Colorado Department of Revenue · 1 day ago
CDA-Laboratory Biocontrol Specialist (Life/Social Science Researcher Scientist III)
Grand Junction, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$59K/yr - $71K/yr
6+ years expThe Colorado Department of Revenue is committed to advancing the state's agriculture and ensuring a safe food supply. They are seeking a CDA-Laboratory Biocontrol Specialist to implement biological control of insect pests and invasive plants, including production, monitoring, and education on biocontrol agents.
GovernmentIdentity ManagementTransportation
No H1B
Responsibilities
Produce/collect biological control agents for use against insect and weed pests in Colorado
Devising appropriate rearing techniques that employ host plants or insects produced at the Insectary and documenting methods used and numbers produced
Collection of biocontrol agents from the field using techniques including sweep netting and hand picking of agents
Taking data and storing it on a portable GPS unit
Training and overseeing seasonal help in the production/collection of biocontrol agents
Support biological control practitioners to identify targets and biocontrol agents based on DNA barcode analysis
Lead the molecular diagnostics laboratory at the Insectary and be knowledgeable concerning techniques used in successful DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols
Monitor biological control agents and plant communities
Monitors biocontrol release sites for impact of biocontrol agents on the target species as well as changes in the plant community associated with the decline of the target species
Assist in compiling metrics related to the biocontrol program, such as number of agents released for each project, geographic distribution of agents within Colorado, impact of agents on target weeds and pests and identification of target weeds and pests using DNA barcoding
Qualification
Required
Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to biocontrol work assigned to this position
Must have an active Colorado driver's license
Must be a resident of the state of Colorado
Be willing to travel for frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout assigned area and be willing to have overnight travel to other areas of Colorado a few days a year
Must be willing to work outside of normal business hours
Will need to work outdoors in adverse conditions such as rain, heat, and snow
Detail oriented
Work well under pressure
Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions
A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts
Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability
Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
Preferred
Experience with Insectary operations working in biological control
Experience with field monitoring of invasive species
Experience with molecular techniques used for species identification
Use years of state service as a preferred qualification
Benefits
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
Medical and dental health plans ( https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/ )
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
BenefitHub state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program State of Health
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!
Company
Colorado Department of Revenue
With just under 1500 employees, the Colorado Department of Revenue oversees the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Enforcement Division, the Colorado State Lottery, and the Taxation Division.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Lorri Dugan
Chief Financial Officer
Meghan Tanis
Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Executive Director
Recent News
2026-01-25
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