Salary : $70,140.00 - $75,396.00 AnnuallyLocation : Alamosa, COJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: PCA 00017 12/2024Department: Department of Natural ResourcesDivision: Colorado State Land BoardOpening Date: 12/20/2024Closing Date: 1/15/2025 5:00 PM MountainFLSA: Determined by PositionType of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.Primary Physical Work Address: 918 4th Street, Suite B, Alamosa, CO 81101Hiring Pay Rate: Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.Department Contact Information: Patrick ...@state.co.usSalary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at 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.Department InformationThis posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference? 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 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, Vision 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
For more detailed information, please visit State of Colorado Employee BenefitsDo you have a passion for ranching and wildlife? Range management and ecosystem conservation? Wildlife habitat management? Working with an awesome small team? We want you!The Colorado State Land Board is looking for a Southwest District Manager to join our field operations team. You'll use your knowledge of natural resources and agriculture to help oversee and steward 2.8 million acres of surface and 4 million acres of subsurface trust land in Colorado. On any given day you might be presenting to our Governor-appointed Commissioners, inventorying millions of acres of trust land, liaising with ranchers, or 4-wheeling on rugged terrain to inspect our leased properties.What is the State Land Board?The State Land Board is a constitutionally created agency that manages a $4 billion endowment of assets for the intergenerational benefit of Colorado's K-12 schoolchildren and public institutions. The agency is the second-largest landowner in Colorado and generates revenue on behalf of beneficiaries by leasing nearly three million surface acres and four million subsurface acres for assorted purposes, including agriculture. Unlike public lands, trust lands are not open to the public unless a property has been leased for public access. We are entirely self-funded and receive no tax dollars. Though we are a 144-year old, constitutionally chartered agency, we take pride in being entrepreneurial and business-savvy. We compete in private sector markets daily and generate more than $100 million in revenue annually. What kind of land do we have and how do we manage it?Our 15-person field operations team is responsible for overseeing 2.8 million acres of surface land. We currently have about 1,800 agriculture leases that generate $14 million annually. We have seven offices throughout the state. This job manages our Southwest District, which spans 23 counties and 360,000 acres of trust land via 375 leases. While we own and lease the assets, we are not operators. Lessees are responsible for all ranching operations. That said, we partner with our lessees to ensure that the land is well managed and that the agency's stewardship objectives are met. Most of our properties have multiple leases, for example an agriculture lease allowing grazing and a recreation lease allowing hunting. Layering leases is one way we carry out our mission, which is to raise money for Colorado public schools while ensuring that the land is well cared for in order to benefit future generations. Description of JobThis posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. The job opportunity:This isn't your typical government job. We want you to share in our excitement over intergenerational stewardship of natural assets and share in our pride of providing significant financial support to Colorado's public schools. Your work will be a model across the country for massive-scale (2.8 million acres) of land management.The District Manager supervises one staff member in the Alamosa office and one Resource Specialist when they are working in the Southwest District. The position oversees leasing activities on 360,000 acres of Southwestern state trust lands where grazing and recreation are predominant uses. Here's a more detailed look at your day-to-day:1) Get your boots dirty doing field inspections at 480 properties.
- Evaluate existing and proposed land uses. You'll be out on your own a lot in the field.
- Verify compliance with lease terms, particularly stewardship stipulations. Determine the proper course of action if lease violations are identified.
- Make long-term land leasing management decisions for each property, including large properties of up to 50,000 acres.
- Review competitive bids for state leases and make recommendations for award of leases to successful applicants.
- Know your plants and use your adaptive management skills to read the land and determine if the current use is appropriate and most beneficial to the trusts. You will be responsible for determining the agriculture carrying capacity on specific state trust properties
- Decide how to address noxious weed infestations and work with your lessees to make sure the plan is executed.
- Decide whether the acquisition and/or disposition of water rights is in our agency's best interest in conjunction with our Water Program Manager.
- Determine whether to approve a Temporary Access Permit or a Right of Way agreement.
- Decide when infrastructure investment may be merited.
- Resolve property use conflicts between lessees, where we have layered leases, and determine the best approach to manage and avoid future conflict.
2) Be business savvy to pursue opportunities that will increase the value of trust assets.
- You will manage a large portfolio of real property assets, and you must understand our agency's long-term mission and vision.
- You will be responsible for the oversight of the management of several large ranches in the Southwest District with quality grazing and recreation (hunting) leases. These ranches pose unique challenges including developing livestock water systems, creating grazing plans, and negotiating unique lease and/or license agreements with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- Devise and implement the agency's strategic business plan to accomplish specific district level goals for revenue, revenue growth, and the development of various lines of business, such as agriculture, recreation, ecosystem services, water, mineral development, renewable energy development, and more. Determine the proper balance of uses on a property (number and type of overlapping leases for uses) in a manner that produces reasonable and consistent revenue over time. Ensure that the land values improve with sound stewardship and management practices. Partner closely with colleagues who are subject matter experts in those lines of business.
- Be an expert on wildlife issues because you'll work closely with lessees, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), representatives of NGO's and sportsman's groups to maintain and improve recreational opportunities on state grazing leases and optimize opportunities for habitat enhancement and recreation leasing in areas where wildlife values are high.
- Bring forward and help to develop acquisition strategies for ranch properties located throughout western Colorado.
- Even though this is a field position, you'll do plenty of office work seated at a computer to produce reports, contracts, and presentations.
3) Do public outreach.
- Represent us at meetings with lessees, local and state level elected officials, community organizations, industry and trade associations, and federal land management agencies.
- Implement strategies for outreach and communication with lessees and other external agencies regarding new and/or modified Land Board policies and practices, such as improved grazing management strategies, the emergency drought relief program, hunting access, renewable energy opportunities, rights-of-ways, and new lease rates.
- Resolve property use conflicts and determine the best approach to manage and avoid future conflicts.
4) Be a leader and a manager.
- Supervise and collaborate with the District Assistant and the State Land Board's program managers, manage consultants, and be a project manager on countless initiatives. Establish priorities and approve time keeping requests. Prepare performance plans and conduct performance reviews.
- Ensure a positive work environment in the District office and identify opportunities to collaborate with staff in other State Land Board offices. Liaise with other team members and serve as a subject matter expert.
- Provide the Field Operations Team Leader with clear and concise information regarding the status of current projects and be proactive in identifying issues that may impact the timely implementation of agency policies and procedures. Recommend potential solutions.
- Prepare information to be included in monthly reports to the Board and be prepared to present at public board meetings where there is an information item or request for final action by the Board related to your district.
5) Be a jack of all trades, aka 'other duties as assigned.'
- No job description would be complete without this line, right? Don't be surprised to fix a fence, write a report, settle a dispute between neighbors, and load your 4-wheeler onto your truck ... all on the same day.
What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?We are a lean team of approximately 50 staff that places significant emphasis on promoting and maintaining a positive work environment. We get our work done, and we have fun doing it. The qualities of our environment include transparent and open communication, work-life balance (we mean it), and a focus on training and development. You'll regularly explore and travel our state on day trips or multi-day trips: be prepared for a few nights away from home during the field inspection season. Minimal out-of-state travel is required. As a state employee, you have access to a suite of benefits and holidays, including professional development funds and tuition reimbursement. And you can feel good knowing your work is directly supporting Colorado schools. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsThis posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. Minimum Qualifications:Experience Only:Seven (7) years of relevant experience in the management of large working and/or production landscapes.- OR -Education and Experience:A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years, including the management of large working and/or production landscapes.Acceptable degrees include Bachelor's (substitutes for 4 years of experience) and/or Master's (substitutes for 2 years experience) degrees in Natural Resources, Range Management, Animal Science, Ag and Resource Economics, Land Planning, Environmental Science, or in another field of study directly related or closely related field. Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. See Resume statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.Preferred Qualifications:
- Current or former State experience relevant to this position
- Additional years of professional experience above the minimum of 7 years
- Range management practices and knowledge of carrying capacity
- Comfort with public speaking and presenting
- Experience using complex databases
- Ranching and infrastructure systems
- Wildlife and habitat management experience
- Regenerative grazing management experience
- Agricultural leasing or sales experience
- Knowledge of, and practical experience applying, Colorado water law
- Experience with noxious weeds and treatment strategies
- Familiarity with the Southern Colorado landscape
- Familiarity with Google office products
- Familiarity with ARC GIS mapping tools
Required Competencies:
- Good written and oral communication with the ability to convey information to others effectively and efficiently
- Independent yet also a team player, quick to help others
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Customer-service mindset, respectful, helpful
- Proactive, takes initiative, self-motivated
- Possesses good problem solving skills, seeks to understand alternatives, employs logic and good judgment
- Self-confident and self-aware
- Great work ethic: results oriented, disciplined, conscientious, thorough, and diligent
- Honest, trustworthy, dependable
- Enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, positive attitude
- Organized and professional
- Adaptable and open to change
Conditions of Employment:
- Must be a Colorado resident at time of employment.
- Must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. DNR does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
Supplemental InformationThe 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 not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement
- 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 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.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 ...@state.co.us ADAAA AccommodationsAny 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 ...@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-VerifyDNR 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 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-###-####, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues. 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: 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: Are you a current Colorado resident?
02 If you are a veteran who is eligible for preference points, did you upload/attach your DD-214? Veterans who wish to seek disability preference points based on a service related disability must submit acceptable documentation to support your claim for veterans' preference (exclude specific/private medical information).
03 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.
04 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: 05 In order to comply with the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, are you prevented from being employed in the United States because of your Visa or Immigration Status?
06 If you are using education to meet or substitute for qualifications, did you upload a copy of your official or unofficial transcript? (Your transcript is required as verification that you meet the requirements).
- Yes, I have attached my transcripts.
- No, I am not using college course work to meet minimum requirements for this position.
- Not Applicable
07 Did you upload your rsum and cover letter to this on-line application?
08 Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Please verify that you understand that the failure to include adequate information or attachments to your job application may affect your final score and/or prevent you from competing in any subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
09 You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. DNR does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
10 Please describe your professional experience in rangeland and cropland management and monitoring related to working landscapes. You must include where the experience was acquired, the duties performed, and mm/yy to mm/yy. Statements such as see application will not be accepted in lieu of a response. 11 Please describe how your experience meets any of the preferred qualifications listed. Statements such as See application will not be accepted in lieu of a response. 12 Please describe your professional experience in the management of large working and/or production landscapes. Please include management practices employed and degree of experience (years, etc.). Statements such as See Application will not be accepted in lieu of a response. 13 Please describe your management/supervisory or leadership experience. Statements such as See Application will not be accepted in lieu of a response. 14 This position requires driving a State vehicle, do you have a valid driver's license issued in the United States?
Required Question