Colorado
Western Invertebrate and Rare Plant Temporary Technicians – Grand Junction
Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado, United States, 81503
This is a temporary position (9 months or less) paying $20.00‑22.00 per hour. 9‑month position: Employment starts 04/01/2026 (or earlier) through 12/30/2026; 6‑month position: Employment starts 04/01/2026 (or earlier) through 09/30/2026.
To apply: submit your application, a resume, and a list of 3 references (but no cover letter). We plan to notify applicants within two weeks after the closing date. Interviews will likely be scheduled the week of February 9‑13.
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) is hiring temporary positions within the Species Conservation for Invertebrates and Rare Plants (SCIP) unit. SCIP is a statewide unit focusing on the study and conservation of invertebrates and rare plants throughout the state. This position will assist in inventorying and monitoring invertebrates and rare plants across Colorado. The position is based in Grand Junction, CO. The Grand Junction–based team will work primarily in the Western half of the state and involve travel across the state, navigating/hiking diverse terrain, conducting surveys, processing samples, aiding in specimen identification, and entering data. Two invertebrate and rare plant technicians will be hired to work collaboratively as a team under the direct supervision of CPW’s Western Rare Plant and Invertebrate Conservation Biologist. We expect to hire one 9‑month technician and one 6‑month technician for the Western team.
Duties
Perform invertebrate and rare plant surveys & monitoring across ecosystems throughout Colorado, in both front country and backcountry settings, with variable hours.
Collect information on newly discovered or existing invertebrate and rare plant populations.
Aid in statewide monitoring for the Bumble Bee Atlas, including training local CPW staff to conduct surveys.
Collaborate with partners across state, federal, and nonprofit agencies in coordinated monitoring efforts.
Coordinate with volunteers and other state staff to collect repeat data at strategically placed bee blocks.
Plan field visits, including assisting with logistical planning, gear management, preparing maps, and coordinating with local stakeholders and property managers.
Enter, process, and analyze data that has been gathered throughout the field season in order to inform state management decisions, outreach materials, etc.
Compile data into reports for internal and external outreach.
Basic Requirements
Valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle.
Able to travel statewide, for multiple days Mon‑Fri, for at least 60% of the field season (typically April‑September).
Able to work unconventional hours on occasion (nocturnal invertebrate surveys).
Experience with backcountry travel under variable weather conditions.
Must be willing to camp for multiple nights in remote areas of the state.
Excellent organization, time‑management, collaboration, and communication skills.
Self‑motivated, proactive, attentive to detail, and able to work efficiently independently, in a small team, and with diverse partners and landowners.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, ecology, botany, rangeland science, or other closely related field - OR - at least 2 years of related experience.
Experience conducting monitoring surveys, inventories, or other field research on invertebrates and/or rare plants.
Experience with invertebrate and/or Colorado plant identification.
Experience with following rigorous protocols for data collection and data entry.
Proficient in ESRI GIS applications including ArcMap/ArcPro, ArcGIS Online and Collector/Field Maps.
Strong scientific and technical writing skills.
Experience with data entry and analysis.
Benefits Temporary employees participate in PERA (State employee retirement program), and accrue paid sick leave, but do not receive medical benefits, paid holidays or paid vacation. Sick leave rolls over upon rehire. Great opportunities for professional development and networking with diverse partners across the state in natural resources and conservation.
Accessibility We will happily discuss and provide ADA accommodations at any time.
Fleet Vehicle Policy 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.
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, Anna Kargobai‑Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us or call 303‑866‑2667 x8647.
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 Anna Kargobai‑Murray at anna.kargobai-murray@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 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.
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). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.
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To apply: submit your application, a resume, and a list of 3 references (but no cover letter). We plan to notify applicants within two weeks after the closing date. Interviews will likely be scheduled the week of February 9‑13.
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) is hiring temporary positions within the Species Conservation for Invertebrates and Rare Plants (SCIP) unit. SCIP is a statewide unit focusing on the study and conservation of invertebrates and rare plants throughout the state. This position will assist in inventorying and monitoring invertebrates and rare plants across Colorado. The position is based in Grand Junction, CO. The Grand Junction–based team will work primarily in the Western half of the state and involve travel across the state, navigating/hiking diverse terrain, conducting surveys, processing samples, aiding in specimen identification, and entering data. Two invertebrate and rare plant technicians will be hired to work collaboratively as a team under the direct supervision of CPW’s Western Rare Plant and Invertebrate Conservation Biologist. We expect to hire one 9‑month technician and one 6‑month technician for the Western team.
Duties
Perform invertebrate and rare plant surveys & monitoring across ecosystems throughout Colorado, in both front country and backcountry settings, with variable hours.
Collect information on newly discovered or existing invertebrate and rare plant populations.
Aid in statewide monitoring for the Bumble Bee Atlas, including training local CPW staff to conduct surveys.
Collaborate with partners across state, federal, and nonprofit agencies in coordinated monitoring efforts.
Coordinate with volunteers and other state staff to collect repeat data at strategically placed bee blocks.
Plan field visits, including assisting with logistical planning, gear management, preparing maps, and coordinating with local stakeholders and property managers.
Enter, process, and analyze data that has been gathered throughout the field season in order to inform state management decisions, outreach materials, etc.
Compile data into reports for internal and external outreach.
Basic Requirements
Valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle.
Able to travel statewide, for multiple days Mon‑Fri, for at least 60% of the field season (typically April‑September).
Able to work unconventional hours on occasion (nocturnal invertebrate surveys).
Experience with backcountry travel under variable weather conditions.
Must be willing to camp for multiple nights in remote areas of the state.
Excellent organization, time‑management, collaboration, and communication skills.
Self‑motivated, proactive, attentive to detail, and able to work efficiently independently, in a small team, and with diverse partners and landowners.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, ecology, botany, rangeland science, or other closely related field - OR - at least 2 years of related experience.
Experience conducting monitoring surveys, inventories, or other field research on invertebrates and/or rare plants.
Experience with invertebrate and/or Colorado plant identification.
Experience with following rigorous protocols for data collection and data entry.
Proficient in ESRI GIS applications including ArcMap/ArcPro, ArcGIS Online and Collector/Field Maps.
Strong scientific and technical writing skills.
Experience with data entry and analysis.
Benefits Temporary employees participate in PERA (State employee retirement program), and accrue paid sick leave, but do not receive medical benefits, paid holidays or paid vacation. Sick leave rolls over upon rehire. Great opportunities for professional development and networking with diverse partners across the state in natural resources and conservation.
Accessibility We will happily discuss and provide ADA accommodations at any time.
Fleet Vehicle Policy 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.
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, Anna Kargobai‑Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us or call 303‑866‑2667 x8647.
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 Anna Kargobai‑Murray at anna.kargobai-murray@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 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.
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). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.
#J-18808-Ljbffr