CPW WILDLIFE MANAGER III / Area Aquatic Biologist (Gunnison, CO)

The CPW Wildlife Manager III / Area Aquatic Biologist position in Gunnison, CO, involves managing fisheries and aquatic resources, conducting surveys, and collaborating with stakeholders. Candidates should have six years of relevant experience in aquatic biology or management. The role includes data collection, monitoring management strategies, and supervising staff. Benefits include flexible work schedules and remote-work options, alongside competitive medical and retirement plans.
About the position

The CPW Wildlife Manager III / Area Aquatic Biologist position in Gunnison, CO, is responsible for formulating, implementing, and evaluating fisheries management strategies and goals. This role involves collecting and analyzing data, applying fisheries and wildlife principles, and collaborating with various stakeholders to manage aquatic resources effectively. The position requires a strong background in aquatic biology and management, with a focus on preserving and enhancing fishery resources in the Upper Gunnison River Basin.

Responsibilities
• Collect biological, physical, and chemical data by conducting lake and stream fishery surveys.
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• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fishery management strategies by designing and conducting angler creel surveys.
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• Implement and monitor the effectiveness of stream and lake habitat improvement projects.
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• Interpret data, identify and solve problems, and make decisions about stream and lake management practices.
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• Recommend and implement management practices/plans to conserve and recover native cutthroat trout populations.
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• Advise and confer with CPW personnel, other state agencies, water managers, federal wildlife and land management agencies, and the public on fisheries-related matters.
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• Decide on fish stocking requests based on timing, species, and size of fish available from CPW hatcheries.
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• Implement the approved annual work plan by executing the work items contained within the plan.
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• Interview, hire, and supervise temporary employees and volunteers.
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• Account for resources by communicating with supervisor regarding expenditures for operations, travel, capital items, and personnel.
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• Plan, manage, and execute feral fish spawning operations.

Requirements
• Six (6) years of relevant experience in aquatic or fishery or wildlife biology, management, or research.
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• A combination of related education in Aquatic Biology, Fishery Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or General Biology with course emphasis in aquatic, conservation, fishery, or wildlife biology and/or relevant experience equal to six (6) years.

Nice-to-haves
• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
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• Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience.
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• Professional level writing, research and communication development skills.
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• Master's degree in wildlife biology, wildlife management, conservation biology, or similar degree.
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• Experience with sportfish management in various habitats.
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• Experience with public speaking/presenting and/or facilitating meetings.
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• Experience with the application of rotenone to reclaim native fish habitats.
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• Ability to safely operate boats, UTV/ATVs, and 4WD vehicles.

Benefits
• Medical and Dental plans
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• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
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• Paid life insurance
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• Short- and long-term disability coverage
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• Employee Wellness programs
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• Flexible Spending Accounts
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• Health Savings Accounts
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• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
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• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
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• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
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• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.