CDA-Animal Welfare Division Director (Program Management III)

CDA-Animal Welfare Division Director (Program Management III)

Salary

$106,776.00 - $153,600.00 Annually

Location

Broomfield County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

BAA-00245-06302026

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

Animal Industry Division

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/21/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

305 Interlocken Pkwy, Broomfield, CO 80021, USA

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Contact Mary Hunt at (303)869-9006 or mary.hunt@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.

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. Colorados food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the states workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDAs mission is to strengthen and advance Colorados 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.

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 aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan 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 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

Organizational Purpose:

The purpose of the Division of Animal Welfare (DAW) is to advance the overall welfare of companion animals and livestock through the enforcement of animal welfare laws and regulations established by the Animal Protection Act and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act. The division consists of the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) programs. The division's mission is primarily regulatory in nature, conducting inspections and investigations into allegations of animal cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, and noncompliance with pet care facility requirements. The division initiates appropriate administrative and civil action when a violation can be substantiated. This division oversees the commissioning and training of qualified BAP agents and licenses and inspects businesses that fall under the authority of PACFA. This division serves as a resource for law enforcement agencies to address instances of criminal animal cruelty, mistreatment and neglect by coordinating investigations and providing veterinary expertise. In addition, division provides proactive outreach and education that contribute to the prevention of animal mistreatment and the betterment of animal welfare in Colorado.

Major Objectives of the Position:

This position serves as the Director of the Division of Animal Welfare and provides the leadership, direction and oversight of the division programs and staff. This position ensures the successful enforcement of the animal welfare laws and regulations within the authority of the division programs and implements productive engagement with licensees, livestock producers, stakeholders and the public. Specific job duties of this position include managing the division operations and strategic planning, providing oversight on investigations and enforcement decisions, managing the division budget and personnel, and initiating outreach and communication efforts.

This position understands and implements the OIT requirements for digital accessibility as appropriate for the role.

Primary Duties:

DAW Strategic Planning and Operations:Responsible for the strategic direction and continuity of operations of the division; including strategic planning, implementation of new legislation, application of policies and procedures, and execution of administrative actions. Specific duties include:

• Implement a division strategic plan which includes priorities and measured goals that allows for program planning and resource allocation. Track progress towards strategic goals and make adjustments to ensure successful outcomes. Assist in the design and coordination of department-wide strategic planning.
• Ensure program metrics are accurately tracked regarding licensing statistics, complaints received and disposition of completed investigations to analyze emerging trends and performance indicators.
• Conduct a fiscal and impact analysis on proposed legislation and make recommendations to the Commissioner's
• Office regarding the impact on the division and the public.
• Oversee the implementation of new legislation to ensure compliance with deadlines and statutory requirements. Implement statewide and department policies within the division and oversee the development and adoption of division policies, procedures, and training material. All policies and procedures are effectively communicated to division staff and followed.
• Identify and resolve inefficiencies or inconsistencies that impact the divisions operations.
• Review rules and ensure the rulemaking process is implemented transparently, incorporating stakeholder input. Review and approve BAP agent applications and ensure the PACFA licensing is successfully administered.
• Ensure program licensing and inception software programs are operational.
• Ensure timely procurement of resources and services for division programs, including computers, vehicles, uniforms, PPE, trailers, and other equipment staff need to perform their duties.
• Provide monthly reports and other communications to the Commissioner's Office on division progress, emerging issues, and other important updates.
• Contribute to department-wide decisions and initiatives as a member of the Sr. Management Team.

Oversight of Investigations and Enforcement Actions: Provide the highest level of division oversight on investigations and enforcement actions, ensure investigations are accurately and thoroughly completed, and enforcement actions are appropriate and successful in addressing violations. Specific duties include:

• Ensure division staff have an accurate understanding of all laws, regulations, legal authority and enforcement actions with the program authorities. Ensure legal actions or decisions are consistent and appropriate through consultation with legal counsel.
• Maintain a consistent and efficient investigative process that includes complaint intake, case management, investigative procedures, report writing, review of investigative findings, and enforcement action. Ensure investigations are accurate, objective, and completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in the planning of complex investigations and support staff in the investigative process. Ensure coordination and regular communication with the Commissioner's Office, Division of Animal Health and Brand
• Inspection Division on investigations as necessary.
• Review the findings of investigations that result in a significant enforcement action and either approve, reject, or modify any enforcement actions recommended by program managers.
• Provide regular reports to the Commissioner's office on investigative outcomes, including performance data and updates on investigations of egregious instances of animal mistreatment and neglect.

Outreach and engagement: Direct the division communication and outreach initiatives to ensure stakeholders are informed on matters related to the divisions mission, statutory obligations, laws and regulations, and emerging issues related to animal welfare. Specific duties include:

• Represent the division at external meetings and events and deliver presentations.
• Coordinate with the CDA communications director to disseminate important program updates and other key messages related to animal welfare.
• Advance productive partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, animal welfare associations, agricultural associations, and veterinarians and animal shelters.
• Ensure timely and responsive communication with the public, including compliance with open records requests, response to media inquiries, and responding to public inquiries.
• Ensure educational efforts that proactively advance animal welfare are regularly implemented.
• Maintain effective engagement with the PACFA Advisory Committee, BAP taskforce, and engage with stakeholders on various initiatives

Supervision and Leadership: Responsible for the supervision of program managers, as well as supporting all division staff to be successful in their positions. This includes establishing a positive team culture, providing resources and training, and leading initiatives that improve staff performance and development. Specific duties include:

• Establish an organizational structure to provide balanced and efficient workflows.
• Hire all employees within the division or delegate the hiring process to program managers.
• Develop performance plans of direct reports with established goals, provide honest and direct evaluations, and review and approve performance evaluations by second level managers of subordinate staff.
• Successfully resolve performance issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Provide direction and training to ensure staff is knowledgeable and competent in their job skills and duties. Advance a positive culture that embodies the core values of the department and work-life balance. Support the professional development of division staff.

Budget Management: Responsible for ensuring programs have the necessary financial resources to cover personnel and operating expenditures, including the use of General Funds, Cash Funds, and grant funding. Specific duties include:

• Coordinate with the Commissioner's Office in developing the division's annual budget request. Meet regularly with the chief financial officer and controller to monitor financial activity relative to budgets.
• Manage revenues and expenses within the parameters of approved spending authority and institute appropriate measures to derive cost efficiencies, ensuring programs operate within their established budget.
• Initiate and negotiate contracts and/or cooperative agreements for division programs.
• Review and approve expenditures from division staff.
• Operate in accordance with department, state, and federal/IRS fiscal policies controls and procedures

Special Projects This position performs other duties as assigned and may be requested to lead or participate in meetings, workgroups, emergency response efforts, investigations, or general projects either department-wide or statewide. These special projects may require this position to travel, including overnight.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

This is a hybrid position that must work at least two (2) days per week in the Broomfield Office.

Skills-based Hiring:

This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, 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!

Salary Range:

$4,106.77 - $4,928.31 Biweekly

$8,898.00 - $10,678.00 Monthly

$106,776.00 - $128,136.00 Annually

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Minimum Requirements:

Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

• Ten (10) years of professional program management with regulatory experience in animal welfare. The experience must include:
• Four (4) years of supervision that includes, performance management and hiring/firing.
• Four (4) years program management. Budget Management
• Strategic planning and goal setting.
• Leading legal actions to enforce laws.

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years.
• Experience as listed above must be included in the ten (10) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant years of state service.
• Experience working with State or Federal Agriculture Offices.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Drivers License with the ability to independently travel.

• Circumstances may require position to work outside of regular business hours.

• Must be a resident of the state of Colorado at the time of application

Required Competencies:

• Clear understanding and experience animal welfare regulations.

• Knowledge of budget management.

• Ability to create strategic plans and goals.

• Clear understanding of legal processes in regard to animal welfare law enforcement.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.

• Detail oriented.

• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.

• Work well under pressure.

• Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.

• A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.

• Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.

• Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.

• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

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. 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:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

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.us or 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 about 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.

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 agencys 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.

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/