Mussels Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.50 - $19.50 Hourly
Location : Mesa County, CO
Job Type: Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number: 2026TEMP- PMA075
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date: 01/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: Mesa County, Colorado
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: dnr_hr_employeetransactions@state.co.us
Type of Announcement: This is a temporary position. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
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
THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $18.50-19.50 PER HOUR
EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/06/2026 THROUGH 11/06/2026
This posting is for both Lead and Non Lead Inspector positions.
To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early.
The mission of the is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)
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.
Description of Job
Lead & Non-Lead:
Conduct aquatic nuisance species (ANS) surveys, using standardized scientific protocols, in various waters throughout Colorado. Specifically, this position will conduct standardized monitoring for zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil including infestation mapping and population monitoring. Crews will also assist with other ANS and native species baseline mapping for aquatic plants, mollusks, crayfish, and other invertebrates. Water quality monitoring will also be conducted. Detailed record keeping and the ability to follow strict field protocols is required including with the use of state owned equipment.
Candidates must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, to survey select lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers. Candidates should be comfortable interacting with members of the public in a professional manner while representing the Invasive Species Program and the agency as a whole. This position will require traveling Monday through Thursday weekly with significant overnight camping. Candidates should be able to work in inclement weather conditions, including working off boats, in and around the water, and should be comfortable in backcountry settings.
Candidates must have their own reliable camping equipment although some nights will be spent in motels.
Candidates must also assist the Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Specialist and Invasive Species Program
Manager with any rapid response efforts that arise as a result of the sampling and monitoring program.
Daily hours will vary, but work hours will be strictly limited to 40 per week (overtime compensation will only be granted in special circumstances).
Lead Specific Duties:
Perform leadership duties to accomplish broad statewide objectives for invasive species sampling and monitoring.
Crew leads are responsible for the following tasks in addition to crew member duties:
Serve as the lead communicator between the EDRR Specialist, ANS Laboratory, and crew members
Serve as the primary decision maker when working in the field with limited supervision from the EDRR Specialist
Ensure the safety of all crew members during operations and report safety violations to the EDRR Specialist
Ensure all crew members are respectful and conflict management occurs when needed
Ensure crew members follow State of Colorado ANS Sampling and Monitoring Manual procedures
Ensure decontamination procedures are followed to official state watercraft inspection and decontamination standards
Ensure the crew has all necessary working equipment for the week's operations, maintain equipment in good working order, and report any problems or issues directly to the EDRR Specialist
Perform ArcGIS Field Maps data collection, processing, and quality control/assurance of said data
Other duties may include: Map production and analysis using ArcGIS Pro and technical report writing
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be 16 years of age or older
2. Must have a current and valid driver's license required for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record
3. Possess basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite)
4. Willingness to be flexible with the weekday work schedule
5. Ability to travel extensively with overnight stays including camping
6. Ability to drive long hours and remain alert
7. Ability to work closely in small crews for long hours in a professional manner
8. Ability to work in and around the water
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. B.S. in natural resources/botany/fisheries/wildlife or other natural resource field OR at least 1 year completed coursework toward a degree in the field
2. Experience leading field crews, especially for the Lead Technician
3. Experience performing data entry
4. Experience conducting biological field surveys especially with aquatics and/or water quality including performing species identification
5. Experience with zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil, or other invasive species
6. Experience boating and/or trailering - including knowledge of boat and trailer anatomy, ability to launch and land in inclement weather, and ability to tow trailers on highways and steep mountain roads
7. Experience with ArcGIS software
8. Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
9. Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences or comparable work experience.
o Employee may be asked to camp in rustic settings and must provide own camping equipment and gear when performing biological field work.
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

Supplemental Information
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. 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 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 an accommodation, please contact 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 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.
Please note that each agency's 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
Please select the position you are applying:

• Lead Inspector
• Non- Lead Inspector

02
What skills can you demonstrate that would make you a good Lead Inspector, please describe below:
03
Do you have minimum 1 year of experience working in the field of ANS or Invasive Species. Please list your experience:
04
Ability to travel and be away from home every week if needed.

• Yes
• No

05
Are you at least 16 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you currently possess and are you able to maintain a current and valid Driver's License and have a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

07
Are you willing and able to work early mornings, evenings & weekends?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you have experience working with boats, trailers, power washers, small engines and/or heavy equipment?

• Yes
• No

09
Successful completion and passing of background screening and/or driving record review may be required for placement in this position

• I understand and accept these terms

10
This is a temporary position starting at $19.00-$20.00 per hour and is anticipated to not exceed 9-months. Please acknowledge your acceptance of these terms:

• I understand and accept these terms

11
Which of the following skills do you posses, select all that apply:

• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Experience performing boat inspections and decontaminations.
• Experience working with the public in a customer service related field.

Required Question