Colorado Avalanche Information Center Regional Manager Avalanche Forecaster Southern Mountains

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Colorado Avalanche Information Center Regional Manager Avalanche Forecaster Southern Mountains

Salary

$83,856.00 - $104,820.00 Annually

Location

Durango, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

PAA CAIC 00602 5/24

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Executive Director's Office

Opening Date

05/02/2024

Closing Date

6/14/2024 4:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Hiring Pay Rate

All employees new to the State Personnel System will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.

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.

Type of Announcement

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Primary Physical Work Address

This position will have a primary office located at 160 Rockpoint Drive, Suite E Durango, CO 81301, with duties that require Statewide travel including as far as (North) US HWY 50, (East) CO SH 69, (West) US HWY 491/ CO SH 141.

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

Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.

This position will have a primary office located at160 Rockpoint Drive, Suite E Durango, CO 81301, with duties that require Statewide travel including as far as(North) US HWY 50, (East) CO SH 69, (West) US HWY 491/ CO SH 141 regularly.

Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?

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 401K and 457 plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Employee Wellness programs

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Health Savings Accounts

• 10 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. For more information, go to:https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)

This position is part of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), which exists to promote avalanche safety by reducing the impact of avalanches on recreation, industry and transportation in the State through a program of forecasting and education.

Description of Job

Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.

The Regional Manager serves as the work leader for a group that covers the southern mountains of Colorado. This team covers all mountain areas and mountain highways in the region. This position will guide short and long term work duties and goals for the group and support the team members. The position will coordinate and facilitate data collection and the assessment of weather and avalanche conditions; coordinate and facilitate the education program in the region; coordinate and facilitate research efforts in the region; coordinate and facilitate support of local, state, and federal government groups in the region; and coordinate and facilitate accident investigations in the region. The position is responsible for communication and coordination between their work unit and CAIC leadership and the other CAIC work groups. The position will work with other portions of the CAIC to ensure the work unit has training, equipment, and supplies at levels established by the agency.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

Work Leader-

• Serve as work leader for a regional forecasting group . Guide daily work tasks and resources to achieve optimal work function and efficiency.

• Work with CAIC leadership to develop and implement long-term work plans. Support work group by working with CAIC leadership and training focal point to provide and track staff training.

• Manage regional resources and communicate needs to CAIC leadership. Track total work efforts and set priorities for individual team members.

• Facilitate communication with CAIC leadership and CAIC Program Assistant to provide support from other DNR groups for team members.

Avalanche Forecaster-

• Collect and analyze data on the physical, mechanical and thermal state of the snowpack and the characteristics of recent avalanche activity. These analyses require both technical knowledge of statistics and hands-on experience with snow and avalanche phenomena. Data is collected by the forecaster on the structural state of the snowpack.

• The forecaster also collects data from other sources (remote weather station networks, ski areas, guiding services, public observations, FAA, NOAA, NRCS) and uses them to determine the current stability of the snowpack as well as temporal and spatial trends.

• Read and interpret weather forecast products from the National Weather Service, CAIC and other sources.

• Use the results to write and publish avalanche hazard forecasts for highway maintenance personnel and backcountry recreationalists. Run forecast office including computers systems, remote weather stations and the communication between the two.

• Manage and update databases.

• Advise and answer questions from CDOT, local government officials, the public, other avalanche professionals and the media. Recommend and assist in explosive mitigation of avalanche hazard in highway corridors.

Data Collection-

• Collect snow, weather and avalanche data from the field. This involves creating field work plans that include the type and location of data to be collected based on current operational needs and safety concerns.

• Traveling between 1 and 100 miles through the winter backcountry on skis, snowshoes or snowmobile and often into complex, steep, terrain at all elevations. Climbing on skis or snowshoes to snow study sites.

• Making measurements of the structural and thermal state of the snowpack. Analyzing these results to determine what additional measurements are necessary.

• The forecaster must be able to both make careful observations and measurements, then use this information to determine what additional information is necessary.

• The forecaster must be able to evaluate the avalanche hazard at scales appropriate for field work efforts and use terrain to manage the risk of the team.

Create and Present Educational Programs-

• Preparing for and teaching class room and field courses on snow, weather and avalanches. This requires expert knowledge on the science of snow, weather and avalanches as well as avalanche safety issues like rescue and decision making.

• Design methods and exercises to communicate lifesaving information to the students.

• Compose PowerPoint presentations.

Writing Reports and Articles -

• Write and publish reports and articles. Compose and publish reports on storm and avalanche cycles as well as avalanche hazard mitigation missions. Research statistics to include in reports. Write general and science articles for avalanche related publications.

Remote Sensing Installation and Maintenance-

• Use Campbell Scientific Inc. software and programming language to write or edit for automated measurement acquisition. Install and troubleshoot complex and remote automated weather stations.

• This involves traveling to remote, high-elevation sites by foot, skis, or helicopter. Establish and maintain communication between remote, base and server computers.

Government Support-

• Provide support for local, state, and federal government groups, often within the National Incident Management System.

• This includes knowledge and opinions on avalanche related issues.

• Training on avalanche safety and snow, weather, and avalanche phenomena. Support and participation in search and rescue operations.

• Coordination and support on investigations that involve avalanches.

  Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.

Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.

Minimum Qualifications

Eight (8) years minimum experience in an occupational field. Avalanche forecasting for the USFS, ski patrolling with avalanche duties, mountain guiding with avalanche duties, or similar experience.

OR

Four (4) year of experience in an occupational field avalanche forecasting for the USFS, ski patrolling with avalanche duties, mountain guiding with avalanche duties, or similar experience.

AND

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.

Substitutions

Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a

year-for-year basis. Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:

• This position will have a primary office located at160 Rockpoint Drive, Suite E Durango, CO 81301, with duties that require Statewide travel including as far as (North) US HWY 50, (East) CO SH 69, (West) US HWY 491/ CO SH 141 regularly.

  (Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)

Conditions of Employment

• Work assigned may reach as far as US HWY 50, CO SH 69, US HWY 491/ CO SH 141. You will be expected to report to these locations as necessary.

• Must be willing and able to travel within the state and occasional out-of-state travel

• Must be willing and able to use own vehicle for winter travel throughout Colorado when a State fleet vehicle is not available

• Ability to travel on mountain roads and backcountry areas during the winter

• Ability to travel on high very steep exposed portions of mountainous terrain

• Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.

• Must possess and maintain (or be willing and able to obtain and maintain) a current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician certification or higher and to perform avalanche and backcountry rescue

• Must possess and maintain (or be willing and able to obtain and maintain) a CPR certification

• Must be willing and able to respond to critical work tasks from October 1st – May 31st

• Must be willing and able to perform avalanche and backcountry rescue

• Must be willing and able to work full-time as required

• Must be willing and able to work 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as necessary

• Must be willing and able to exert up to 100 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 50 lbs of force frequently to move objects

• Must be willing and able to obtain a Type I Explosive Permit with an avalanche endorsement, which will require a background check

• Must possess or be willing to possess a certificate of completion of Level III, PRO2, or similar professional avalanche training course

• Must be willing and able to work with explosives

• Must be willing and able to tolerate noise and vibration related to explosives

• Must be willing and able to pass a background check for access to the National Weather Service - Weather Forecast Office

• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Colorado driver's license

• Must be able to drive a state vehicle and their driving record will be examined annually starting January 1st of each year.

• Must be willing and able to tolerate hot and cold weather and wet, humid and windy conditions

• Must be willing and able to tolerate exposure to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, dusts, gases

• Must be willing and able to tolerate exposure to radiant energy

• Although Personal Protective Equipment is supplied, must possess equipment suitable for backcountry travel in avalanche terrain

Preferred qualifications

• Experience managing teams of two or more people

• Familiarity with atmospheric physics and dynamics

• Familiarity with snow physics and avalanche dynamics

• Experience with automated environmental measuring equipment

• Experience in technical writing

• Experience in education of people of all ages

• Experience with MS Windows and/or LINUX computer systems

• Experience with desktop and mobile GIS systems

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position

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, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered 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 tospb.colorado.govor refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.govunder Rules.

Supplemental Information

The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.

Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.

Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

• A complete online Application for Announced Vacancy

• A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

• A current resume uploaded as an attachment to your online application

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

The Assessment Process

The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system to be made according to merit and fitness. Your on-line application will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.

Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process may consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review. Utilizing your detailed on-line application, cover letter, resume and transcripts, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit in comparison to all other applicants for this position. It is imperative that you provide adequate detail on your application and cover letter to describe how you meet and/or exceed the requirements for this position. “See Resume” or “See Attached” will not substitute for the completed and detailed on-line application.

Comparative analysis factors to 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; varied and not one dimensional; and demonstrate progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.

• Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.

Upload additional pages if necessary to detail your experience and accomplishments. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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, dnrhremployeebenefits@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 dnrhremployeebenefits@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 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 will 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 athttp://dhs.gov/e-verify

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. Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload 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 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

The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that APPLICANTS for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board. There is no residency waiver for this announcement. Please confirm that you are a current resident of Colorado.

• 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

  Did you upload your résumé and cover letter to this on-line application?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Even if not using education as a substitute for experience, if you have a educational or certificate transcript, have you attached it?

• Yes

• No

  05

  Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials, INCLUDING YOUR RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. Please verify that you understand that the failure to include adequate information or attachments to your job application may affect your final score and/or prevent you from competing in any subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

• Yes

• No

  06

  If you are a veteran who is eligible for preference points, did you upload/attach your DD-214? Veterans who wish to seek disability preference points based on a service related disability must submit acceptable documentation to support your claim for veterans' preference (exclude specific/private medical information).

• Yes

• No

• Not Applicable

  07

  Briefly explain why you would like to work at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center?

  08

  What is your approach to managing a small team?

  09

  Please describe a moment or accomplishment in your professional career that you are proud of.

  10

  What challenges do you think you'll face working remotely, and how will you deal with them?

  11

  Please describe the most important elements of a work-place safety culture?

  12

  Please briefly describe an aspect of a risk management process that you feel was successful in a place you worked previously.

  13

  Explain how you apply the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard in a group to evaluate to reach a consensus decision on the avalanche hazard.

  14

  Please briefly describe your approach to working safely in avalanche terrain.

  15

  How do you set goals for your team and how do you ensure you achieve them?

  16

  How do you communicate between your team and your supervisor?

  17

  Please confirm that you understand and can meet the Conditions of Employment outlined in this announcement.

• Yes

• No

  18

  Please acknowledge this position will have part time duties part of the year.

• I understand, and accept

  19

  This position will drive State fleet vehicles. You must maintain a valid drivers license which may be inspected at will. This may require a background screening and drug test. Do you understand and accept this condition?

• I understand and accept

  20

  You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. DNR does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

• I understand and accept.

  Required Question

Agency

State of Colorado

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Website

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