CDA- Bureau of Animal Protection Program Manager (Veterinarian II)

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment. 

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals:"

• Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access

• Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders

• Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan

• Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy

• Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website.

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including aPERA 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!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

Equal Opportunity

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.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Organizational Purpose:

The purpose of the Division of Animal Welfare (DAW) is to advance the overall welfare of companion animals and livestock through the enforcement of animal welfare laws and regulations established by the Animal Protection Act and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act. The division consists of the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) programs. The division’s mission is primarily regulatory in nature, conducting inspections and investigations into allegations of animal cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, and noncompliance with pet care facility requirements. The division initiates appropriate administrative and civil action when a violation can be substantiated. This division oversees the commissioning and training of qualified BAP agents and licenses and inspects businesses that fall under the authority of PACFA. This division serves as a resource for law enforcement agencies to address instances of criminal animal cruelty, mistreatment and neglect by coordinating investigations and providing veterinary expertise. In addition, division provides proactive outreach and education that contribute to the prevention of animal mistreatment and the betterment of animal welfare in Colorado.

This position is responsible for improving animal protection across Colorado. The position serves as the program manager for the BAP program, helping lead strategic development and implementation of the program, overseeing program operations, and working with diverse stakeholders to conduct

outreach and education on animal health and welfare issues. Primary duties include coordination, training, and oversight of approximately 90 commissioned BAP agents, including law enforcement authorities, that respond to complaints of animal mistreatment and neglect on companion animals. The position also coordinates with Department staff and law enforcement authorities on investigations related to livestock. Other duties may be assigned based on the Department's needs such as involvement with animal emergency incidents and outbreak response. This position travels as needed throughout the State for investigations, training, and outreach.

This position oversees the daily operations of the BAP program to ensure key elements of the program are successfully executed, including administrative actions, regulatory and legislative matters, personnel management, and program reporting. As part of program operations, this position will lead initiatives to implement and update the BAP multi-year strategic plan. Specific duties related to program operations include:

• Implement and update the BAP strategic plan
• Conduct process improvement initiatives related to program operations and investigation
• Develop program reports, including statistics on investigations
• Coordinate with CDA officials and stakeholders to review and revise legislation related to the program
• Implement rulemaking related to the commissioning and review of BAP agents
• Manage expenditures to ensure the program remains on budget
• Oversee the Dangerous Dog Registry and advise on the management of the database
• Review and approve continuing education courses for BAP agents
• This position is responsible for the overall management of BAP agent credentials and the ongoing training of BAP agents to ensure agents have a good understanding of the regulatory and statutory authority of the BAP program, animal health and welfare issues, and proper investigative skills. Specific duties include: 
  • Oversee the application process for new agents and provide recommendations for approval and the renewal of credentials for existing agents
  • Organize BAP training, including arranging venues, providing content for course materials, and speakers
  • Develop printed material for BAP, including quarterly newsletters and brochures

• Administer a BAP Stakeholder Taskforce to seek industry and public input on program initiatives
• Seek input on animal protection in meetings with political entities, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, and local governments
• Conduct trainings for district attorneys and law enforcement on recognizing and responding to animal mistreatment and neglect
• Collaborate with stakeholders on proposed rules and/or statute changes and other policy matters
• Determine timely topics for BAP newsletters and articles concerning animal protection laws and prevention
• Properly manage and advance public-facing data reporting on BAP activities
• Identify and pursue, as appropriate and feasible, research and partnerships that advance research into opportunities for preventing animal mistreatment and neglect.

Oversight and Coordination of investigative activities:

This position serves as the Department lead for approximately 90 BAP commissioned agents and coordinates with law enforcement on investigations related to animal mistreatment for companion animals and livestock. Specific oversight duties include. 

• Work with the lead investigator and BAP team on establishing an investigative strategy for each case
• Refer cases to BAP agents and law enforcement when appropriate
• Thoroughly track the progress of open investigations, including case dispositions
• Act as an intermediary between animal owners and law enforcement
• Build and manage program data, including tracking the volume and overall dispositions of complaints
• Review investigative reports to ensure the investigation is complete, accurate, and unbiased

Oversight of Enforcement Actions:

This position determines if there is sufficient evidence to warrant enforcement actions and how best to proceed to appropriately resolve the situation. A specific action may range from issuing warnings or corrective letters to more significant legal action, including seeking court orders. Duties include: 

• Directly coordinate with law enforcement and district attorneys on any enforcement action being considered
• Apply relevant statutes and legal requirements pertaining to an enforcement action
• Consult with the State Veterinarian and work with legal counsel on the development of legal enforcement documents and actions
• Update Department leadership on the disposition of cases and recommended enforcement actions
• Oversee coordination with brand inspectors, sale barns, shelters, emergency response units related to the transport, boarding, and care of animals that are relinquished or seized, and any other relevant parties.

Supervision and Leadership:

This position develops and supervises professional staff, ensuring the delivery of services that support the overall operations of the program. Specific duties include: 

• Establish program organizational structure as necessary, including hiring new employees
• Provides direction and training necessary to ensure staff are knowledgeable and up-to-date in their respective job skills and duties

Other Division Duties:

When requested by CDA leadership and with available capacity, other duties may be assigned based on the Department's needs, such as: 

• Assists local, state, and federal agencies and entities with livestock handling activities at the time of livestock emergencies, and advises as to proper, appropriate, and humane handling methods
• Potential activities during deployment for animal emergency incidents or disease outbreaks include assistance in depopulation, carcass disposal, livestock handling, animal identification, euthanasia, and tissue sample collection
• Participate in activities associated with the State Fair, National Western Stock Show (NWSS), and other events in which the Department is involved as needed.
• Prepares and reviews performance evaluations of staff to achieve maximum performance, which includes setting performance goals and expectations; evaluating the performance of employees; coaching and mentoring to improve and enhance performance
• Addresses conflict in a constructive manner
• Handles administrative issues, such as approving leave requests.
• Assesses staffing needs based on department goals and budget
• Works to advance the department's equity, diversity & inclusion goals; and identifies cost-effective approaches to improving the quality of services and operations.

Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, 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!

• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Colorado.
• Two (2) years of experience as a veterinarian.  Experience must include:
  • Professional management of a regulatory program.
  • Supervision of professional-level staff.
  • Leading animal welfare enforcement actions and the legal process.

• Relevant years of state service in an animal welfare field.
• Seven (7) years of professional management of a regulatory program.
• Four (4) years of supervision experience.
• Experience working with State or Federal Agriculture Offices.

• Must upload your Veterinarian Licensure - active with the state of Colorado with no restrictions.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel.

• Circumstances may require the position to work outside of regular business hours. Position will travel throughout Colorado and the occasionally out-of-state

• Clear understanding and experience with animal welfare regulations.
• Knowledge of budget management.
• Ability to create strategic plans and goals.
• Clear understanding of legal processes in regard to animal welfare law enforcement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.

• Detail-oriented.

• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.

• 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.

• Excellent negotiation and consensus-building skills.
• Proactive approaches to problem-solving and strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

• Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
• OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application.  Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to [email protected] by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
• DD214 (if applicable)
• Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement.  Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current experience is preferred.

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.