CDA - Climate & Energy Specialist (Administrator III

Job Title

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals":

• Expanding National and International Market Access
• Developing Agricultural Leaders
• Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
• Implementing the Beaver Strategy
• Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers.

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
• Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
• Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• State employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit:

Equal Opportunity

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 resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

We believe 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.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage:

Organizational Purpose

The Conservation Services Division exists to provide oversight and coordination of the department's efforts to protect and enhance the state's agriculture activities as they relate to drought and climate resilience, land use and range management, conservation, soil and vegetation management, public land management, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, endangered species, and energy development. The purpose of the unit also includes administrative and financial assistance to the 7 4 conservation districts, oversight and administration of the noxious weed, bio-control, agricultural water quality, chemigation, and weed-free forage programs.

It also includes coordination and collaboration with other state, multi-state, and federal agencies.

This position will serve as the liaison for the CDA's programs and other state and federal climate and drought resilience programs. They advise and inform the ADCRO (Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office) Managing Director, the Conservation Services leadership, CDA's Markets divisions, other state agencies, and the Governor's Office on climate and drought policy initiatives related to agriculture. This position will attend interagency working groups related to climate and drought, including Interagency Climate Group and Natural and Working Lands Taskforce, and report back to ADCRO team on new programs and policies.

This position will support other ADCRO programs, and lead new initiatives with guidance from the ADCRO Managing Director.

This position will travel 6-10 times a year, often for 1-2 nights. This position will not have regular access to a fleet vehicle, but will be reimbursed for mileage.

This position understands and implements the OIT requirements for digital accessibility as appropriate for the role.

Interagency Coordination & Working Groups Representative

This position represents CDA and ADCRO in statewide meetings, interagency climate plans and policies, and state climate reports. This includes balancing the needs of the agricultural community and working towards state climate goals, including climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. This position will regularly support writing plans, including policy documents, and present on climate and ag topics.

Duties…