Term Limited - Avalanche Forecaster Mountains Operations - Colo. Avalanche Information Center

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Term Limited - Avalanche Forecaster Mountains Operations - Colo. Avalanche Information Center

Salary

$65,700.00 - $72,264.00 Annually

Location

Statewide, CO

Job Type

Part Time

Job Number

PAA CAIC TERM LIMITED 5/24

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Division

Executive Director's Office

Opening Date

05/01/2024

Closing Date

6/2/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Position will work remotely

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.

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

THIS POSITION IS A TERM-LIMITED POSITION THAT IS SET TO EXPIRE SUMMER 2025.  CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABLE FUNDING. WHEN VACANT, INCUMBENT WILL NOT HAVE RETENTION RIGHTS IN THE STATE PERSONNEL SYSTEM

This position will work full time FTE during the winter months and reduced hours the rest of the year.
 

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

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

THIS POSITION IS A TERM-LIMITED POSITION THAT IS SET TO EXPIRE SUMMER 2025.  CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABLE FUNDING. WHEN VACANT, INCUMBENT WILL NOT HAVE RETENTION RIGHTS IN THE STATE PERSONNEL SYSTEM

This position will work full time FTE during the winter months and reduced hours the rest of the year.

This position performs three main functions:
 Forecaster
  • Analyze snow, weather, and avalanche data to determine current and future conditions.
  • Use CAIC tools, systems, and procedures to document work process and predictions.
  • Use CAIC tools, systems, and procedures to create and communicate public safety products.
  • Participate in daily forecast meetings to facilitate the number, type, and quality of daily products.
  • Development of daily avalanche hazard assessment and daily forecast meeting.
  • Work in a team to decide current avalanche hazard levels and avalanche characteristics.
  • Present summary and reasoning in daily forecast meeting and help others check their assessment of avalanche hazard for assigned areas.
  • Create public safety products that meet or exceed CAIC’s goals for type, quantity, and quality.
Field Operations 
  • Field operations involves traveling throughout the mountains areas of Colorado in both winter and summer. 
  • This includes driving on snow-covered highways, 4x4 roads, and traveling in helicopters; it includes traveling on snowmobiles and skis into steep, complex, and exposed terrain elevations; it includes exposure to avalanche hazard and mountain weather conditions in the winter and summer; it includes using explosives and delivery systems from hand-placed charges, to helicopter deployed charges, military artillery, gas projectile systems, and remote avalanche control systems. 
  • Most field operations include some type of data collection.
  • Avalanche forecasters use a targeted sampling framework where current data is analyzed to inform future collection of specific fields, at specific times, and in specific locations. Avalanche Forecasters need knowledge of snow, weather, and avalanche phenomena to perform this task and field travel skills to perform these tasks. Avalanche Forecasters work in a team to create a plan for daily data collection efforts over broad mountainous sections of Colorado. They participate in and contribute to the daily risk management process. 
  • Field staff maintain Wilderness First Responder certification as part of CAIC field medical program. 
  • Field operations include summer maintenance of remote instrumentation and supporting CDOT’s maintenance of remote avalanche control systems.
Records, Reports, and Education
  • Write reports and articles that document snow, weather, and avalanche events in Colorado. 
  • Examples include monthly and annual summaries of snow, weather, and avalanche conditions; reports on accidents and notable events, articles for a general audience on snow, weather, and avalanche safety or forecasting. 
  • Create education material. Teach short courses on snow, weather, and avalanche safety and forecasting, which could be in the field.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

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

THIS POSITION IS A TERM-LIMITED POSITION THAT IS SET TO EXPIRE SUMMER 2025.  CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABLE FUNDING. WHEN VACANT, INCUMBENT WILL NOT HAVE RETENTION RIGHTS IN THE STATE PERSONNEL SYSTEM

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
Five (5) 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 
One (1) 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 noteThe 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.
 
Conditions of Employment 
  • Ability to travel in the backcountry
  • Ability to travel on very steep exposed portions of mountainous terrain
  • Ability to observe and evaluate avalanche conditions
  • Ability to perform avalanche and backcountry rescue
  • Have or be able to obtain possession of Wilderness First Responder or higher and CPR certification
  • Have or be able to obtain possession or ability to obtain and Colorado Type I Explosives Permit with Avalanche endorsement
  • Have or be able to obtain certificate of completion of A3-PRO2, similar professional avalanche training course, or equivalent experience
  • Have or be able to obtain certificate of completion of Avalanche Rescue course or equivalent experience
  • Must be willing and able to exert up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects
  • Must be willing and able to 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 submit to and pass a background check for credentialing through the Department of Commerce system in order to access CAIC's office in Boulder.
  • Must be willing and able to respond to unplanned system outages.
  • Must be willing and able to travel to CAIC facilities throughout the state.    
  • THIS POSITION IS A TERM-LIMITED POSITION THAT IS SET TO EXPIRE SUMMER 2025.  CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABLE FUNDING. WHEN VACANT, INCUMBENT WILL NOT HAVE RETENTION RIGHTS IN THE STATE PERSONNEL SYSTEM.
  • This position will work full time FTE during the winter months and reduced hours the
    rest of the year.              
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Familiarity with snow physics and avalanche dynamics
  • Experience with modern avalanche forecasting techniques
  • Experience with MSWindows computer systems and Google Workspace
  • Experience in technical writing
  • Experience in education of people of all ages
  • Experience with automated environmental measuring equipment
  • Proven ability to solve problems creatively
  • Strong familiarity with project management software tool, methodologies, and best practices
  • Experience seeing projects through the full life cycle
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful
  • Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline
  • State experience related to the 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 to spb.colorado.gov or 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, at spb.colorado.gov under 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, 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
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 at http://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
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
05
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
06
Briefly explain why you would like to work at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center?
07
What is your approach to working in a small team? What role do you play on the team?
08
Please describe a moment or accomplishment in your professional career that you are proud of.
09
What challenges do you think you'll face working remotely, and how will you deal with them?
10
Please briefly describe an aspect of a risk management process that you feel was successful in a place you have worked.
11
Explain how you like to work in a group to evaluate a range of complex issues and reach a consensus decision.
12
Please briefly describe your approach to working safely in avalanche terrain.
13
Please describe the most important elements of a work-place safety culture?
14
Briefly describe the three most important things to include in an avalanche forecast for highway operations.
15
Briefly describe the three most important things to include in a public avalanche forecast for backcountry recreation.
16
Explain how you apply the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard in a group to evaluate to reach a consensus decision on the avalanche hazard.
17
Please acknowledge this position is term limited, with part time duties part of the year
  • I understand, and accept
18
Please confirm that you understand and can meet the Conditions of Employment outlined in this announcement.
  • Yes
  • No
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.

Required Question

Agency
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --