| Location | Lakewood, CO |
| Salary | $4,955–$6,442 Per Year |
Watch Center Analyst III
Salary
$59,460.00 - $77,304.00 Annually
Location
Lakewood, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
RAA DHSEM WC3 #278 10/26
Department
Department of Public Safety
Division
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Opening Date
10/15/2026
Closing Date
10/26/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
690 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO 80215
Hiring Pay Rate
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,955 - $6,442/month; $59,460 - $77,304/year
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Nicole Williamson, 720-498-1815, nicole.williamson@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 position is open only to current Colorado state residents.
An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.
Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.
We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.
Classification and Salary:
ANALYST III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,955 - $6,442/month; $59,460 - $77,304/year
Full Salary Range:$4,955 - $7,927/month; $59,460 - $95,124/year
Benefits:
We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.
The State of Colorados Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee's health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.
Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
We offer Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits.
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is a consolidated Emergency Management and Homeland Security team. The divisions mission is to lead and support Colorado's efforts to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to and recover from all-hazard events.
The Division is comprised of the Director's Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Office of Grants Management (OGM) and Office of Prevention and Security (CIAC) and Office of Public Safety Communications (OPSC).
The Watch Center component operates 24/7 and supports CDPS leadership as well as other partners with overall situational awareness and real time information collection, dissemination and analysis during a critical incident affecting Colorado and is the main point of intake and notification of incidents, and emerging threats for the Department, and petitions for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO). The goal is to maintain situational awareness of any event or incident-either natural or man-made-that may require a state response or be of interest to state-level leadership. Assigned analysts also provide tactical support for local partners upon request.
Safe2Tell Colorado is a school safety prevention program administered by the Colorado Attorney Generals Office. Safe2Tell tips are received from across Colorado and sometimes the nation. Tips are received via phone, web, or mobile app and are anonymous. Anonymity of the tipster is protected by statute. The tips are disseminated to schools and law enforcement by CDPS DHSEM Analysts. Safe2Tell operations are 24/7.
The All Threats Intelligence Unit (ATIU) is responsible for the collection, analysis and dissemination of threat and all hazard information for the purpose of information sharing on criminal activities and terrorism-related threats affecting Colorado. The ATIU collaborates with private sector, local, tribal and federal partners to support and protect Colorado and its citizens.
The Colorado Preventing Targeted Violence (CO-PTV) Program is a multidisciplinary public health-informed approach to targeted violence prevention that works to equip communities with the tools to prevent targeted violence through awareness and education, building trusted partnership, and providing continued support to assist in local prevention efforts.
The infrastructure protection and cyber-security programs promote greater resiliency of government, non-government, and private-sector facilities, systems, assets, and employees through an array of prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery strategies designed to deter, delay, detect and defend against human threats and technological hazards, while reducing the impact of natural hazards. The programs also provide a range of technical assistance to enhance their security posture and preparedness against all-hazards. Through the development and maintaining of public-private partnerships and ongoing support of state government agencies, the programs aims to expand information sharing opportunities, enhance data collection and threat reporting to produce actionable intelligence, provide training and awareness, and adopt a layered, defense-in-depth strategy to assure the resiliency of Colorado communities and Colorado state government infrastructure. Under the CIAC's Infrastructure Protection program, The Whole of State initiative for critical infrastructure allows the State of Colorado to actively maintain an inventory of critical infrastructure nodes and facilities in the state, and maintain a database of this inventory that is utilized by numerous emergency management officials during significant emergency events. Cybersecurity analysts support Colorado's Whole of State cybersecurity effort to make Colorado the most resilient state against cyber-attacks across several areas of focus. Specifically, the Cyber Team works to identify and investigate emergency threats and vulnerabilities to the SLTT, critical infrastructure and private sector communities; provides timely, accurate, and actionable information; supports the sharing of best practices within and between sectors with regards to enhancing cyber protections; and offers technical assistance and coordination support specific to cyber assessment support, incident response support, and cyber program maturity growth.
Work Environment
Hybrid, minimum three days onsite in Lakewood
Work unit core business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
About the Job
This is a fully operational analyst position for the Watch Center, it is an independent-level position designed to provide training, experience and forward-leaning intelligence in their work. This position is assigned to the CDPS 24/7 Watch Center, housed in the DHSEM/CIAC in Lakewood and provides investigative support to CDPS policy makers as well as local, state and federal partners. The Intelligence analyst will make operational decisions pertaining to raw information shared with the CIAC by other CDPS divisions as well as local, state or federal partners. This information may be law enforcement sensitive and may be in multiple forms. The Watch Center Intelligence Analyst will be required to have critical thinking capabilities and is responsible to determine the appropriate level and area of notification for situational awareness consistent with the CDPS Notification matrix and any other administrative procedures for the Watch Center. The Analyst will perform intermediate functions of the intelligence analyst tradecraft and will assist in determining which resolution is more appropriate in the daily tasks. They will assist in the training of new Watch Center Staff as it relates to platforms utilized on a regular basis and will provide input to leadership in policy and procedure manual updates.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Training Lead for Watch Center Staff
Will be the primary training analyst for Watch Center staff.
Staffs all 24/7 hotline(s) within the CIAC, receives and makes calls from the public or law enforcement specific to various legislative requirements. Answers "hotlines" to receive and refer calls from the public about specific hotlines, and to collaborate with other state agencies to obtain information necessary or beneficial for responding to requests. Intakes, analyzes, disseminates, and provides dispositions of all reported hotline(s) calls. Provides relevant resources, information and collaborate with other state agencies to obtain relevant information necessary or beneficial for responding to requests.
As directed, provides pre-disaster support to the State Emergency Operations Center training and exercise program. During a state declared disaster, provides operational support to the State Emergency Operations Center as directed.
Additional duties may include, but not be limited to: Providing W/C leadership with updates and input to the "living" W/C policies and training manual (shared responsibility with all W/C staff), directly assigned in-depth SAB products. May attend/assist as a representative of the CIAC for special events/meetings and possible assistance with command post duties/responsibilities as previously indicated.
Watch Center Inbox Monitoring Trainer
Reviews, assesses, and processes information provided to the Watch Center through the Watch Center email inbox and the CIAC inbox. This will include assessing both raw and complete intelligence information originating from the public or professionals sent to the Watch Center. Evaluates the information for its level of importance. This may include distribution of intelligence information to partners via the Watch Center notification matrix and other CIAC platforms. Handles documents and communications with partners and CIAC staff in accordance with the CIAC Security Policies and Privacy Protection Policy (protecting civil rights and civil liberties). Determines the level of urgency of information, appropriate audience for dissemination, and expected level of detail in documenting assigned tasks. Provides 2nd-level customer support and takes action pertaining to inbox monitoring and receiving information or intelligence, following the appropriate Watch Center and CIAC policy.
Situational Awareness/Liaison
Compiles, analyzes, and disseminates information and intelligence from various agencies, the public, and other sources, and promotes these sources to maintain the exchange of pertinent information among various disciplines including law enforcement, fire, emergency management and homeland security agencies. The Watch Center Intelligence Analyst requests, receives and documents information of a confidential nature. Coordinates inter-state and intra-state information and intelligence pertaining to criminal activity and criminal movement, and exercises independent judgment to ensure accurate and reliable information is disseminated to the proper authority. The Watch Center Intelligence Analyst maintains liaison and intelligence exchange with other law enforcement agencies. Utilizes electronic, technical, and support systems equipment.
The position dialogues with individuals via telephone or email, providing requested information, responding to questions, or seeking information from individuals. Assesses unfolding events and determines the appropriate method and message to relay leadership personnel within CDPS, based on the integrity, reliability, and urgency of the situation. Uses professional judgment to determine which tools should be used to send an alert notification to the appropriate leadership personnel, taking into consideration the sensitivity of the information and dynamics of the information.
Intelligence and Analysis
Performs intermediate analytical tasks for both tactical and strategic information, as applicable and relevant, using established intelligence community tradecraft methods and tools for information analysis and intelligence development. This includes developing and writing products independently, providing final review of the development of law enforcement workups, gathering information for trend analysis, and writing and reviewing basic intelligence bulletins, in partnership with other analysts. Other duties will be assigned within the scope of this positions analytical skills. This includes accessing classified documents. This position is required to obtain, hold, and maintain a U.S. Department of Homeland Security 'Secret' clearance.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills
OR Education and Experience, Knowledge, Skills
Required Competencies and Skills
Active listening
Critical thinking
Strong organizational and follow-up skills
Effective communication skills
Ability to prioritize
Strong interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications and Competencies
Leadership experience
Experience writing policies
Experience training staff
Planning experience
Conditions of Employment
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, and driving history.
Current valid drivers license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued drivers license within 30 days of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.
This position is required to obtain, hold, and maintain a U.S. Department of Homeland Security 'Secret' clearance.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
Disability Accommodation
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure equitable opportunity applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at: cdps_hr@state.co.us.
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.
Colorado Department of Public Safety 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.
Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices
Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veterans preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
Application Tips: For an overview of the State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video.
Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
e-Verify: CDPS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Selection Process: After applications are screened for the Minimum Qualifications, CDPS intends to use the comparative analysis process outlined below. Pursuant to state personnel board rule, if there are 6 or few candidates who minimally qualify, said candidates may be referred directly to the Appointing Authority for a post referral assessment and/or consideration.
Comparative Analysis Steps may include (dates are tentative and subject to change):
Structured application review by a panel of SMEs - October 28-30
Written exercise - November 5
In-person panel interview - November 9
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
Please describe how you meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications for this position, and why you are interested in working with the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
02
Please describe what it means to you to have strong interpersonal skills.
03
Please describe your training experience and training style when working with co-workers on your team.
04
I understand the anticipated hiring range for this position is $4,955 - $6,442/month. If selected for hire, I am willing to accept an offer within this range.
05
Positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety require a comprehensive background examination, including a polygraph, a fingerprint based criminal history check, driving history check and references. Are you willing to participate in this process as a condition of employment?
06
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
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/