Scientific Programmer / ANALYST IV - Denver Or Ft Collins, CO

Department Information

This position is open only to Colorado state residents

This announcement will remain open until the advertised closing date - OR- until 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.
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
• 10 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.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
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.
The Terrestrial Programs Unit exists to preserve, protect and enhance wildlife components of terrestrial ecosystems through planning, analysis, research, implementation of programs, and evaluation of terrestrial populations and habitats. The work unit sets guidance and direction on wildlife data collection and analysis, and provides technical analysis and expertise to inform policy and management decisions.

Description of Job

This position is designated and recognized to serve as a specialist for designing, developing, coding, testing, debugging, maintaining, documenting, and enhancing systems and programs by applying principles, theories, concepts, practices of programming, and systems analysis to meet agency needs in wildlife management. This position handles the electronic collection, organization, analysis, summarization, reporting, and management of wildlife related data. This position collaboratively works with and provides customer service to relevant staff across the agency to create/maintain/modify software and design analytical tools to meet current and future data needs in wildlife management. Data types include, but are not limited to, wildlife mortality and incident data for terrestrial game species, statewide use of pharmaceuticals on all animals, wildlife population and harvest, and hunter participation. Additional responsibilities include monitoring and maintenance of existing databases, writing programming code to support data management needs, building custom applications, providing user support and training, and assisting data analyst staff on various tasks.

Specifically, this position cooperates with multiple Branches of the agency to manage and maintain applications to capture wildlife mortality data, incident and use of pharmaceuticals, as well as oversee the development and implementation of more sophisticated applications that replace existing applications. This position is responsible for regular maintenance of applications and databases; procedures to integrate and manage data in agency systems; monitoring functionality of data systems and correcting associated problems; maintaining backup procedures to ensure recovery of information in the event of a system failure; and providing daily internal user support. Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• 
  Manages, maintains and oversees the current applications developed to capture wildlife mortality, incident and pharmaceutical use data.
• Maintains regular contact with Regional staffs, Terrestrial Programs, the Wildlife Health Lab, and Information and Education to stay current on desired needs of data collection and supporting applications.
• Leads transition from current applications to more sophisticated software and expands capabilities to additional wildlife species and purposes.
• Monitors databases on a regular basis to identify issues and errors in real time; punctually fix errors and create solutions to improve functionality and accuracy. Writes programming code to update existing or develop new functionality in applications or other software.
• Creates data and programming requirements for application development via contract programmers.
• Coordinates with the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) and manage contract programmers as needed.
• Supports Terrestrial Data Analysts to maintain agency expectations on data analysis, reporting, and data system management.
• Compiles, organizes, stores, analyzes, reports, and appropriately safeguards data pertaining to wildlife population, harvest and hunting participation data for terrestrial wildlife species.
• Stores and retrieves data using appropriate database software; creates programming code compatible with data systems to extract data and produce summary reports.
• Interfaces with existing agency network and servers.
• Assists Terrestrial Data Analysts with design and guidance on data systems, processes, and standards for managing the collection of data.
• Supports data request fulfillment, including CORA requests, as needed to meet deadlines.
• Supports data needs from managers by building software applications or database reports.
• Monitors and responds to designated service email addresses, such as the Mandatory Reports email, to support users and address App and data related questions, troubleshooting, and functionality.
• Develops robust staff training tools; conducts agency-wide training.
• Performs any other job-related duties needed to help implement Terrestrial Programs Unit and Division missions. Assist with unanticipated projects that interact with the current data collection applications.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
At least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Programming, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field AND at least four years of professional experience with programming and managing data and databases, at least one of which must have included analysis of protocols, policies, processes and/or procedures

Substitutions
A combination of work experience in the occupational field or specialized subject area of the work assigned to the job, which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor’s degree.

A master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree and at the agency’s discretion, one or two years of general experience respectively.

Conditions of Employment

• Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
• On-call status during major transition occurs in the apps from March 31 to April 1 that need to be confirmed immediately.
• Statewide and out of state travel will be required on an as needed basis.
• Must be willing and able to possess a Colorado driver's license required when operating a State vehicle.

Preferred Experience & Competencies

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Programming, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or similar field of study.
• Experience with wildlife management or working with a wildlife management agency.
• Experience with SQL and other programming languages.
• Experience writing programming code to extract information from multiple sources for data analyses and reporting.
• Experience with procurement processes for major projects.
• Experience with managing staff or contractors to develop, implement, maintain, and support applications.
• Experience with troubleshooting and fixing programming language.
• Experience with testing products to ensure product functionality.
• Self-motivating and ability to work independently
• Strong analytical, and inductive and deductive reasoning
• Strong interpersonal skills including building collaborative environment
• Team player who proactively ensures the success of other teammates
• Customer service mindset, respectful
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Great work ethic, hardworking, results oriented, disciplined, conscientious, thorough and diligent, and meets deadlines
• Proactive, takes initiative, self-motivated
• Ability to prioritize and manage large volume of workload
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diverse viewpoints as well as different communication and work styles in a multi-cultural and inter-generational environment
• Enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, positive attitude
• Adaptable and open to change
• Open to new ideas, with innovative thinking

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

Applicant Checklist Complete Applications must include the following documents:

• Application Required - completed for this announcement.
• Cover letter Requested - uploaded as an attachment to your online application.
• Resume Requested - uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.

The Assessment Process
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.

Application materials will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.

Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process will consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review. Utilizing your application materials, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit and in comparison to all other applicants for this position.

Comparative analysis factors to be assessed:

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – How well rounded is your experience? Experience should be varied and not one-dimensional, covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement, and demonstrates progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.
• Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current or recent experience is preferred.

Upload additional pages if necessary to fully explain your experience and accomplishments. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.

Additional questions to consider:

• Have you performed duties similar to what is described in this announcement?
• Were you thorough in your descriptions?
• Will the experience you listed allow you to stand out from the crowd?
• Will you be the candidate that could hit the ground running and have impact quickly?
• Does your application material specifically address the required competencies outlined in the announcement?

Equity, Diversity, and InclusionThe 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 or call 303-866-2667 x8647.

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 employer:
The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program's Right to Work 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 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). 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 Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.