CPW Criminal Investigator IV - Grand Junction

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

The successful applicant will be required to live within the area of responsibility:
West Slope – must be able to respond to the Grand Junction, CO CPW office in no more than 1 hour.

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.

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, 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 options and remote‑work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This position exists to provide law enforcement investigative services and expertise for the line and staff positions within the assigned region(s) specifically, and state‑wide for CPW in general. The role operates independently of day‑to‑day supervision and serves as a subject‑matter expert in law enforcement matters for CPW field staff.

The position performs the following key responsibilities:

• Coordinates and conducts multi‑jurisdictional misdemeanor and felony investigations, both intra‑ and inter‑regional, interstate and international.
• Acts as a case manager and team leader on complex investigations involving large‑scale and/or high‑priority illegal take and commercialization of wildlife.
• Leads covert operations, maintains covert identities, and makes tactical and legal decisions in high‑risk scenarios.
• Manages intelligence collection and analysis, oversees dissemination to field officers and partner agencies.
• Provides administrative authority on law enforcement issues, reviews policy, and offers guidance to contract investigators.
• Develops and delivers training in wildlife and parks investigations, forensic techniques, and other law‑enforcement related skills.
• Maintains wildlife forensic programs, liaises with state and national forensic laboratories, and assists in evidence collection and chain‑of‑custody management.
• Designs, submits, and monitors annual operations plans, manages equipment procurement and covert investigation budgets.

Eight (8) years of law‑enforcement investigation experience in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation, Zoology/Animal Sciences, or a related occupation.

OR a combination of related education and a total of eight (8) years of experience matching the job responsibilities.

AND any required certifications for the position.

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position
• Current or former Colorado Parks and Wildlife experience
• Wildlife or Natural Resource covert investigation experience, minimum 52 hours of documented training
• Demonstrates initiative and self‑motivation.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Law enforcement experience.
• Ability to work with different teams and foster productive relationships.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills.

• Wildlife or Natural Resource related law enforcement and investigation experience.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Self‑motivated; works well independently and in teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google suites.
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Pass a full criminal background check and obtain CCIC/NCIC clearance.
• Case management and analysis.
• Analyzing complex…