CDA-Deputy Division Director & Climate Resilience Specialist



CDA-Deputy Division Director & Climate Resilience Specialist

Salary

$90,180.00 - $108,216.00 Annually

Location

Broomfield County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

BAA-00409-03072023

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

Conservation Services Division

Opening Date

04/07/2023

Closing Date

4/17/2023 9:59 AM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

Colorado Department of Agriculture 305 Interlocken Pkwy, Broomfield, CO 80021

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Information

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 Respect 

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four “wildly important goals:” 


Goal 1: Building Economic and Supply Chain Resilience

Goal 2: Advancing Voluntary Stewardship    

Goal 3: Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture    

Goal 4: Promoting Animal Health and Welfare

 

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 a PERA 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 MotivateMe
  • 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


Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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.
 
Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi.    

Description of Job

Organizational Purpose 
The Conservation Division provides 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 Division provides administrative and financial assistance to the 74 conservation districts; and oversight and administration of the noxious weed, bio-control (insectary), agricultural water quality, chemigation, and weed-free forage programs. It also includes coordination and collaboration with other state, multi-state, and federal agencies.  
 
Primary Responsibilities of the Position
This position will oversee the direction of several programs related to climate resilience and will serve as deputy director for the conservation division. The Deputy Division Director will oversee 12 FTE, including the supervision of three program managers. Position will assist in providing direction on strategic planning for the department, division and programs, initiate and manage engagement with stakeholders, assist in statewide climate preparedness initiatives, and direct staff on matters related to program budgets and grant management, and assist in the development of legislation and policy.
 
Duties include, but are not limited to:
 
Climate Preparedness:Serve as the Climate Preparedness Specialist and serves as  the CDA Liaison to the Governor’s Resilience Office.  Works with the Governor’s Office and other state agencies on the statewide climate preparedness roadmap and high-level planning, representing agricultural and department perspectives on climate preparedness.  Specific duties include:
  • Lead in the thoughtful, strategic development of climate solution strategies that advance state’s goals and advance Colorado agriculture.
  • Represent the CDA and agricultural interests in the drafting of a statewide climate roadmap and strategy reports.
  • Attend cross-agency and public engagement meetings on drought and climate issues, representing the CDA.
  • Engage with agricultural communities across the state for input and feedback
  • Develop policy and budget recommendations related to climate preparedness and resilience.
  • Draft, review, and edit statewide climate roadmap as related to agriculture.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on program and policy decisions related to climate.
Employee Supervision: Supervises and directs three program managers and additional program staff. The primary supervisory and directional duties include:
  • Manage performance goals and expectations for employees.
  • Conduct performance reviews and hold regular 1:1 discussions to evaluate and improve job performance of staff.
  • Coach and mentor staff and others to advance the staff’s professional development. Assist in hiring and training new staff.
  • Coach and motivate staff and develop improvement and performance plans for each staff member.
  • Incorporate inclusive leadership principles into the management of staff.
  • Manage and resolve any personnel issues.
  • Complete CDA’s Inclusive Leadership Program training, mandatory for all supervisors, and support staff in doing the same.
  • Treat all employees equitably.
Department Representative and Public Engagement on Climate Resiliency:  Oversee and directly participate in public engagement on matters related to climate resiliency. In particular, matters related to climate preparedness of agriculture, conservation, soil health, and energy resources. Specific duties include:
  • Conduct public engagement, such as speaking engagements, interviews or authoring reports or articles.
  • Directly engage and build working relationships with producers, agricultural associations, conservationists, conservation districts, nonprofits, local governments, federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, and other communities and associations.
  • Oversee the facilitation of public meetings accessible with interpretation services and virtual options.
  • Work with the Communication Director on traditional and social media outreach efforts, such as press releases, media interviews.
  • Attend in-state and out-of state tours and conferences.
Program Direction and Strategic Planning:  Assist the Division Director in the development of the division’s strategic goals and the department’s Wildly Important Goals (WIGS), and the overall direction of the programs. Specific duties include:
  • Provide strategic direction and execution of strategic plans.
  • Evaluate workload and resources (staff, funding, and operational needs) to achieve the program objectives.
  • Monitor, and report program and project progress regularly, including reporting of WIG measures.
  • Report to the Division Director and Sr. Management regarding problems, issues and trends.
Program Budget and Grant Management: Provide oversight of program budget and grant management. Specific duties include:
  • Oversee program budgets, including management of operating, personal, and central costs. 
  • Work with and support program managers in the setting and tracking of program and project budgets.
  • Oversee directional management of all federal grants and cooperative agreements, including the application process for applying for federal funding.
  • Suggest funding requests to address program needs and opportunities.
  • Assist in fiscal analysis and reporting on proposed legislation.
Acting Director and Special Projects:  Assumes the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the division director in his/her absence.   
  • Knowledge of program management practices, including strategic planning, program development, and program operations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the division director or another authority within the department.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
This position has been extended to April 17, 2023 Previous applicants need not reapply.

This position is eligible for Flexible Work Arrangements, including telework.  The position will be required to attend frequent in person meetings in the Denver/Metro area.

Salary Range: 
$3,468.46 - $4,162.15 Biweekly
$7,515.00 - $9,018.00 Monthly
$90,180.00 - $108,216.00 Annually 

Experience:
Nine (9) years of full-time professional experience in program management. Experience must include:
  • Climate, Soil Conservation, Natural Resource Management, ag or environmental policy, or related field
  • Experience in developing/delivering community outreach and engagement efforts,
  • Establishing program goals and objectives and measuring outcome,
  • Developing and managing a budget, and
  • Two years supervision of a professional level staff which included hiring, establishing goals and objectives, and performance management.
 OR 
 
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Agriculture, Business Administration, Grant Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or another relevant field.
     
     AND 
 Experience
  • Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in program management as listed above.
*****************************************************************************************************************************

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in Colorado agriculture.
  • Experience with Colorado Climate Management and/or Soil health.
  • Experience with Colorado and/or federal Conservation Programs.
  • Experience in starting new programs.
  • Experience in managing state and/or federal grant funded programs.
  • Experience interpreting and applying rules, policy, and procedures.
  • Previous experience with collaborative efforts at the state, local, or community level.
  • Years of Colorado State service experience related to the duties of this position.
Substitutions:
  • A master's degree from an accredited institution or college in Agriculture, Business Administration, Grant Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or another relevant field with substitute for one year of experience.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel.
  • Circumstances may require position to work outside of regular business hours.

  • Will be required to travel overnight and out of state as needed.

Required Competencies:
  • Knowledge of program management including strategic planning, program development, and program operations.
  • Knowledge of Soil Conservation
  • Knowledge of Climate change science, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation
  • Knowledge and experience with budget management.
  • Knowledge in developing/delivering community outreach and engagement efforts Supervision experience.
  • Grant Management Experience
  • Grant Writing Experience
  • Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, create systems and processes and collaborate with and engage others.
  • 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.
  • Ability to incorporate the CDA Core Values in all job duties and within the culture of the team.
Important Information:
Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

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: 
  • Knowledge of program management including strategic planning, program development, and program operations.
  • Knowledge of Soil Conservation.
  • Knowledge of Climate change science, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
  • Experience in managing grant funded programs.
  • Knowledge of agriculture and Colorado conservation efforts.
  • Knowledge in developing/delivering community outreach and engagement efforts.
APPEAL RIGHTS:
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

Important 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.

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.

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
Describe your experience working with grants, both incoming and outgoing, specifically thinking about how you might apply that experience to providing leadership and direction to staff directly managing the day-to-day operations of programs under your oversight?
02
Describe any experience in soil & climate conservation management and, how you would envision the Divisions work in soil & climate conservation efforts across Colorado Agriculture
03
Tell us a little about any association you may have with Colorado's conservation efforts and/or agriculture industry?
04
Describe experience in developing/delivering community outreach and engagement efforts.

Required Question

Agency
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --