Salary : $92,232.00 - $110,676.00 Annually
Location : Broomfield County, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: Plant Industry Division
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 305 Interlocken Parkway, Broomfield CO 80021
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Contact Mary Hunt at (303)869-9006 or [email protected]
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Description of Job
Organizational Purpose

To enforce statutes and rules for various plant agricultural programs that provide human health, environmental and consumer protection. To provide certification for interstate and international shipment of plant commodities. Prevent the introduction and establishment of Invasive pests to the state and conduct pest surveys.

Major Objectives of the Position

This position manages the nursery, seed, greenhouse and export certification programs. These programs deal with environmental and consumer protection concerning the sale of nursery stock and seeds. In addition, this position supervises the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) Program as part of implementing the Pest Control Act. The position deals with pest control through the implementation of quarantines, conducting request inspections, surveying for pests to provide certification and documentation of freedom from pests in Colorado. Position implements statute and rule requirements and program objectives by analyzing statutes and rules and regulations, developing nursery and seed registration, inspection, enforcement and administrative procedures by collaborating with appropriate departmental, industry and concerned parties. Position develops and implements quarantines and other requirements, and inspections for the protection of agriculture and horticulture crops, landscape plants and the natural environment from plant pests through a collaborative process with industry and other interested parties. Supervises four FTE including two Administrator IV and two Administrative Assistant employees by assigning job duties, providing job training, observing job performance, formulating performance plans, and completing performance appraisals.

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

Primary Duties

Program Management:

• Implements statute and rule requirements and program objectives by analyzing statutes and rules and regulations, developing registration, inspection, enforcement and administrative procedures by collaborating with appropriate departmental, industry and concerned parties. Develops program goals and objectives. Trains inspectors on procedures and reviews and approves inspections.
• Drafts and finalizes required reports and annual and quarterly plans. Determines and implements enforcement actions for violations of program regulations. Serve as departmental representative by communicating and meeting with government, industry, professional and private groups, and individuals. Negotiates with other agencies on contracts (for example - CSU seed laboratory for sample analysis). Serves as a resource on export of plant commodities and related regulatory issues. Keeps upper level management informed of problems, issues and trends.
• Develops and implements quarantines and other requirements, and inspections and for the protection of agriculture and horticulture crops, landscape plants and the natural environment from invasive plant pests through a collaborative process with industry and other local and federal partners.
• Updates and maintains the state's Invasive Pest emergency plan including annual revision of target pests, stakeholder list and contact, mitigation and response actions.
• Coordinates an annual stakeholder engagement to make sure the plan is updated and stakeholder is engaged.
• Develops and implements external outreach and education for stakeholders, collaborators and interested parties concerning nursery stock standards, seed labeling, movement of seed and nursery stock and regulated pest control avoidance tactics, regulations and planning.

Export Certification:

• Implements and leads the export certification program by maintaining a memorandum of understanding with USDA to issue federal phytosanitary certificates; develops procedures, fee structures, and inspection protocol to provide certification.
• Maintains official accredited certification status by completing continuing education and passing the re-accreditation exam. Trains staff on procedures and approves work.
• Determines interstate and international export requirements for plant commodities by researching the online database and communicating with receiving State and USDA officials
• Drafts and issues the appropriate certificate to meet the state or countries' requirements.
• Manage the finance and revenue coming from federal service provided and the state phyto.
• Hire and train required FTE to manage the export certification as well as other plant health services. Coordinate and monitor the federal phyto issued by the Fruit and veg inspectors in the SLV. This includes their training and ACO accreditation, revenue, payment to the phyto office and others required to provide uninterrupted service.

Supervision:

• Supervises four FTE, two Administrators and two Administrative Assistants. Position establishes the goals and objectives for the unit based on the mission of protecting the state's plants and natural resources from invasive pests and diseases. Provides supervision and oversight for staff and ensures that staff is knowledgeable of the Department's policies and procedures and job expectations.
• The position coaches, motivates, and develops improvement and performance plans for each staff member. Motivates and encourages employees through constant and consistent meetings, and providing feedback. Treat employees respectfully and equitably.
• Performs relevant personnel activities including - employee hiring, orientation, performance evaluation, disciplinary action and recommending termination if appropriate.
• Position conducts regular team meetings and individual supervision. Develops Individual Performance Objectives for staff and completes semi-annual performance evaluations.

Rule and Statute Development

• Provides input and manages the promulgation of rules and regulations pertaining to Seed Act, Nursery Act, and Pest Control Act. This is accomplished in accordance with statutory requirements and by collaborating with the industry ad hoc committees, the general public, and professional and private groups.
• Recommends legislation through the same collaborative process, assesses impact of new legislation and assists in drafting legislation.
• Lead the development and promulgation of rules to enforce a quarantine on a new threat impacting Colorado agriculture or enable the movement and establishment of an invasive pests and disease in the state.

Collaboration with APHIS-PPQ

• Serves as a backup to the Division Director (designated SPRO) in reviewing the various federally managed plant regulatory processes. These are Application for permit to receive soil, Application for permit to move live plant pests, biological control agents, or noxious weeds, Agreement for potentially quarantine, Application for permit to import prohibited plants or plant products for experimental purposes and genetically modified organism permits produced by USDA by accessing an online database.
• Makes a determination if the Department should concur with the permits and provides responses, including a rationale to USDA.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.
Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment with , Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!

Salary Range:
BIWEEKLY
$3,547.38 - $4,256.77
MONTHLY
$8,070.30 - 9,223.00
ANNUALLY
$92,232.00 - $110,676.00
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Minimum Requirements:
Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant years of state service in the area of plant protection, pest management or regulatory plant industry.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel.
• Circumstances may require position to work outside of regular business hours.
• Must be a resident of the state of Colorado at the time of application