation for CPW as a statewide agency in this field. The CWHP RFP is authorized by the Habitat Stamp Statute, C.R.S. 33-4-102.7 (Statute). This position also assists the statewide Conservation Easement (CE) Stewardship Program which oversees CPW's CE portfolio, due in part to the CWHP's annual and compounded investments. This position provides Subject Matter Expertise and project management execution on multiple components of potential and completed perpetual conservation easement deals, while managing the RFP for new wildlife habitat conservation and public access opportunities. As required, this position will manage compliance with the State Audit of Real Estate activities as these relate to the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) RFP.

Serve as Authority on Managing Annual RFP Planning, Solicitation, Evaluation, and Decision Processes for CWHP:

• Annually coordinate, facilitate, and manage yearly CWHP RFP within a strict schedule of ~10 months.
• Direct two separate paths of proposal evaluation and funding prioritization: that of CPW's statewide staff, and the Governor-appointed, Senate-approved Habitat Stamp Committee.
• Facilitate CPW's Executive Management Team (EMT) and Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) to choose projects for habitat protection and wildlife-related recreation.
• Manage landowner, partner, and internal relationships throughout the RFP's annual solicitation and evaluation period.
• Annually revisit CWHP funding priorities and preferences with CPW's Executive Management Team and Parks and Wildlife Commission to ensure the program regularly reflects statute and CPW's current goals, policies, and budget. Officially begin each funding cycle with formal recommendation by the Commission.
• Promote the CWHP via detailed presentations to large groups to include professional conferences, radio broadcasts, and meetings held both virtually and in person.
• Ensure statutory priorities and Commission policies and preferences are annually reviewed, updated as necessary, and reflected in yearly application materials.
• Annually review and improve the application, budget form, supplemental information document, RFP instructions, Habitat Stamp Committee scoring matrix, Wildlife staff scoring matrix, the CWHP public-facing website, promotional materials, and other materials as needed.
• Satisfy statutory public notice requirements and facilitate promotion of program and RFP annually, and within CPW and to partners, other stakeholders, and the public.

Serve as Authority on Conservation Real Estate Transactions and CWHP-funded deals:

• Subject Matter Expertise on the land conservation toolbox. With extensive, demonstrated experience closing Conservation Easement real estate deals, this position provides direction to CPW staff, landowners and their representatives, and to conservation partners on potential CWHP transactions and proposals.
• This position provides feedback to help applicants and their representatives complete the comprehensive RFP application in order to satisfy the priorities of the Statute, address annual preferences established by the Commission, and abide by the RFP instructions, written by this position.

Actively assist CPW staff in structuring new, active, or potential acquisition deals:

• This position will work regularly with CPW field staff, landowners, and conservation partners to negotiate new conservation real estate deals across the state.
• Upon Commission recommendation, consult Real Estate Specialists assigned to complete active Commission-recommended CWHP or non-CWHP, fully donated CE deals.
• Direct applicants to other funding programs to assist their application, or to other conservation programs if their project is inappropriate for the CWHP.

Develop and implement systems to promote CWHP successes and inspire program stakeholders:

• Improve existing and create new systems and templates to publicly highlight the CWHP's successes as needed. Streamline communication with the Habitat Stamp Committee on achievements and active project statuses. Collaborate with Public Info and GIS teams to refine CWHP's webpage to be more informative and user-friendly, with focus on closed projects and recreational opportunities funded by the CWHP.
• Develop outreach to Habitat Stamp stakeholders (stamp purchasers), to demonstrate CPW's successes spending Habitat Stamp fees wisely.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert on the CWHP accomplishments since 2006. Assist other CPW grant funding programs and initiatives, and the Department of Natural Resources, as needed.

Project Management for Conservation Easement (CE) Stewardship Program:

• This position assists the statewide CE Stewardship Program that oversees CPW's growing conservation easement portfolio of over 300 CEs, including both CPW-held and 3rd Party-held CEs. This position provides Subject Matter Expertise and project management execution on multiple facets of potential and completed CE projects. Assist in the structure, due diligence, and archival documentation of CWHP projects to be managed as part of CPW's real estate portfolio, with special attention provided to CPW's active CE acquisition projects which will eventually be managed by local and Regional CPW staff and CPW's statewide CE Stewardship Program. Assist in the updates of template documents. Contribute to the review of active CPW CE acquisition projects to ensure CE terms and critical documentation support effective and enduring CE stewardship.
• Assist in review of required annual monitoring reports for CPW and 3rd Party CEs. Help identify and manage CPW CEs requiring Amendments, transfers to or from CPW, possible CE violations and potential solutions to resolution, landowner Reserved Rights Requests, third party rights, condemnations, etc. Assist with annually required on-the-ground CE monitoring, training, and reporting. Assist with staying current on CE stewardship-related trends, policy, and technology.
• Identify opportunities to fill in possible documentation gaps. Facilitate the creation or updating of conservation easement baseline reports, land management plans, and maps as needed. Exercise best practices for commissioning, reviewing, approving, and facilitating signatures on new or updated critical documentation. Update records and archives and communicate with local and Regional CPW field staff, appropriate landowner contacts, and partners, if necessary. Work with the Section's Program Assistant to pay bills, as appropriate.

Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience in land trust, government open space, or other private land conservation occupations related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or in land trust, government open space, or other private land conservation occupations related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years

Class Code: ADMINISTRATOR (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-hr-professionals/job-classifications/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-h1b)

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Experience supervising professional staff or subordinate program managers and aligning their work with organizational goals.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals into actionable implementation plans.
• Strong analytical reasoning and decision-making capabilities.
• Familiarity with state government operations, strategic planning, and policy development processes.
• Adaptable and open to change; able to perform effectively under pressure and shifting priorities.
• Current or former State of Colorado experience, especially with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is desirable.

Required Competencies

• Mastery of deal structure and due diligence related to the acquisition of conservation real estate interests at the local, regional, or statewide level, with demonstrated experience closing conservation easement deals.
• Knowledge of wildlife-related recreation opportunity, management, and acquisition structure.
• Familiarity with conservation real estate funding programs, partnerships, and related compliance requirements.
• Ability to read complex maps and communicate to stakeholders what data should be or has been conveyed.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise reports, presentations, and briefings for leadership and policymakers.
• Ability to speak publicly.
• Experience in writing and managing grants, contracts, and large-scale projects related to conservation real estate interests.
• Ability to represent the agency effectively in public meetings, stakeholder forums, and professional settings.
• Strong problem-solving, judgment, and analytical skills with the ability to develop and implement complex statewide initiatives within the context of conservation real estate interests.
• Capable of aligning programs and policies with broader agency or statewide goals.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations within the land conservation community.
• Skilled in facilitating collaboration, negotiation, and consensus among partners with competing interests in the Colorado conservation community.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously in the Colorado land conservation community.
• Skilled in program administration, budget oversight, and outcome monitoring.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Experience with GIS
• Extremely high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to perform under pressure and to manage deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Customer service mindset, respectful, helpful.
• Independent, proactive, and adaptable in dynamic environments.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, positive attitude.
• Self confident, self-aware, and able to receive constructive feedback.
• Honest, trustworthy, and dependable in carrying out the agency's mission.

Conditions of Employment

• State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
• This position will be asked to travel overnight 2-4 weeks a year for meetings and as directed by supervisor
• 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 (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W0g2QAGmusbXBJzL3HxhGitIZOEKnwhrFnx9GqVcQHA/preview?tab=t.0) , 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 notconsidered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important todocument in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
• Resumes, cover letters, transcripts and relevant certifications are required attachments.
• 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.

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

The Department of Natural Resources participates inE-Verify (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/E-Verify\_Participating\_Employer.jpg) in accordance with the program'sRight to Work (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/ier\_righttoworkposter-%20jpeg(1).jpg) 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 (https://www.e-verify.gov/) 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.

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 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.

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.

Benefits

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/benefitsPlease note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants toview 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.

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

The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that APPLICANTS for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado at the time of application, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board (DPA). A residency waiver was not issued by DPA for this announcement. For more information, please see the FAQ's at: https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply. Are you a current Colorado resident?

• Yes
• No

02

Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application.

• I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
• I am a current or former State of Colorado employee but have NEVER been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation).
• I am a current or former State of Colorado employee and have been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation). NOTE: Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of Application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.

03

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify you application from the current position (if not applicable, please enter "N/A"):

04

Describe how your professional experience and/or education prepare you to successfully perform this position's key functions, including program administration (do not state 'see resume? or 'see application).

05

Describe your approach to facilitation, building collaboration, and providing leadership amongst diverse partners.

06

Describe a time you had to present complex information or funding/policy recommendations to a public body or stakeholder group. How did you tailor your message for the audience, and what was the result?

07

What is your understanding of Colorado's conservation real estate landscape? Identify the most important opportunities and challenges for land conservation and wildlife-related recreation in Colorado over the next five years.

08

Please describe why you're interested in this position and working for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

09

Describe your experience working with private landowners and conservation funding partners as it relates to conservation easements, public access easements, or fee title acquisition (do not state 'see resume? or 'see application?).

10

Describe your experience with conservation easement stewardship (do not state 'see resume? or 'see application?).

11

Describe your experience with conservation easement acquisition (do not state 'see resume? or 'see application?).

12

Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of experience in the field of conservation real estate, specifically with regards to conservation easements.

• No experience yet
• 0 to less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years but less than 8 years
• 8 years but less than 9 years
• 9 years or more

13

Do you understand and accept the conditions of employment outlined in the job posting?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you attached your resume, cover letter, transcripts and relevant certifications?

• Yes