| Location | Denver, CO |
| Salary | $72,264–$115,632 Per Year |
CPW Legislative Liaison IV - Denver, CO (Onsite)
Salary
$72,264.00 - $115,632.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
PMA 32041 08/26
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Opening Date
08/28/2026
Closing Date
9/10/2026 12:27 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Hiring Pay Rate
Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
patrick.warnes@state.co.us
Primary Physical Work Address
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216, USA with days worked at Colorado State Capitol 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203
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.
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-usto 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:
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 Policy and Planning Branch serves CPW, the Parks and Wildlife Commission, and members of the public by providing legislative and policy development and analysis, informing management decisions through public involvement and social science research and providing expertise for agency resource and park planning efforts. The work products of this branch are critical elements in the development and revision of parks and wildlife-related regulations, policies, programs, natural and cultural resource conservation planning, property and strategic planning activities. By effectively involving both internal and external stakeholders in policy and planning activities, this branch assures that the best information is available for CPW and Commission decision-making and that this information is reflective of the needs, concerns, and preferences of the constituents CPW serves.
Description of Job
The position exists to focus exclusively on CPW-related legislative and policy issues. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Policy and Planning, this position will develop and manage Colorado Parks and Wildlife's legislative program, which, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, helps ensure CPW and DNR meet their legislative and programmatic goals. This position functions as a senior authority charged with influencing statutory changes that affect the States management of parks and wildlife resources. It does so by identifying, developing, and coordinating CPW's legislative priorities. The position communicates agency recommendations to, and receives and communicates direction and strategic guidance from, DNR's Director of Legislative Affairs in maintaining synchronization with the Administration. Additionally, this is responsible for responding to legislator inquiries, drafting position requests, testimony, and relevant talking points for bills that impact the agency and coordinates key CPW staff and teams needed to respond to legislative tasks in a timely, accurate, and effective manner.
The individual in this position helps identify and directly engage with external stakeholders throughout the legislative process. This position also consults with and responds to CPW's Director and Executive Management Team. Per statute, each Principal Department has one person overseeing lobbying for the entire Department (DNR's Director of Legislative Affairs). This position will be supervised by CPW, but it will coordinate closely with and function - in terms of lobbying support- under the oversight of DNR's Director of Legislative Affairs to ensure Department compliance with statute and consistency in legislative engagement.
Lastly, this position manages CPW's portion of the SMART Act hearings, coordinates the Division's response to (and preparation for) the Joint Budget Committee meeting, and provides support for newly selected (or re-appointed) Parks and Wildlife Commissioners during confirmation hearings.
Managing CPW's Legislative Program
Position functions as the staff authority for influencing and advising on statutory changes that affect Parks and Wildlife management. The position develops and executes CPW's legislative program. Provides direction to others in furtherance of legislative program goals; analyzes legislation for impacts on CPW; develops talking points for staff testimony and memos as needed; coordinates internal staff - including subject matter experts - to ascertain perspectives and develop agency response, preferences, and solutions to legislation; identifies external stakeholders and approach(es) needed to engage them in ways that will advance CPWs legislative portfolio; develops and defends division legislative testimony. The position functions as a liaison between CPW staff ranging from the Executive Management Team and Director's office to CPW program managers, and others engaged in legislation including the Fiscal Note team (within the Financial Services Branch). Collaborates directly with, and keeps apprised, DNR's Director of Legislative Affairs to ensure a wholistic approach to CPW-DNR legislative activities including lobbying efforts with State Legislators. During legislative session, is in-person at the State Capitol.
Lobbying efforts in support of CPW
As a staff authority, this position provides expertise on and has foundational knowledge about how, when, and in what ways to effectively lobby State Legislators on behalf of CPW. In a lobbying support capacity this position makes critical and strategic decisions about agency-wide policy and legislative processes, designs systems, guidelines and rules which it uses to represent the agency when engaging with Legislators and external stakeholders. The expert opinions provided by this position have full agency support and set the stage for future internal staff coordination on relevant bills/proposals that impact the agency. This position also represents the agency's perspectives when engaging stakeholders outside the agency, assigns staff to serve in these efforts as subject matter experts, and sets corresponding timelines for doing so. This position also collaborates with the DNR Director for Legislative Affairs to ensure CPW and DNR legislative priorities and goals are aligned.
Internal and external outreach to stakeholders
This position develops and possesses the knowledge, experience and familiarity with critical external stakeholders involved through the policy and legislative process. They plan, assign, implement, and maintain record of stakeholder engagement inquiries for CPW-priority bills and other proposals/policies that may impact the agency. This position is responsible for managing the stakeholder engagement process, which includes but is not limited to, regularly contacting and following up with partner organizations, stakeholder groups, and individuals ensuring their needs, concerns, and perspectives are addressed and incorporated into CPW's legislative efforts. This position also coordinates internal (i.e., CPW) engagement on legislative matters including external engagement and it regularly interacts with the DNRs Director of Legislative Affairs on tasks spanning stakeholder engagement and lobbying.
Special Projects as Assigned
Manages special projects with an emphasis on the analysis of legislative and state, regional and national policy affecting CPW and on internal process improvement opportunities. Researches, writes and presents reports, briefings and studies on policy issues for both internal and external distribution. Prepares policy statements, white papers, and background documents for CPW, the Parks and Wildlife Commission and the General Assembly. Occasionally assist DNR's Director of Legislative Affairs as needed related to implementing DNR's broader legislative agenda during General Assembly sessions.
This position will have multiple work locations, one at 6060 Broadway in Denver to provide proximity to the CPW Director's Office and hoteling at the State Capitol during the legislative session. The position is also expected to travel to events with legislators, staff and other stakeholders throughout the year.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Seven (7) years of relevant experience of professional experience in the analysis of public policy, private sector policy, or legislation this includes: defining, researching, analyzing and presenting recommendations to internal and external stakeholders regarding public policy; writing talking points; writing and presenting briefing papers; lobbying, and/or writing communications.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education from an accredited institution in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Psychology, Social Science, Public Administration, Education, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Outdoor Recreation, and relevant experience of professional experience in the analysis of public policy, private sector policy, or legislation this includes: defining, researching, analyzing and presenting recommendations to internal and external stakeholders regarding public policy; writing talking points; writing and presenting briefing papers; and/or writing communications equal to seven (7) years.
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.
Substitutions:
Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Class Code: LIAISON IV (H1Q4XX)
Preferred Qualifications:
Required Competencies:
Conditions of Employment:
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, 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 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.
A salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While all offers are compliant with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, there is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.
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.
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 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 aboutE-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, 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.
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.
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:
04
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).
05
Did you upload your résumé and cover letter to this on-line application?
06
Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. 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.
07
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).
08
Do you have at least seven years of professional experience in the analysis of public policy, private sector policy, or legislation that includes: defining, researching, analyzing and presenting recommendations to internal and external stakeholders regarding public policy and potential impacts/outcomes; writing talking points; writing and presenting briefing papers; lobbying, and/or writing communications for different audiences?
09
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please briefly explain your professional experience here: If you answered "No", please enter "N/A" If you answered "No", please enter "N/A"
10
Please briefly describe your knowledge level related to state park management, wildlife conservation, or other outdoor recreation management activities.
11
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe how this position helps the agency accomplish its mission and 2026 Strategic Goals?
12
Please briefly describe any experience you have presenting verbal and written information to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. Please include the methods you used to relay the information and describe (briefly), what worked or didn't work (or what was successful or less successful): If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A" If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A"
13
I agree to the conditions of employment as outlined on this job posting.
14
I certify that this application, including all essays and supporting materials, is my own original work. The thoughts, experiences, and words presented herein are entirely my own.
15
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.
16
Have you attached your resume, cover letter, transcripts and other relevant material as requested by the hiring panel.
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/