Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This class series uses six levels in the Professional Services Occupational Group and describes wildlife management work in protecting, preserving, and controlling wildlife resources. The work entails the coordination or management of wildlife activities within the assigned areas or statewide. These include planning, conducting, and evaluating wildlife program efforts and enforcing applicable regulations and laws. This occupation is concerned with all wildlife species, resident and migratory, in the state. Programs include major areas of hunting or fishing recreation, watchable wildlife, and/or nongame and endangered wildlife. Positions work with planning boards or commissions; environmental agencies; federal and state natural resource agencies; commercial land developers; farmers, ranchers, and sportsmen; and, the general public. Services include education and information on hunting, fishing, and preserving natural habitats. By statute, CRS 18-1-901, positions are granted peace officer status with specific authorities found in supporting wildlife statutes and appointing authority delegations.
WILDLIFE MANAGER I H6U1XX
Concept of Class
The Wildlife Manager I classification describes the entry level. Entry level positions perform tasks that are structured and designed to provide training and experience. Tasks are performed under direct supervision and detailed instruction and guidance is received. Employees in this class learn to apply theories and principles of the field. Positions used for training purposes do not remain at this level indefinitely.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Defined. There is a choice in selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed of a decision, but there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation.
Complexity --Prescribed. Applies established, standard processes which cover work situations and alternatives. Chooses the correct action from specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as tasks are repeated.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
WILDLIFE MANAGER II H6U2XX
Concept of Class
The Wildlife Manager II classification describes the intermediate level. Intermediate positions operate independently in performing assignments that are limited to phases of a fully operational assignment or which may be designed to provide continued training and experience. Work requires determining solutions to practical problems using specified standards and established criteria. Judgment is used to select and apply existing guidelines to solve problems and accomplish the assignment.
This class differs from the Wildlife Manager I class on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Operational. In carrying out the process, there is a choice as to what and how operations will be completed. Although limits are set by the specific process, work requires reasoning to produce practical courses of action that are within the guidelines of the process. Decisions are made without prior approval however the focus is still on practical solutions.
Complexity -- Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority -- Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
WILDLIFE MANAGER III H6U3XX
Concept of Class
The Wildlife Manager III class describes the Work Leader or fully operational level:
- Fully operational positions operate independently in performing the full range of tasks. Work requires the use of discretion within the limits of theory and principles of the profession, management’s objectives, laws and regulations, and general systems and guidelines.
- The Work Leader class concept is described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Wildlife Manager II class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Operational. In carrying out the process, there is a choice as to what and how operations will be completed. Although limits are set by the specific process, work requires reasoning to produce practical courses of action that are within the guidelines of the process. Decisions are made without prior approval however the focus is still on practical solutions.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
OR;
Work Leader. Partially accountable for the work product of at least two subordinate FTEs. This includes assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and scheduling work. Work Leaders provide input into supervisory decisions but do not have direct authority for hiring, terminations, or performance management.
WILDLIFE MANAGER IV H6U4XX
Concept of Class
The Wildlife Manager IV class describes a Unit Supervisor or Staff Authority. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Wildlife Manager III class on Decision Making and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Unit Supervisor. Positions are accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of at least three subordinate FTEs. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
OR;
Staff Authority. Staff Authorities are experts on the application of a program or system in a state agency or to its clients. Positions possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the success of an agency’s objectives.
WILDLIFE MANAGER V H6U5XX
Concept of Class
The Wildlife Manager V class describes a Unit Supervisor or Senior Authority. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Wildlife Manager IV class on Decision Making, Complexity, and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
OR;
Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Unit Supervisor. Positions are accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of at least three subordinate FTEs. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
OR;
Senior Authority. Senior authorities possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the agency’s overall mission. Agency management routinely relies on the essential consultation of the authority before deciding broad, critical program and policy direction.
WILDLIFE MANAGER VI
Concept of Class
The Wildlife Manager VI class describes a Manager. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Wildlife Manager V class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Manager. Accountable for multiple units through the direct supervision of at least two subordinate Unit Supervisors. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel website.
For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
Effective 7/1/24: Class codes, job evaluation factors, and levels updated as a result of the Park and Wildlife Manager system maintenance study.
- July/1/18
Effective 7/1/18: Update the Class Code of H6U1TX to H6U1XX per administrative updates. Updated and removed the purpose of contact 6.30.2015
- July 1, 2004
Effective 7/1/04 (LLB). Changed pay grades. Published proposed 4/30/04.
- Sept. 1, 1998
Revised 9/1/98 (CVC). Changed class codes due to PS Consolidation study.
- Sept. 1, 1993
Effective 9/1/93 (DLF). Job Evaluation System Revision project. Published as proposed 6/1/93, 1/14/94.
- March 1, 1993
Revised 3/1/93. Changed class code and title for Wildlife Biologists (A6389-90).
- Aug. 1, 1992
Revised 8/1/92. Changed pay differential, District Wildlife Manager (A6305-07), and Wildlife Biologists (A6389-90).
- May 1, 1990
Revised 5/1/90. Changed pay differential, District Wildlife Manager (A6305-07).
- July 1, 1985
Revised 7/1/85. Changed entrance requirements and added options for Senior Wildlife Biologist (A6390).
- Feb. 1, 1984
Revised 2/1/84. Changed grades and relationships, District Wildlife Manager (A6305-07), Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager (A6357), Wildlife Program Specialist (A6309). Created multiple ranges for Wildlife Biologists (A6387-88).
Revised 2/1/84. Changed grade, relationship, nature of work, and entrance requirements, Area Wildlife Supervisor (A6356).
- July 1, 1983
Revised 7/1/83. Changed grade and relationship for Senior Wildlife Biologist (A6390).
- Nov. 1, 1982
Revised 11/1/82. Changed nature of work and entrance requirements, District Wildlife Manager (A6305-07).
- Jan. 1, 1980
Revised 1/1/80. Changed entrance requirements for Wildlife Program Specialist (A6309).
- April 1, 1979
Revised 4/1/79. Changed class code, title, and entrance requirements for Wildlife Program Specialist (A6309).
- Oct 1, 1978
Revised 10/1/78. Changed entrance requirements and relationship for Wildlife Biologist (A6389). Revised 7/1/78. Changed grades and relationships, District Wildlife Manager (A6305-06, 56-57), Wildlife Program Specialist (A6309), and Wildlife Biologists (A6389-90)
- July 1, 1978
Created 7/1/78. District Wildlife Manager (A6307).
- June 1, 1975
Created 6/1/75. Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager (A6357).
- Jan. 1, 1975
Created 1/1/75. District Wildlife Manager (A6305-06,56), Wildlife Program Specialist (A6309), Wildlife Biologist and Senior Wildlife Biologist (A6389-90).
Summary of Factor Ratings
Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
---|---|---|---|
Wildlife Manager I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
Wildlife Manager II | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
Wildlife Manager III | Operational | Formulative | Individual Contributor or work leader |
Wildlife Manager IV | Process | Formulative | Unit Supervisor or Staff Authority |
Wildlife Manager V | Interpretive | Formulative or strategic | Unit Supervisor or Senior Authority |
Wildlife Manager VI | Interpretive | Strategic | Manager |