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 five "wildly important goals:"
Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access
Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders
Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy
Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft
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:
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Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
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Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)
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Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
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Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
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Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
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11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
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BenefitHub state employee discount program
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Employee Wellness program State of Health
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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
Equal Opportunity
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.
We believe 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.
Organizational Purpose
To enforce statutes and rules for various plant agricultural programs that provide human health, environmental and consumer protection. To provide certification for interstate and international shipment of plant commodities. Prevent the introduction and establishment of Invasive pests to the state and conduct pest surveys.
Major Objectives of the Position
This position manages the nursery, seed, greenhouse and export certification programs. These programs deal with environmental and consumer protection concerning the sale of nursery stock and seeds. In addition, this position supervises the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) Program as part of implementing the Pest Control Act. The position deals with pest control through the implementation of quarantines, conducting request inspections, surveying for pests to provide certification and documentation of freedom from pests in Colorado. Position implements statute and rule requirements and program objectives by analyzing statutes and rules and regulations, developing nursery and seed registration, inspection, enforcement and administrative procedures by collaborating with appropriate departmental, industry and concerned parties. Position develops and implements quarantines and other requirements, and inspections for the protection of agriculture and horticulture crops, landscape plants and the natural environment from plant pests through a collaborative process with industry and other interested parties. Supervises four FTE including two Administrator IV and two Administrative Assistant employees by assigning job duties, providing job training, observing job performance, formulating performance plans, and completing performance appraisals.
This position understands and implements the OIT requirements for digital accessibility as appropriate for the role.
Primary Duties
Program Management:
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Implements statute and rule requirements and program objectives by analyzing statutes and rules and regulations, developing registration, inspection, enforcement and administrative procedures by collaborating with appropriate departmental, industry and concerned parties. Develops program goals and objectives. Trains inspectors on procedures and reviews and approves inspections.
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Drafts and finalizes required reports and annual and quarterly plans. Determines and implements enforcement actions for violations of program regulations. Serve as departmental representative by communicating and meeting with government, industry, professional and private groups, and individuals. Negotiates with other agencies on contracts (for example - CSU seed laboratory for sample analysis). Serves as a resource on export of plant commodities and related regulatory issues. Keeps upper level management informed of problems, issues and trends.
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Develops and implements quarantines and other requirements, and inspections and for the protection of agriculture and horticulture crops, landscape plants and the natural environment from invasive plant pests through a collaborative process with industry and other local and federal partners.
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Updates and maintains the state's Invasive Pest emergency plan including annual revision of target pests, stakeholder list and contact, mitigation and response actions.
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Coordinates an annual stakeholder engagement to make sure the plan is updated and stakeholder is engaged.
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Develops and implements external outreach and education for stakeholders, collaborators and interested parties concerning nursery stock standards, seed labeling, movement of seed and nursery stock and regulated pest control avoidance tactics, regulations and planning.
Export Certification:
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Implements and leads the export certification program by maintaining a memorandum of understanding with USDA to issue federal phytosanitary certificates; develops procedures, fee structures, and inspection protocol to provide certification.
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Maintains official accredited certification status by completing continuing education and passing the re-accreditation exam. Trains staff on procedures and approves work.
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Determines interstate and international export requirements for plant commodities by researching the online database and communicating with receiving State and USDA officials
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Drafts and issues the appropriate certificate to meet the state or countries' requirements.
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Manage the finance and revenue coming from federal service provided and the state phyto.
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Hire and train required FTE to manage the export certification as well as other plant health services. Coordinate and monitor the federal phyto issued by the Fruit and veg inspectors in the SLV. This includes their training and ACO accreditation, revenue, payment to the phyto office and others required to provide uninterrupted service.
Supervision:
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Supervises four FTE, two Administrators and two Administrative Assistants. Position establishes the goals and objectives for the unit based on the mission of protecting the state's plants and natural resources from invasive pests and diseases. Provides supervision and oversight for staff and ensures that staff is knowledgeable of the Department's policies and procedures and job expectations.
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The position coaches, motivates, and develops improvement and performance plans for each staff member. Motivates and encourages employees through constant and consistent meetings, and providing feedback. Treat employees respectfully and equitably.
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Performs relevant personnel activities including - employee hiring, orientation, performance evaluation, disciplinary action and recommending termination if appropriate.
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Position conducts regular team meetings and individual supervision. Develops Individual Performance Objectives for staff and completes semi-annual performance evaluations.
Rule and Statute Development
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Provides input and manages the promulgation of rules and regulations pertaining to Seed Act, Nursery Act, and Pest Control Act. This is accomplished in accordance with statutory requirements and by collaborating with the industry ad hoc committees, the general public, and professional and private groups.
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Recommends legislation through the same collaborative process, assesses impact of new legislation and assists in drafting legislation.
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Lead the development and promulgation of rules to enforce a quarantine on a new threat impacting Colorado agriculture or enable the movement and establishment of an invasive pests and disease in the state.
Collaboration with APHIS-PPQ
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Serves as a backup to the Division Director (designated SPRO) in reviewing the various federally managed plant regulatory processes. These are Application for permit to receive soil, Application for permit to move live plant pests, biological control agents, or noxious weeds, Agreement for potentially quarantine, Application for permit to import prohibited plants or plant products for experimental purposes and genetically modified organism permits produced by USDA by accessing an online database.
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Makes a determination if the Department should concur with the permits and provides responses, including a rationale to USDA.
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.
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Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015 (Download PDF reader), Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!
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Salary Range:
BIWEEKLY
$3,547.38 - $4,256.77
MONTHLY
$8,070.30 - 9,223.00
ANNUALLY
$92,232.00 - $110,676.00
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Minimum Requirements:
Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
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Eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
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A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years
Preferred Qualifications:
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Relevant years of state service in the area of plant protection, pest management or regulatory plant industry.
Conditions of Employment:
Required Competencies:
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Clear understanding and experience in pest management.
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Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
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.
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Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
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Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.
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Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
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:
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Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
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OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application (Download PDF reader). Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to [email protected] by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
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DD214 (if applicable)
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Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)
Factors that will be assessed:
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Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
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Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
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Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at
[email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can 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, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.
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
[email protected] or call 303-869-9006.
E-Verify
CDA 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 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.
