CPW Hatchery Technician III-Fish Culturist - Roaring Judy State Fish Hatchery

CPW Hatchery Technician III-Fish Culturist - Roaring Judy State Fish Hatchery

Salary

$51,360.00 - $66,780.00 Annually

Location

Gunnison County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PMA 01275 07/26

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

14131 N. State Hwy 135, Almont, CO 81210

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Patrick Warnes patrick.warnes@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.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

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 and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 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 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 Roaring Judy Hatchery, in conjunction with the 16 other State Fish Units, exist to spawn, rear, and stock cold, cool, and warm water fish into the waters of Colorado according to the approved "Fish Stocking Schedule", helping to fulfill Colorado Parks and Wildlife's mission: 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 Roaring Judy State Fish Unit is responsible for the production of 3.1 million kokanee salmon, 200,000 catchable trout, and 50,000 subcatchable trout, therefore contributing to a significant part of the $2.3 billion dollar sport fishing and recreation industry in Colorado. Roaring Judy also has multiple isolation units for the purpose of protecting and conserving native cutthroat trout.

Description of Job

This position performs various functions related to sustaining a proper biological environment and producing and distributing aquatic wildlife. It makes precise biological and environmental assessments and ascertains and sustains proper water quality. This position also performs unit grounds, buildings, and equipment maintenance duties.

Fish Culture

This position ships and distributes live trout and kokanee salmon by sustaining an artificial environment in transport tanks, analyzing and testing receiving waters for acceptability of fish; drives and operates trucks of up to 26,000 GVWR while complying with state and federal motor carrier safety requirements and regulations.

Fish Distribution

This position ships and distributes live trout and kokanee salmon by sustaining an artificial environment in transport tanks, analyzing and testing receiving waters for acceptability of fish; drives and operates trucks of up to 26,000 GVWR while complying with state

and federal motor carrier safety requirements and regulations.

Salmonid Spawning

This position conducts the spawning of salmon and trout including wild and domestic spawn-take operations, egg disinfection, egg processing, egg shipping, egg picking (electronic and hand picking).

Water Flows and Chemistries

This position anticipates and manipulates water quality by obtaining water tests for oxygen, ammonia, and pH. It monitors water samples for oil and grease, suspended solids, and settable solids. It regulates and controls water flows for hatchery rearing containers and ponds, removes toxic gases and bacteria through aeration and ultraviolet sterilization and increased oxygen content, and manipulates water flows and fish numbers to ensure compliance with Colorado Department of Health regulations and permits.

Fish Health and Pathology

This position performs analysis and prevention by recognizing signs and symptoms of stressed and diseased fish, including treatment and prevention by calculating and administering the proper amount of drug or chemical used for treatment. It must be knowledgeable and proficient in the use of laboratory microscopes, identification of disease organisms, drug and chemical applicability, and precise water flow, drug and/or chemical dose calculation and disinfecting techniques.

Equipment and Vehicle Operation and Maintenance

This position inspects and operates various vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently. Vehicles and equipment include, but are not limited to: snowplows, graders, pickup trucks, dump trucks, fish trucks, forklifts, hydraulic cranes, backhoes, tractors, pond cleaners, welders, generators, power tools, pumps, mowers, and work carts.

This position ensures that aquaculture equipment and vehicles are kept in safe, proper working condition by repairing, lubricating, inspecting, cleaning, and servicing them. It designs, invents, fabricates, tests, and calibrates new or specialized equipment for aquaculture use to increase productivity and enhance efficiency.

Building and Grounds Maintenance

This position services, modifies, inspects, and fabricates facilities, buildings, and water-delivery systems required to raise fish. It performs landscaping and irrigation duties, including but not limited to watering grass, mowing, pruning, brush cutting, snow plowing, snow shoveling/blowing, and road grading.

Public Relations

This position conducts interpretive tours, accommodates day visitors, provides professional and technical information regarding Division policies and regulations, and provides educational services and presentations.

Temporary Employee Training

This position oversees temporary employees and volunteers to ensure that assigned tasks are completed according to standard operating procedures, the hatchery safety manual, and accepted professional standards. It trains, directs, and explains work assignments and procedures to new employees, temporary employees, and volunteers.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of work experience in aquaculture, propagating and/or rearing fish, fish culture, collecting and recording of aquatic wildlife data, and/or professional aquatic research or an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.

Substitutions

• Appropriate education in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science/Aquaculture/Fishery Management, Ecology, Zoology/Animal Sciences, Water resources planning or management may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis for the experience requirement.

Class Code: Technician III

Required Competencies:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position
• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience

Conditions of Employment

• State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado drivers license if operating a State vehicle.
• Daily fish deliveries can result in overnight travel as needed in accordance with CDL regulations and Fish Unit requirements.
• Exempt from overtime; on-call status may be required.
• Required to work holidays and weekends as part of a rotating work schedule
• This position will require but is not limited to the handling of Formalin, bleach, disinfection solutions, equipment batteries, gasoline, diesel, spray paint, and motor oil.
• Hazing of predatory birds/animals will require the use of discharging cracker/pyrotechnics as a deterrent.
• Must pass required pre-employment physical, pre-employment drug testing and background check.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
• Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

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 be used to fill more than one vacancy at this level and reporting location.

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.

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

DNR 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 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?

• Yes
• No

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.

• I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
• I am a current or former State of Colorado employee but have NEVER been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation).
• I am a current or former State of Colorado employee and have been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation). NOTE: Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of Application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.

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: (if not applicable, please enter "N/A")

04

Please briefly describe why youre interested in working for Colorado Parks & Wildlife:

05

Please describe your experience in aquaculture, propagating and/or rearing fish and fish culture. Be specific with location and dates:

06

Do you currently possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a CDL Class B with N-Liquid Bulk/Cargo Tanks and air brakes endorsement?

• Yes
• No

08

If you are using education to meet or substitute for qualifications, did you upload a copy of your official or unofficial transcript? (Your transcript is required as verification that you meet the requirements).

• Yes, I have attached my transcripts.
• No, I am not using college course work to meet minimum requirements for this position.
• Not Applicable

09

If you are using education as a substitute for the required experience, please describe your education experience on a year-by-year basis in biology, fisheries research, fisheries management, or fisheries biology, ecology, wildlife management, zoology, marine biology, or ichthyology. Describe how it relates to the work assignment (If you are not using education as a substitute please put N/A):

10

Please select which range most accurately reflects your years of work experience in the aquaculture field, fishery or wildlife biology, or a closely related field that includes at least one year of experience propagating and rearing native species and/or sport fish (warm, cool and/or cold water species:

• No experience yet
• 0 to less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years or more

11

Please describe your experience in collecting and recording of aquatic wildlife data and/or professional aquatic research. Be specific with location and dates. :

12

Please select the areas of work experience you possess:

• Vehicle Operation
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Equipment Maintenance
• Building Maintenance
• Grounds Maintenance (Landscaping)
• Irrigation Systems
• Water delivery systems required to raise fish
• Power tools, pumps, pond cleaners, generators, and welders
• Snow plow
• Graders, forklifts, hydraulic cranes, backhoes, and tractors
• Dump trucks & fish trucks
• Mowers and work carts

13

Please describe your experience in propagating and rearing Colorado native species and/or sport fish (warm, cool, and/or cold water species). You must include where the experience was gained, duties performed, and in mm/yy - mm/yy format. Statements such as "see application" will not be accepted in lieu of a response.

14

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.

• I acknowledge this receipt of this notice.

15

Successful completion and passing of a pre-employment Physical, Drug Testing & Background Check are required for placement in this position. Do you understand and accept the terms outlined in the conditions of employment outlined in the job posting?

• I understand and accept these terms

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/