NEOGOV · 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 expNEOGOV is part of the State of Colorado's Department of Agriculture, which is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural industry. The CDA-Laboratory Biocontrol Specialist will implement biological control of insect pests and invasive plants, including the production and monitoring of biocontrol agents, while educating the public on their benefits.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
No H1B
Responsibilities
This position will produce/collect biological control agents for use against insect and weed pests in Colorado
Agents are typically insects but may also include mites or fungi. This includes work in the greenhouses and work with production equipment, which may involve moving potting soil, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
This duty also includes devising appropriate rearing techniques that employ host plants or insects produced at the Insectary and documenting methods used and numbers produced
This may also include collection of biocontrol agents from the field using a number of techniques including sweep netting and hand picking of agents. collection sites and documenting all collections with respect to time, place and numbers collected
Taken data will be taken and stored on a portable GPS unit. Location and use of collection sites will require communication and cooperation with landowners and resource managers as well as judgment of site conditions
This duty statement includes training and overseeing seasonal help in the production/collection of biocontrol agents
Supports biological control practitioners to identify targets and biocontrol agents based on DNA barcode analysis, which is necessary to identify and characterize biocontrol agents and targets
In addition, DNA barcoding will also be used to identify pathogens infecting agents and targets as well as parasitoids attacking biocontrol agents
Work with other Insectary personnel to provide expertise in agent and target identification
Lead the molecular diagnostics laboratory at the Insectary and be knowledgeable concerning techniques used in successful DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols
Work with collaborators on projects requiring molecular analysis
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
Established monitoring protocols will be used and data will be recorded using a portable GPS unit
Monitoring includes the entry of data into the archives of the Biological Pest Control program where it must be well organized and readily accessible
Physically moving equipment used for field monitoring such as stakes, weather stations, insect cages, etc. will require occasionally lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds
This position will 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
Information will be made available to the public on the Biological Control pages of the CDA website, as well as to the Director and staff members needing such information for presentations and workshops
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
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
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
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
The Carlyle Group,Warburg PincusWarburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
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