CPW GRANTS SPECIALIST IV / Grants Specialist (Denver, CO)
Salary
$72,264.00 - $93,948.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
PMA 32036 07/26
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date
06/30/2026
Closing Date
7/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Kristi Ryan kristi.ryan@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.
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.
Department Information
OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY
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:
COLORADO PARKS AND 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 Colorados natural resources.
The Grants Unit exists to develop and direct Division-wide policy, procedure, guidelines, and direction regarding soliciting, applying for, receiving, managing, monitoring, accounting for, and reporting related to all grant funding; to establish policies and resolve issues relating to Division-wide grant management and budgets; to prepare, defend, and manage the agencys annual legislative budget request; and to be the primary liaison to all external funding entities on matters related to grants and finance.
Description of Job
The primary purpose of this position is to seek out new grants, develop the branch's grant funding strategy, coordinate grant applications, and administer new grant awards for large-scale habitat projects, habitat corridors, wildlife crossings, and related research and on-the-ground project support. The position will seek to improve the Division's grant processes and resources generally and will support both grant seeking and external grant programs. Specific duties include but are not limited to:
EXPAND CPW'S GRANT BASE
Seek new grant funding from grantors that CPW has worked with previously and from grantors who are new to CPW. New grants will be primarily for habitat and wildlife crossings work in the Terrestrial Branch, but the position is likely to pursue other opportunities as appropriate. Expanding CPW's grant base includes:
Attending CPW Branch meetings and other related meetings to gain insight regarding CPW staff funding needs and interests, as well as possible new grant opportunities.
Searching for and identifying new federal and non-federal grant funding opportunities using various online tools, databases, and other resources.
Analyzing potential opportunities to assess CPW eligibility by reviewing and analyzing proposed grant programs and determining the pros and cons of program requirements.
Analyzing the opportunities in the context of CPW's project needs, operations, and policies to confirm criteria are allowable.
Developing resources and strategies to communicate details about new opportunities to CPW staff.
Once new grant opportunities have been determined to be a good fit with CPW's projects or work, the position will work with the project managers and grantors as described in the duties that follow.
SUPPORT GRANT APPLICATIONS AND THE PROGRAM'S GRANT STRATEGY
Work closely with section staff to understand the research, biological and project work, and budgetary goals and needs. This knowledge supports the grant opportunity search, development of grant applications, and integration of grant funding into the section's planning. Grant application support includes:
Conducting pre-proposal meetings with relevant staff and the grantor contact, if necessary, to ensure the grantor's interest in the proposed CPW project and the timely and accurate preparation of each submitted grant proposal.
Providing grant application preparation support to coordinate, advise, and assist project leaders in developing, preparing, and submitting successful grant applications.
Ensuring that applications meet the grant program requirements and are structured to accomplish program goals without overcommitting CPW resources.
Integration of grant funding into the branch's planning includes:
Considering the current budgetary constraints and whether the grant's match requirements can be accomplished within existing funding, if additional funding will need to be approved, or if the grant does not fit into budgetary priorities and should not be pursued.
Guiding program staff regarding grant applications and financial arrangements with partners based on knowledge of fiscal rules, grant program requirements, grant best practices, and CPW's budget principles.
Advising CPW staff regarding possible new broad federal funding agreements (e.g., Good Neighbor Agreements) to allow more streamlined availability of new grant funding for CPW.
Pursuing and implementing grant opportunities to leverage funding while maintaining a manageable administrative burden and program goals.
MANAGE AND ADMINISTER AWARDED GRANTS
Provide grant management, administration, and oversight for awarded grants, including federal programs, non-governmental organizations, private foundations, and state agencies. Duties include:
Review, track, and reconcile grant financial information in coordination with budget staff, accounting staff, capital development staff, program managers, and others during the grant period.
Analyze grant program details to ensure the proper use of new grant award funds within CPW and to ensure the effective use of grant funds to grantors.
Work with CPW staff to accurately use grant funds, manage grant projects, and provide performance reports.
Support may include grant preparation, review, submission, follow-up amendments, and any necessary subsequent coordination with the grantor and the CPW project leader to ensure the successful completion of the grant project.
CPW GRANT POLICY & PROCEDURES DEVELOPMENT
Develop and evaluate Grant Unit policies and procedures for CPW. Provide training and guidance to CPW staff, explicitly focusing on the Terrestrial Branch. Provide support and oversight to project leaders to ensure compliance with federal grant program statutes, specific grantor requirements, state fiscal requirements, environmental statutes (including the National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA), and financial management practices. Develop, review, and update website materials available to CPW staff through the Grants Unit website. Review and provide input on proposed policies and procedures that impact grant management at CPW, including federal rules and regulations; Office of the State Controller policies, procedures, and fiscal rules; departmental policies; and CPW Administrative Directives.
MANAGE EXTERNAL GRANTS AND OTHER GRANT ADMINISTRATION DUTIES
Take on various external grant management responsibilities - from fully running an external grant program (or programs) to providing support to other grant managers -- as appropriate or needed (e.g., the Born to be Wild License Plate grant program, the Wetlands Partnership, and the Human-Bear Conflict grant programs). Provide other necessary support for Grants Unit activities, including support for other federal and nonfederal grant administration activities and supporting the grants management system administration.
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications
Seven (7) years of relevant work experience in natural-resources-related grant management or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
OR
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science/Aquaculture/Fishery Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Outdoor Recreation, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Public Administration, Business, Accounting, Finance, forestry or an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.
Substitutions
Preferred Qualifications:
Current or former State experience relevant to this position
Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience
Strong organizational skills that support tight deadlines, multiple priorities, and a high volume of work
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply local, state, and federal laws and fiscal rules.
Experience with state budgeting and analyzing financial data
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products and other applications (word, excel, google documents, etc.)
Experience with the States electronic accounting system (Colorado Operations Resource Engine or "CORE").
Required Competencies
Experience finding, applying for, an working with grants supporting wildlife or natural resources
Considerable skill with grant proposal development and review, writing, management, and reporting activities
Demonstrated experience working with multiple staff, stakeholders and authorizing groups with grant programs
Ability to establish and maintain effective strong working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to summarize operational, legal, regulatory, and financial information clearly and concisely and the ability to communicate through all avenues of communication (e.g., email, phone, website, in person, etc.)
Conditions of Employment
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 (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 Directors 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 are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document 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.
This recruitment may fill multiple vacancies at the same reporting level.
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. We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives 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.. 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 at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@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 accommodation, please contact our Benefits Specialist at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@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 in accordance with the programs 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). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.
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.
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 FAQs at: https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply. Are you a current Colorado resident?
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.
03
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify you application from the current position:
04
Provide a brief example (1 to 2 paragraphs) of a particularly challenging grant application (or other form of funding request) that you helped develop. Please describe the grant, explain the challenges you encountered, and describe how you worked through those challenges.
05
In your experience, what are the two most important considerations of a competitive grant application, and how do you ensure your grant application demonstrates these components?
06
Along with applying for grants, this position will manage or assist in managing external grant programs. Please briefly describe (1-3 paragraphs) your experience managing, coordinating, or providing oversight to external partners or sub-recipients throughout a project's lifecycle in order to monitor progress, compliance, and deliverables.
07
Please explain your interest in this position and why you believe you are uniquely qualified for it.
08
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 are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement. Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions since 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.
Required Question
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/