Date of posting here June 30, 2010 Type of position Full-time position in state government, non-academic Employer Colorado Department of Agriculture Location Lakewood Colorado Salary $5481.00 - $7903.00/month Benefits Access to health, dental, and other benefits Closing date of competition July 12, 2010 Date position available August or September 2010 Description of duties BACKGROUND: This position, created by the Colorado General Assembly, represents the State of Colorado on all noxious weed issues. It leads an organized and coordinated effort to stop the spread of noxious weeds by building local coalitions and coordinating the efforts of state, federal, local, and private landowners to develop and implement plans for the control of noxious weeds. It leads the State's program to prevent the introduction of new noxious weed species into Colorado, quickly detect and eradicate new species that enter the state, stop the spread of well-established species, and restore lands of exceptional agricultural and environmental value through education, regulation, acquisition and disbursement of resources, partnership development, and assistance to local communities. DUTIES: Supervises, sets priorities, approves leave requests, assigns workload, and completes job performance plans and appraisals for all employees of the state noxious weed management program. Analyzes, formulates, and drafts statutes, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures for the state noxious weed management program to meet department and division goals. Enforces statutes, rules, and regulations as necessary. Develops, analyzes, oversees, reviews, and implements the budget for the program. Communicates with division staff and program employees, industry, consumers, clients, and other agencies to explain, interpret, promote, justify, and defend department policies, actions, and requirements. Conducts all functions of the state weed coordinator including implementing the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, leading a regional effort to manage noxious weeds, tracking and influencing state and federal proposed rules/laws/action, and acquiring/distributing resources for weed management efforts in Colorado. Conducts noxious weed management activities with the Early Detection and Rapid Response Specialist in cooperation with local governments and affected landowners. Qualifications sought REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in biology, agronomy, natural resource policy and management, botany, environmental science, weed science, agricultural education, or a closely related field AND 4 years experience working in natural resource management which included supervision. SUBSTITUTION FOR EDUCATION: Professional work experience in the area of the duties above can Substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license. The ideal candidates must have excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to work successfully with a wide range of professionals in the fields of public policy, science, and natural resource management, and experience with grant writing and administration, supervising and leading professional staff, strategic planning, carrying out multiple tasks in a timely manner, and collaborating with other professionals to identify and achieve common objectives. Contact for additional information For questions about the position, you may contact Eric Lane, Director of the Conservation Services Division at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Phone: 303-239-4182 Application procedure   Submit what IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Applications are a part of the employment process. Be sure your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the Minimum Requirements section and that all required documents are included in the application packet. No additional time will be allowed for submission of additional information. Failure to include the required information by the application deadline will result in your rejection for consideration of the position. Your application will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for this position. Be sure your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum requirements section. Address your specialized experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position duties and minimum requirements. Attach additional pages if necessary to fully explain your experience and accomplishments. If documents (transcripts, licenses, certificates, etc.) are required make sure you include them in your application packet. Failure to include the required information and/or documents by the application deadline will result in your application not being considered for the position. Only information included on the State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy will be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official state application. You may attach your resume to the completed application. Statements on the application such as "see attached," "see resume," "see addendum," or "see cover letter" will not be accepted. Resumes, cover letters, recommendations or other related documents may be submitted, however, they will not be reviewed as part of the initial application process. Your application materials must be received in the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Submit to To apply for this position, you must submit all of the following: State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and State of Colorado Demographic Information form. Both are available from the State of Colorado Job Announcement Site, http://www.gssa.state.co.us/announce/Job+Announcements.nsf/$about?OpenAbout. A copy of your transcripts, if you are using education to qualify for this position. Submit your application materials to: Department of Agriculture Human Resources Office - Ronda Torres 700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000 Lakewood, CO 80215-8000 or FAX to 303-239-4176 Your application materials must be received in the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Additional Information If you are not currently a resident of Colorado, please contact Eric Lane to discuss your application prior to submitting one.