Director of Legislative Affairs - Department of Natural Resources - NON -CLASSIF
State of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
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-us
to 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.
Benefits Offered
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
Position Location This position is located in the Executive Director’s Office of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The Executive Director’s office provides guidance and supervision of the activities of the Divisions within DNR in the development, preservation, and enhancement of Colorado's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens – both now and in the future. The Divisions include the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission; the Colorado State Land Board; the Colorado Water Conservation Board; Colorado Parks and Wildlife; the Division of Water Resources; the Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety; Colorado Avalanche Information Center and the Division of Forestry.
The position must be in person at the Colorado State Capitol when the legislature and interim committees are in session.
Description of Job This position exists to develop and manage the Department’s legislative program to ensure the programmatic goals of the Department and its 8 divisions are achieved. It functions as a staff authority and the Department’s sole Legislative Liaison charged with influencing statutory changes that affect the State’s management of natural resources. The position consults with and responds to Governor’s staff, the Executive Director and Deputy Director on the development of the legislative program; establishes legislative goals and implementation strategies; ensures the Department’s position on specific legislation is developed and provided in a timely, accurate and effective manner; develops active support for the Department’s goals with individuals and groups beyond the Department and state government; and tracks legislative task forces and implementation of passed legislation.
Managing DNR’s Legislative Program
Position functions as the staff authority for influencing and advising on statutory changes that affect the State’s management of natural resources. The position develops and executes the Department’s legislative program.
Provides direction to others in furtherance of legislative program goals; analyzes legislation for impacts on DNR and its divisions; coordinates internal and external resources to achieve legislative goals; and develops and defends departmental legislative testimony.
The position functions as a liaison between DNR staff (Executive Director’s Office, Division program managers, Division Directors, and other subject matter experts) and Governor’s Office staff and State Legislators.
Internal and External Outreach to Stakeholders
Collaborates with Department leadership in the development of department-wide responses to legislative proposals that affect the Department and its divisions.
Provides direction to others in furtherance of legislative program goals; analyzes legislation for impacts on DNR and its divisions; coordinates internal and external resources to achieve legislative goals; and develops and defends departmental legislative testimony.
Legislation Implementation
Tracks and reports details of DNR implementation of passed legislation and outputs of legislative task forces.
Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned
Manages special projects with an emphasis on the analysis of legislative and state, regional and national policy affecting the Department and its divisions. Researches, writes and presents reports, briefings and studies on policy issues for internal and external distribution. Prepares policy statements, white papers, and background documents for the Governor’s Office, Executive Director, boards and commissions and the General Assembly.
Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Natural Resources‑related fields, or other fields closely related to the work assignment.
At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience analyzing legislation, policy development, lobbying, or in the natural resources field.
Substitutions A combination of work experience in the occupational field or specialized subject area of the work assigned may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the bachelor’s degree.
A master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree and one or two years of general experience respectively.
Required Competencies
Proven experience in policy analysis.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to problem solve and execute decisions.
Ability to work in a complex political environment.
Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
Preferred Qualifications
In‑depth knowledge of the Colorado legislative process.
Lobbying experience, preferably with the Colorado General Assembly.
Significant experience in a governmental environment.
Experience with natural resources policy and issues.
Experience successfully communicating complex programs to decision‑makers.
Conditions of Employment
While candidates from out of state will be considered for this role, the candidate selected for the position must relocate and reside in Colorado on the first day of their new position. A reasonable timeframe for relocation will be established on an individual basis, while considering business needs.
Former state employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future state employment with DNR).
Must be able to report to work at primary location and at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Must be able to travel within Colorado to overnight meetings 4–10 times per year for employee meetings or other events as needed.
Must be able to register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State and remain in good standing.
Position is exempt from the classified personnel system and is an at‑will position.
Supplemental Information All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications.
Assessment Process
Colorado Revised Statutes require state employees to be hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the process for this position will include a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are considered as part of initial reviews. It is important to document education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications in the application.
Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions. 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.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 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. We encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.
ADAAA Accommodations Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment.
E‑Verify The Department of Natural Resources participates in E‑Verify in accordance with the program’s "Right to Work" for all newly‑hired employees.
Toll‑Free Applicant Support – Technical Help For technical difficulties with the NEOGOV system, contact NEOGOV at 855‑524‑5627, Mon‑Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will not assist with technical issues.
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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-us
to 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.
Benefits Offered
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
Position Location This position is located in the Executive Director’s Office of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The Executive Director’s office provides guidance and supervision of the activities of the Divisions within DNR in the development, preservation, and enhancement of Colorado's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens – both now and in the future. The Divisions include the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission; the Colorado State Land Board; the Colorado Water Conservation Board; Colorado Parks and Wildlife; the Division of Water Resources; the Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety; Colorado Avalanche Information Center and the Division of Forestry.
The position must be in person at the Colorado State Capitol when the legislature and interim committees are in session.
Description of Job This position exists to develop and manage the Department’s legislative program to ensure the programmatic goals of the Department and its 8 divisions are achieved. It functions as a staff authority and the Department’s sole Legislative Liaison charged with influencing statutory changes that affect the State’s management of natural resources. The position consults with and responds to Governor’s staff, the Executive Director and Deputy Director on the development of the legislative program; establishes legislative goals and implementation strategies; ensures the Department’s position on specific legislation is developed and provided in a timely, accurate and effective manner; develops active support for the Department’s goals with individuals and groups beyond the Department and state government; and tracks legislative task forces and implementation of passed legislation.
Managing DNR’s Legislative Program
Position functions as the staff authority for influencing and advising on statutory changes that affect the State’s management of natural resources. The position develops and executes the Department’s legislative program.
Provides direction to others in furtherance of legislative program goals; analyzes legislation for impacts on DNR and its divisions; coordinates internal and external resources to achieve legislative goals; and develops and defends departmental legislative testimony.
The position functions as a liaison between DNR staff (Executive Director’s Office, Division program managers, Division Directors, and other subject matter experts) and Governor’s Office staff and State Legislators.
Internal and External Outreach to Stakeholders
Collaborates with Department leadership in the development of department-wide responses to legislative proposals that affect the Department and its divisions.
Provides direction to others in furtherance of legislative program goals; analyzes legislation for impacts on DNR and its divisions; coordinates internal and external resources to achieve legislative goals; and develops and defends departmental legislative testimony.
Legislation Implementation
Tracks and reports details of DNR implementation of passed legislation and outputs of legislative task forces.
Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned
Manages special projects with an emphasis on the analysis of legislative and state, regional and national policy affecting the Department and its divisions. Researches, writes and presents reports, briefings and studies on policy issues for internal and external distribution. Prepares policy statements, white papers, and background documents for the Governor’s Office, Executive Director, boards and commissions and the General Assembly.
Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Natural Resources‑related fields, or other fields closely related to the work assignment.
At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience analyzing legislation, policy development, lobbying, or in the natural resources field.
Substitutions A combination of work experience in the occupational field or specialized subject area of the work assigned may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the bachelor’s degree.
A master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree and one or two years of general experience respectively.
Required Competencies
Proven experience in policy analysis.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to problem solve and execute decisions.
Ability to work in a complex political environment.
Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
Preferred Qualifications
In‑depth knowledge of the Colorado legislative process.
Lobbying experience, preferably with the Colorado General Assembly.
Significant experience in a governmental environment.
Experience with natural resources policy and issues.
Experience successfully communicating complex programs to decision‑makers.
Conditions of Employment
While candidates from out of state will be considered for this role, the candidate selected for the position must relocate and reside in Colorado on the first day of their new position. A reasonable timeframe for relocation will be established on an individual basis, while considering business needs.
Former state employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future state employment with DNR).
Must be able to report to work at primary location and at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Must be able to travel within Colorado to overnight meetings 4–10 times per year for employee meetings or other events as needed.
Must be able to register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State and remain in good standing.
Position is exempt from the classified personnel system and is an at‑will position.
Supplemental Information All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications.
Assessment Process
Colorado Revised Statutes require state employees to be hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the process for this position will include a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are considered as part of initial reviews. It is important to document education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications in the application.
Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions. 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.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 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. We encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.
ADAAA Accommodations Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment.
E‑Verify The Department of Natural Resources participates in E‑Verify in accordance with the program’s "Right to Work" for all newly‑hired employees.
Toll‑Free Applicant Support – Technical Help For technical difficulties with the NEOGOV system, contact NEOGOV at 855‑524‑5627, Mon‑Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will not assist with technical issues.
#J-18808-Ljbffr