CPW GRANTS Specialist IV​/Grants Specialist; Denver

Job Overview

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Grants Unit seeks a Grant Manager to expand CPW’s grant base, support grant applications, manage awarded grants, and develop grant policies and procedures. The role focuses on large‑scale habitat projects, habitat corridors, wildlife crossings, and related research and on‑the‑ground project support.

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

• Expand CPW’s grant base by identifying new funding opportunities, analyzing eligibility, and communicating findings to staff.
• Support grant applications through pre‑proposal meetings, preparation assistance, and ensuring compliance with program requirements.
• Integrate grant funding into branch planning by assessing budget constraints, guiding financial arrangements, and pursuing broad federal funding agreements.
• Manage and administer awarded grants, including financial tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring.
• Develop and evaluate grant policies and procedures, provide training, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and environmental statutes.
• Manage external grant programs and provide support to other grant managers as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in natural‑resources‑related grant management or a related occupation.
• OR a combination of education and experience equal to seven (7) years in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Outdoor Recreation, Zoology, Public Administration, Business, Accounting, Finance, or Forestry.
• State of Colorado residency required at the time of application.

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Current or former CPW work or volunteer experience.
• Strong organizational skills supporting tight deadlines, multiple priorities, and high volume of work.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply local, state, and federal laws and fiscal rules.
• Experience with state budgeting and financial data analysis.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products and other applications (Word, Excel, Google Docs).
• Experience with CORE, the State’s electronic accounting system.

• Experience finding, applying for, and working with grants supporting wildlife or natural resources.
• Skill with grant proposal development, review, writing, management, and reporting activities.
• Demonstrated experience working with multiple staff, stakeholders, and authorizing groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to summarize operational, legal, regulatory, and financial information clearly and concisely.

• State of Colorado residency required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license if required to operate a State vehicle.
• Travel around the state to attend meetings, provide training, and conduct site visits; occasional out‑of‑state travel.
• Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary termination or resignation and provide an explanation.
• Compliance with DNR Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive and related policies.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments and providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status.