Inactive Mines Staff Biologist (EPS I)
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Inactive Mines Staff Biologist (EPS I)
Salary
$65,736.00 - $78,000.00 Annually
Location
Other (see multiple locations in job posting), CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
PKA NEW26 12/2025
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety
Opening Date
12/22/2025
Closing Date
12/31/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Patrick Gerity at patrick.gerity@state.co.us
Primary Physical Work Address
This is a Hybrid position - Work is primarily performed from a home office and field locations across Colorado, however the selected candidate will at times report to the Grand Junction field office or the Denver office at 1313 Sherman Street for meetings, trainings and projects as directed by the supervisor.
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 ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
D ue to the State's current hiring freeze, this position will not be filled until January 1, or after.
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 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 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 information, go to:https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
Division of Reclamation Mining & Safety
The Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety consists of four programs: the Coal Regulatory program, the Minerals Regulatory program, the Inactive Mine Reclamation program, and Mine Safety and Training program. The division is committed to balance the need for mineral resource production with protection of the public, environment and Colorado's natural resources. The mission of DRMS is to protect the public, miners and the environment during current mining operations, restore abandoned mines, and to ensure that all mined land is reclaimed to beneficial use.
Thiswork unit exists to address the hazards and environmental problems associated with past mining activities. The Colorado Inactive Mine Reclamation Program (CIMRP) reclaims abandoned mine land, as well as forfeited bond sites, coordinates Non-Point Source Program water quality demonstration projects and has an active public education campaign to warn visitors about the hazards in and around abandoned mines. The Colorado Inactive Mine Reclamation Program was established in 1980 to address the hazards and environmental problems that arose from abandoned mines. There are over 23,000 hazardous mine features and 1,300 miles of streams impacted by past mining. The program is funded in part under the authority of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), through the U.S. Department of the Interior by reclamation fees paid by current coal mine operations. Between 1980 and July of 2022 the program has safeguarded over 12,500 hazardous openings and reclaimed in excess of 2,100 acres of abandoned disturbed land statewide.
Description of Job
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
D ue to the State's current hiring freeze, this position will not be filled until January 1, or after.
This role requires a blend of field expertise, ecological knowledge, and practical experience in both biological assessment and the historic mining environment to ensure successful reclamation projects while in compliance with environmental laws.
This position primarily exists to support the CIMRP staff by completing Threatened and Endangered Species Analysis and/or Biological Assessments/Biological Evaluations in accordance with Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for mine reclamation projects to eliminate hazards and mitigate environmental damage. The position will also assist in data entry into the enhanced Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System (eAMLIS) to track projects funded by the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). The position will assist with gathering and completing NEPA document packages, including Environmental Assessments and Categorical Exclusion Determinations in order to receive Authorization To Proceed (ATP) for construction/reclamation projects from OSMRE. The position is responsible for assisting with the environmental review process, focusing specifically on projects designed to abate public health, safety, and environmental hazards. In addition, the position will help with the required OSMRE reporting needs.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
D ue to the State's current hiring freeze, this position will not be filled until January 1, or after.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of relevant experience within the biological, mining, environmental, or other ecological field related to the work assigned to the position.
OR
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, natural science, environmental science, or a related science field.
AND
One (1) year equivalent experience within the mining reclamation, environmental, biological or other ecological field related to the work assigned to the position.
** Please be advised that If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit transcripts showing the degree awarded and date conferred. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected
Preferred Qualifications:
Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
Experience conducting consultations with US Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
Excellent written, oral, interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently.
Experience with active, inactive, or abandoned mines.
Experience completing T&E Species Analysis and Biological Assessments/Biological Evaluations.
Experience performing field work for surveys.
Excellent organizational skills.
The ability to be flexible and adjust to changing schedule needs.
Ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects ongoing at once.
Ability to work well with a diverse population.
Conditions of Employment:
Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
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).
A current & valid Driver's license is required for operating a state vehicle and significant travel is anticipated.
Must be willing and able to occasionally exert up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects
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, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered 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 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 arenotconsidered 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.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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.
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.
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 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 (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/E-Verify\Participating\Employer.jpg) in accordance with the program's Right to Work (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/ier_righttoworkposter-%20jpeg(1).jpg) 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. Learn more (https://www.e-verify.gov/) about 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. Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload 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
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
Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. This announcement requires a Cover Letter and Resume. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. Please acknowledge your understanding of notice and requirements:
I understand and acknowledge this requirement
04
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
05
Did you upload your résumé and cover letter to this on-line application?
Yes
No
06
Please describe your experience related to threatened & endangered species, the Endangered Species Act, and consulting with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
07
Please describe experience, if any, related to active, inactive, and/or abandoned mines.
08
Please describe experience, if any, collecting field data and conducting field surveys.
09
Please describe your experience, if any, using GIS or other spatial analysis tools to develop maps.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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