CDA - Insectary Assistant (Temporary Aide)
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Salary
$24.00 Hourly
Location
Broomfield County, CO
Job Type
Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number
BAA-09405-08032026
Department
Department of Agriculture
Division
Conservation Services Division
Opening Date
08/04/2026
Closing Date
8/14/2026 4:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
750 37 8/10 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, USA
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Contact Mary Hunt at (303)869-9006 or mary.hunt@state.co.us
Type of Announcement
This is a temporary position. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
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
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 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 (https://ag.colorado.gov/home/about-us) .
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 (https://www.copera.org/) 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 (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/multiproduct) state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program State of Health
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 .
Description of Job
This is a temporary position that will end by December 31, 2025. As a seasonal position, the selected applicant will not be eligible for unemployment insurance at the end of the assignment. This position will perform field work in and near the Palisade Insectary.
Primary Duties:
Extract and purify DNA from biological control agents, utilize PCR to amplify diagnostic sequences, such as the COI gene, send out DNA fragments for sequencing, and analyze DNA sequences to verify the taxonomic status of biocontrol agents and their target weeds or insect pests. Work with faculty from Colorado Mesa University to utilize genomic techniques and bioinformatics to characterize biocontrol agents and targets.
Assist with rearing biocontrol agents, particularly the yellow starthistle rosette weevil Ceratapion basicorne, for use against invasive plants.
Assist with sample preparation and specimen collection at the Insectary.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Salary:
Hourly$24.00****
Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment withExecutive Order 2022-015 (https://spl.cde.state.co.us/artemis/goserials/go4312internet/go43122022015internet.pdf) (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!
Minimum Requirements:
Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
Previous experience working with DNA extraction and preparation, PCR, and DNA sequence analysis. (1 year or equivalent education), or
Previous experience working with biological control agents (1 year or equivalent education.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in entomology, botany, or a relevant agriculture or natural resources field
Conditions of Employment:
Ability to complete work independently.
Be highly organized and able to maintain clear and reliable records.
Physically capable of safely working long hours, in all weather conditions.
Current Colorado Driver's license with a clean driving record. Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check.
Ability to work with large numbers of insects.
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 (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Colorado%20Paper%20Application%20%28February%202020%29.pdf) (Download PDF reader). 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:
Technical Competence - Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
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.
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:
As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing (https://urldefense.com/v3/\_https:/spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing\\;!!PUG2raq7KiCZwBk!Yk8xcqXHk54pzjpgVnW4fLZiTw\FpAZP0TpbprnWk0d0eJArPMNNJ\5lMzxYlQqE7JCP\liAx4aGijOabLjt5YVT2g3onGz5KQ$) . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpastate.personnelboard@state.co.us . The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov (https://urldefense.com/v3/\\http:/spb.colorado.gov/\\;!!PUG2raq7KiCZwBk!Yk8xcqXHk54pzjpgVnW4fLZiTw\FpAZP0TpbprnWk0d0eJArPMNNJ\5lMzxYlQqE7JCP\liAx4aGijOabLjt5YVT2g3vwWIjZg$) .
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.usor 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 aboutE-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/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.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
