CPW Hatchery Technician V/Hatchery Manager - (Rifle, CO)
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CPW Hatchery Technician V/Hatchery Manager - (Rifle, CO)
Salary
$68,148.00 - $88,596.00 Annually
Location
Garfield County, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
PMA 00808 10/25
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date
10/21/2025
Closing Date
11/4/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
11466 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Kristi Ryan kristi.ryan@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
OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY
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.
This unit works in conjunction with the other 19 State Fish Hatcheries to spawn, hatch, rear, and stock cold water and native aquatic species into the waters of Colorado according to the approved "Fish Stocking Schedule" for the benefit of the people of the State of Colorado and its visitors. This unit produces approximately 650,000 catchable-size trout and 2.5 million sub-catchable trout annually.
Description of Job
This position exists to direct, guide, oversee, and monitor the day-to-day operations of the Rifle Falls Hatchery to support statewide fish production goals and objectives by delegating, training, guiding, and evaluating one Technician IV and six Technician III's. It plans, develops, and monitors capital construction projects, stocking schedules, maintenance schedules, and budgets. This position directs water quality and quantity management for the facility. Monitors, approves, and procures materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to ensure proper growth, health, and survival of fish while meeting annual production goals and staying within an established annual budget. It directs and provides 24-hour security and is on an "on-call" status. It provides all documentation and reports requested, and records and maintains accurate information on the Hatchery.
Administration
Execute and implement the policies, directives, rules, and regulations of State and Federal agencies. Attend and represent the hatchery at meetings with other staff, interagency personnel, and the public. Compose and approve reports, records, and correspondence.
Supervision and Training
Supervises one Technician IV, six Technician III's, temporary positions, and volunteers. Formulates, delegates, and oversees daily work schedules for the crew. Interviews, hires, informs, advises, counsels, trains, evaluates, and rewards employees. Oversees and assists as needed with daily hatchery and rearing unit operations such as: feeding fish, sorting and moving fish, loading fish, stocking fish, cleaning troughs and raceways, water analysis, water flow management, and fish health management. Assists the Deputy Assistant Director - Hatchery Team with performance evaluation input for employees. Authorizes leave, travel, and training activities. Counsels and mediates employee concerns and conflicts.
Fish Culture and Distribution
Formulates, delegates, and oversees daily work activities and schedules. Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for the unit. Anticipates problems and adjusts fish egg requests, fish production, and operating plans to achieve unit and Statewide goals. Calculates, analyzes, and adjusts fish nutrition and growth data, unloads feed trucks, orders fish feed, coordinates egg and fish stocking schedules, fish transfers, inventories, and sorting. Assesses and evaluates progress toward unit goals. Analyzes inventory data and calculates fish feed rates and conversions. Communicates feed chart updates, fish sorts, moves, and transfers to employees through verbal and written communication. Analyzes, audits, and records fish production data. Prepares, cleans, and disinfects rearing containers. Inventories, sorts, loads, transports, and distributes fish with trucks and coordinates with Biologist for stockings. Monitors and controls use of equipment, feed, and supplies and plans for procurement as necessary. Participates in domestic and wild fish spawning operations as needed.
Fish Health and Pathology
Monitors, analyzes, and diagnoses fish health problems through visual, microscopic, and anatomical inspections. Prescribes, administers, and evaluates drug and chemical treatments, measures and calculates water flows and fish weights for dosages, contacts fish pathologist for assistance if necessary, and maintains daily records of chemicals or drugs used in fish treatments. Formulates and oversees disease prevention and disinfection policies and activities for the fish unit. Complies with INAD regulations and requirements related to drug and chemical treatments of fish.
Water Chemistry and Flow Management
Monitors, adjusts, and records water flows throughout the fish unit. Technically analyzes water quality parameters including oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, and chlorine with precision instruments (spectrophotometer, saturometer, etc.) to maintain fish health and meet water discharge permit regulations (where appropriate). Observes and records unit operating parameters such as weir and flow meter readings, inlet temperatures, and valve and pump settings. Manipulates water quality to maximize fish health and growth by adding aeration or oxygen, or by changing flow regimes.
Unit, Vehicle, and Equipment Maintenance
Operates various heavy-duty equipment, vehicles, and hand equipment and performs grounds and equipment maintenance and repair. Ensures adherence to State Fleet Management maintenance schedules and record keeping.
Safety and Security
Develops, oversees, and executes emergency and safety plans for fish unit operations. Patrols, secures, and protects grounds, property, and fish by being on an "on-call" status after normal working hours and being required to live on the fish unit. Secures safe storage and handling of all hazardous materials and develops plans to provide for the safety of employees and visitors, including complying with all Risk Management and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Attends training administered by the Safety & Loss Control Specialist of the State Office of Risk Management.
Public Relations
Conducts interpretive tours, accommodates day visitors, provides professional and technical information regarding Division policies and regulations, provides educational services and presentations, and provides official written correspondence, publications, and materials. Assists Colorado River Watch project.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications
Five years of work experience in the aquaculture field, fishery or wildlife biology, or a closely related field that included at least one year of experience propagating and rearing sport fish and/or native species(warm, cool and/or cold water species).
Substitutions
Appropriate education in fishery science, fishery biology, fisheries management, or biology will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Current or former State experience relevant to this position
The preferred candidate will have supervisory experience
Strong level of written and oral communication
Required Competencies
Excellent organizational and time management skills
This position requires possession of a valid State of Colorado driver's license
Conditions of Employment
State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado driver's license if operating a State vehicle.
Must be willing and able to live in State housing on the fish hatchery and provide after-hours security, monitoring of water flows, power, and fish health issues as well as responding to emergency situations.
Must be available for on-call to receive phone calls or work after hours to help resolve fish health and safety issues related to hatchery operations. Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure fish health, safety, and welfare.
Must be willing and able to exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 lbs. frequently and/or in excess of 20 lbs. constantly to move objects
Must be willing and able to withstand exposure to weather, noise, and atmospheric conditions.
Must be willing and able to withstand the following hazards: proximity to moving, mechanical parts; exposure to electrical shock; working in high, exposed places; exposure to radiant energy; working with explosives; and/or exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
Must be able to possess and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement.
Pre-employment physical, drug testing, and background check required.
Required to work holidays and weekends as part of a rotating work schedule.
Required to live in onsite, state provided housing, exempt from overtime, on-call 24/7.
This position will require but is not limited to the handling of Formalin, bleach, disinfection solutions, equipment batteries, gasoline, diesel, spray paint and motor oil.
Hazing predatory birds/animals will require the use and discharge of cracker/pyrotechnics as a deterrent.
Daily, weekly, monthly fish deliveries can result in overnight travel as needed; various meetings.
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 not considered 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 .
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.
This recruitment may be used to fill more than one vacancy at this level and reporting location.
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.
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 dnrhremployeebenefits@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 dnrhremployeebenefits@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
DNR uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more aboutE-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/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 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
Must be willing and able to live in State housing on the fish hatchery and provide after hours security, monitoring of water flows, power, and fish health issues as well as responding to emergency situations
I understand and ACCEPT these Conditions of Employment if hired.
I do NOT ACCEPT these Conditions of Employment and understand I will no longer be considered for this position.
05
Do you have prior Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience?
Yes
No
06
Do you currently possess a valid drivers' license?
Yes
No
07
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
08
If you are using education to substitute for the required experience, please indicate your highest level of education, field of study and how it relates to this position. If you are not using education to substitute for the required experience, please respond to this question with N/A
09
Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of work experience in the aquaculture field, fishery or wildlife biology, or a closely related field that includes at least one year of experience propagating and rearing native species and/or sport fish (warm, cool and/or cold water species:
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 or more
10
Please describe your work experience in the aquaculture field, fishery or wildlife biology, or a closely related field that includes at least one year of experience propagating and rearing native species and/or sport fish (warm, cool and/or cold water species). You must include where the experience was gained, duties performed and in mm/yy - mm/yy format. Statements such as "see application" will not be accepted in lieu of a response.
11
Please describe you experience, if any, in supervising employees. You must include where the experience was gained, duties performed, and in a mm/yy - mm/yy format. Statements such as "see application" will not be accepted in lieu of a response.
12
Do you have a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement? If not, are you able and willing to possess one?
13
Please describe your experience in propagating and rearing Colorado native species and/or sport fish (warm, cool, and/or cold water species). You must include where the experience was gained, duties performed, and in mm/yy - mm/yy format. Statements such as "see application" will not be accepted in lieu of a response.
14
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 since 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.
I acknowledge this receipt of this notice.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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