The State of Colorado

Department Information

Who we are:

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.

Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four “wildly important goals:”

• Goal 1: Advancing Local Food Access
• Goal 2: Expanding Water-Resilient Agriculture
• Goal 3: Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture
• Goal 4: Advancing Animal Health and Welfare

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.

What you get from us:

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• 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

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes 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.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi.

Description of Job

Organizational Purpose

This work unit exists to provide human resources services for approximately 300 plus employees in the Department of Agriculture. Manages a decentralized personnel program in the areas of selection; classification; diversity; training; workers’ compensation; short-term disability; Americans with Disabilities Act; employee counseling; rules interpretation; employee relations; employee benefits; corrective and disciplinary actions; and personnel recordkeeping. Provides technical assistance on the workings of the state personnel system.

Major Objectives of the Position

This position provides technical support for the Human Resources Section within the Department of Agriculture. Position will provide support for all HR system administration including, responsible for the entry, validation, and accuracy of all person and position master data within the State systems utilized (CPPS - Colorado Personnel Payroll System, HR Suite – PPMS/PEAT, Kronos, etc.) and the electronic filing systems. The position is responsible for understanding and applying the Personnel Rules and Procedures, internal policies, guidelines, and directives to ensure integrity and provide excellent customer service. Position will audit HR processes to ensure they correspond to accessibility standards. Position will maintain the HR intranet ensuring all forms and information on the site are up to accessibility standards. This position understands and implements the OIT requirements for digital accessibility as appropriate for the role.

Primary Duties

HR Technical Support

Brief Duty Description:

• Review person and position human resources actions for completeness and compliance with the State Personnel Rules and CDA procedures.
• Position provides technical support in the area of CO-Jobs/NeoGov, Microsoft Office, Google docs, Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint, in order to manage applicant information.
• Audit selection paperwork to ensure that all the hiring processes have been followed
• Provide employees and supervisors with guidance as to the procedures and required documentation to process a personnel action according to State Personnel Rules and CDA policies, directives, and procedures.
• Perform personnel/payroll data entry using the States personnel/payroll system (CPPS), and HR Suite.
• Ensure employee paperwork and personnel actions are completed fully and accurately prior to entry into CPPS.
• Manage the pre-hire process: exchanges information by email and verbal communication with new hires, providing new employee orientation information, and updates data entry based on applicants and new hires.
• Update employee information into the electronic timekeeping system.
• Provide technical assistance in report generation and analysis of hiring information.

HR Systems Support

Brief Duty Description:

• Maintain and ensure all information in the HR Systems are accurate and updated appropriately.
• Ensure that CPPS (State Payroll System), Kronos, HR Suite are maintained, and information is updated timely.
• Position will work with payroll, Department of Personnel, Office of Information Technology on updating systems and/or moving to new platforms.
• Enter information into all personnel computer systems as necessary and appropriate (e.g. CPPS, Excel, Word, Access, KRONOS, Goggle, HR Suite, etc.).
• Work with supervisors and employees as needed to resolve data, timekeeping, or process issues.
• Investigate options to further create electronic processes for Human Resources.
• Provide support for data request and reporting requirements utilizing the HR Systems.

Benefit Administration Support:

Brief Duty Description:

• Provide technical and process support to the Benefits Administrator in areas of the workers compensation, FMLA, leave and benefits processes.
• Support the benefits Administrator to ensure all workers compensation claims are filed with Risk Management/Broadspire within the necessary time limits.
• Processing requests regarding benefit functions and providing guidance for employees and supervisors.
• Position obtains and/or captures information during the workers compensation, FMLA and benefits process and reports on the status of various stages.
• Enter information, time, and leave into the electronic timekeeping system. Verify and audit employee timesheets. Bring any discrepancies to the Benefit Administrator’s attention.
• Closes out benefits cases and collects information to be submitted to the current workers compensation program, Payroll Unit.
• Provides payroll adjustment information to payroll staff timely.

Accessibility Support

Brief Duty Description:

• Audit HR processes to ensure they correspond to accessibility standards.
• Maintain the HR intranet forms and information on the site so they are up to accessibility standards.
• Create, update, and post accessible forms and documents. Provide to employees as needed.
• Ensure that all HR posters are up to date with accessible standards, posted properly, and updated on the intranet site.
• Represent HR at the Accessibility Point of Contact meetings.
• Work with the CDA Accessibility team to ensure HR is following Department standards in regard to forms, posters, training, etc.
• Understand accessibility standards, stay up to date on new accessibility requirements, and provide training to HR staff as needed
• Ensure all links and documents on the website are working properly.
• Update HR intranet site with new information, documents, and posters as needed.

Office Support Back Up:

Brief Duty Description:

• This position will provide back up for the HR Administrative Assistant. Duties include:
• Perform various clerical functions to support the personnel filing associated with the mandatory record keeping for personnel actions.
• Create, compile, and scan employee personnel files.
• Backup the front desk receptions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This position will be taking applications at this time but no hire will be made to start until after January 1st 2026.

• This is a Term limited Position set to expire on June 30, 2027. if not renewed***

This position is eligible to work from home up to 3 days a week after the initial training period.

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of Colorado at the time of application.

This position is advertised in line with the Governor’s executive order focused on skills-based hiring practices that focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the job and aligns the hiring process accordingly. Skills-based hiring reduces potential barriers for applicants and allows for reduced bias in the hiring process by providing a direct description of skills that are unique to the duties assigned to the position with a recognition that the applicant may have developed these skills through education, training, or past experiences.

Salary:

HOURLY

$26.95 - $32.34

ANNUALLY

$56,064.00 - $67,272.00

Minimum Qualification: Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

• Four (4) years of administrative experience in an office environment, which must include all of the following:
  • Experience analyzing documents for completeness, correctness, and/or compliance with laws, rules, policies, and/or procedures
  • Experience utilizing databases, including performing data entry;
  • Customer service experience, including managing emails, and responding to difficult customers with tact and diplomacy;
  • Experience working according to detailed policies, procedures, and deadlines;
  • Experience utilizing general PC software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and/or Google Suite (e.g. Google drive, Google forms, Google sheets etc.);

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an office environment, which must include all of the following:
  • Experience analyzing documents for completeness, correctness, and/or compliance with laws, rules, policies, and/or procedures;
  • Experience utilizing databases, including performing data entry;
  • Customer service experience, including managing a high volume of calls and emails, and responding to difficult customers with tact and diplomacy;
  • Experience working according to detailed policies, procedures, and deadlines;
  • Experience utilizing general PC software applications, including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Google drive, Google forms, Google sheets etc.);

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant years of state service.
• Experience working in a human resources office.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a resident of the state of Colorado at the time of application.

Required Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Knowledge and experience in customer service, including managing a high volume of emails and responding to difficult customers with tact and diplomacy.
• Clear understanding and experience in working as an administrative assistant in an office setting.
• Ability to analyze documents for completeness, correctness, and/or compliance with laws, rules, policies, and/or procedures
• Skill in utilizing databases, including performing data entry.
• Ability to work according to detailed policies, procedures, and deadlines
• Knowledge and experience utilizing general PC software applications, including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Google drive, Google forms, Google sheets etc.).
• Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, create systems and processes and collaborate with and engage others.
• 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.
• Work well under pressure.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Please submit the following:

• 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 (Download PDF reader). Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to mary.hunt@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
• DD214 (if applicable)
• Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed:

• 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.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.

All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

ADAAA Accommodations:

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

The Department of Agriculture is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Mary Hunt, at mary.hunt@state.co.us or call 303-869-9006.

E-Verify

CDA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

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