Job Announcements Early December

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking an Accessibility and Workforce Development Intern. This position will support Workforce Development and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility through administrative tasks, event coordination, staff training, data analysis, and communications. We are striving to make the outdoors and Natural Resources careers accessible to all. This is primarily an office job, but you will have ample opportunities to get out in the field and explore different career paths. The application closing date is December 4th, 2022.

Water Education Colorado is seeking a Programs Director. The Programs Director will maintain WEco’s strong reputation as a trusted resource in offering a core suite of engaging information, education and leadership programs, while also developing new opportunities to carry out the organization’s mission. WEco just turned 20 years old and is entering an exciting new phase with an upcoming move to the Colorado State University SPUR campus at the National Western Center. This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled professional to engage in all aspects of WEco's programming, and to gain exposure to a vast range of water leaders across the state while exploring innovative program alternatives to align with strategic direction. This position involves regular time in the field, traveling to in-person programs and events. Past experience overseeing both projects and staff and the ability to drive productivity to achieve program objectives required. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The target start date is January 2022.

Bird Conservancy is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to oversee the management, implementation, and strategic growth of our Stewardship program. The Stewardship Director collaboratively works with state agencies, joint ventures, foundations, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement private lands conservation across the Great Plains and Intermountain West. Specifically, the program aims to create a community of practice that simultaneously improves human well-being and wildlife habitat on working lands through proactive, voluntary conservation delivery. Click here to download a complete position description and application instructions. 


Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is looking for talented, energetic candidates to join its Board of Directors. Volunteers should have a commitment to and interest in conservation. Though headquartered in Brighton, Colorado, our reach includes the western United States and Mexico, so candidates within and outside the Front Range of Colorado are eligible. The Board meets quarterly, typically in the Denver-metro area. Remote participation is possible, although some personal attendance during the year is necessary for engagement and immersion in the mission. Click here to download a complete Board of Directors role description.

RiversEdge West is recruiting two Riparian Monitoring Stewardship Interns and two Riparian Restoration Strike Team crew members. These positions are in partnership with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps and will be based in the Grand Junction, CO area. The positions will support the restoration efforts of the Desert Rivers Collaborative, a multi-stakeholder riparian restoration partnership. These are great opportunities for college students, recent graduates, and anyone trying to get a foot in the door of the restoration world. All training is provided. Tentative Dates (some flexibility for the right candidate(s)) and more info are below: Riparian Monitoring Stewardship Interns: May-August 2023 Riparian Restoration Strike Team

The Southwestern Water Conservation District (“District”), based in Durango, Colorado, is seeking candidates for the Programs Coordinator position. The District was created by Colorado statute in 1941 to lead in the protection, conservation, use and development of the water of the San Juan and Dolores River basins for the welfare of the District, and to safeguard for Colorado all waters of the basin to which the state is entitled. The District encompasses all of La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta, San Juan, San Miguel and Dolores counties and parts of Montrose, Hinsdale and Mineral counties. The District has a nine-member Board of Directors with an appointee from each Board of County Commissioners.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project is seeking application for a Program Manager position. Manager. The Program Manager will report to the Executive Director of the RGHRP. Founded in 2004, the RGHRP is a small watershed group working to restore and conserve the historical functions and vitality of streams and rivers in the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado for improved water quality, agricultural water use, riparian health, wildlife and aquatic species habitat, recreation, and community safety. The RGHRP’s focus areas and priority projects are informed by watershed and stream management plans, which cover the Rio Grande in Colorado and many of its tributaries. Applications for the position will be accepted until the position is filled.

Clean River Partners is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director provides overall management, planning, fundraising and leadership of the organization in accordance with the Board of Directors and organizational policies and objectives.

Conferences & Events Early December

December 3rd, 2022 | Hiker Trash Prom | Blackpackers. This year marks a significant milestone in Blackpackers history. It is the first annual fundraiser and they are hosting it at the beautiful Clay Venues in Downtown Colorado Springs. At this year's "Hiker Trash" prom you can expect live local music, dancing, food and beverage, drinks from local breweries and wineries, speakers, and a silent auction. Together, raise a glass in celebration of our progress toward making outdoor recreation more accessible to all members of our community.

December 3rd, 4th, 10th, & 11th, 2023 | Christmas Tree Sale. The Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park are hosting a Christmas Tree sale as a fundraiser for the park. The freshly cut trees came from wildfire mitigation in the park and will be available for donation over select weekends in December. Instead of seeing the wood chipper, these trees will have loving homes for this holiday season.

December 8th, 2022 | South Platte Forum. This year, the South Platte Forum will be taking place at a new location, the Lionsgate Event Center. Lionsgate is a locally owned venue with idyllic scenery. Building off the positive feedback from 2021, we will once again host a one-day conference on Thursday December 8, 2022. As always, the Forum will include a full agenda of timely topics and expert speakers.

December 9th, 2022 | Working With Fire & Flood Impacted Communities. After a season of major fires and flooding, communities across New Mexico need support in rebuilding- structures, soils, waterways, and more. While there are many resources out there, navigating the systems to access that support can feel nearly impossible. Quivira Coalition’s New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands (NMCEWL) has partnered with Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. for an After the Flames webinar to provide resources, information sharing, and capacity building addressing post-wildfire recovery efforts. This webinar, featuring guest speaker Carol Ekarius, is geared toward nonprofits, agencies, and conservation districts to support each other in establishing high-functioning networks to support our communities.

December 10th, 2022 | Headwaters Rocky Mountain Yule Celebration | Headwaters River Journey. Join the community on December 10th from 6-10 PM for an enchanting evening of food, festivity, and fun! The Headwaters Center in downtown Winter Park is hosting its first annual Rocky Mountain Yule Celebration! Dress up and cut a rug to a classic “roots, rock, soul, and funk” performance by Chris Daniels and the Kings.

January 11th-12th, 2023 | Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting. The Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting serves as a forum for irrigators, irrigation districts, water districts and ditch companies to exchange water-delivery ideas and information. Exhibitors showcase the latest equipment and technology. The member states are Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

January 16th - 19th, 2023 | Western Colorado Horticultural Society/VINCO Conference. The VinCO & WCHS Conference is a multi-day, multi-track conference for winemakers and fruit growers held January 16-19, 2023 at the Grand Junction Convention Center in Colorado! The conference draws over 300 people per day from across Colorado as well as out of state! There is an in-depth program that will be available online as well as printed for all attendees and contains the conference schedule, speaker & seminar descriptions and trade show exhibitors as well as advertising for industry-related and local businesses.

January 24th- 26th, 2023 | Colorado Farm Show. It is fitting that one of the largest — and oldest — farm shows in the nation takes place in Weld County, the fourth largest agriculture producing county in the United States. The annual three-day event features almost 350 ag-related exhibits and draws more than 30,000 visitors from throughout the region interested in learning more about ag products, services, and machinery. And volunteers with a love for agriculture make it happen.

January 27th-28th, 2023 | Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum. The Forum is for anyone with an interest in the future of agriculture. Whether you’re looking to improve on or innovate existing practices, the Forum has resources and networking opportunities for you.

February 21st-22nd, 2023 | Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Annual Conference. Registration is now open for the 9 th Annual Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Conference The conference kicks off at noon Tuesday, Feb. 21 with a luncheon and membership meeting. All are invited to attend. The schedule continues into the early evening the same day, resumes early morning on day two, and concludes mid-afternoon on day two.

April 10th & 11th, 2023 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference. This conference is geared toward professionals working proactively to improve wildfire outcomes in Colorado communities and landscapes such as Mitigation Specialists, Emergency Managers, Firefighters, Researchers, Foresters, Developers and Policy Makers. Anyone wishing to learn more about how they can reduce their community’s vulnerability to wildfire is welcome to attend.

April 11th-14th, 2023 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference. Save the date!

April 12, 2023 - Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter Annual Meeting - Save the date!!

Trainings & Workshops Early December

December 5th-6th, 2023 | Geographic Information Systems for Water and Wastewater Utilities. The course will focus on building the datasets for water and wastewater with emphasis on asset management and geometric networks.  Details will include utilizing data models, geometric networks and the utility network with ESRI.  There will be a discussion regarding integrations with current asset management systems and utilizing work orders and mobile field workforce management.  The course will also touch on data analytics surrounding asset management including determining criticality, likelihood of failure, and consequence of failure as it applies to GIS applications.

December 8th, 2022 | GrantCorps Government Grant Development | Colorado Research Center. GrantCorps Government Grant Development – will provide nonprofits with an in-depth overview of the key components of government grant applications and will provide opportunities for hands-on development of several grant components including the grant narrative, goals and objectives, budgets, and other attachments such as the logic model, letters of support, and evaluation plan.

December 12th, 2022 | Exploring the Intersections of Environmental Justice and Equitable Development in Infrastructure Investments | River Network. The Urban Waters Learning Network Equitable Development and Anti-Displacement Collaborative is hosting a live session to engage in further conversation on the intersections of environmental justice policy and equitable development / anti-displacement practices.

December 13th, 2022 | Grant Writing 201: Beyond Answering the Questions.  Build your capacity to write competitive grants by gaining a deeper understanding of all that goes into a successful grantwriting program – beyond just answering the questions in the application. In this interactive session you will learn and discuss how to structure a grant narrative for maximum effectiveness, build data systems for impactful grant reporting, strengthen funder relationships and cultivate donors, create sustainable grant management tools, and build a culture of philanthropy across your organization. 

January 9th, 2023 | Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices Training | COCO. This national level training from Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. and the USDA Forest Service is designed for current or future mitigation specialists, wildfire program leads, and others who work with residents and their communities to reduce wildfire risk. The Mitigation Best Practices training concentrates on science, methods and tools that will help you engage communities/residents while also helping you to eliminate ineffective practices. Participants should come with a basic understanding of wildfire, how homes burn, and vegetation management practices. The course assumes you know how to mitigate, but that you could use support engaging your community. In this workshop, you will work through some of the greatest challenges facing our wildland urban interface communities. The course will help you break down ineffective practices to make space for the more effective ones with a focus on the on-the-ground mitigation activities. The training takes place over the course of nine weeks, with three to five hours of estimated work per week. While the work is at your own pace, you are required to meet the weekly deadlines. There is NO cost to attending this course.

MAY 17thh-19th, 2023 | Scenario Planning for Urban Futures | University of Michigan. Scenario planning allows for forward-thinking urban plans that address external forces—such as climate change—that are not traditionally accounted for. The term refers to a family of different methods that include integrative, qualitative, and quantitative techniques tailored to different types of plans and projects. In the course, urban planning professionals will gain first-hand knowledge about scenario planning and concrete ideas for how to implement scenarios in their cities.

Colorado Water and the American West teaches students about the rich history of water in the Western United States, how native communities used it, and the American approach to water management. The western United States is a region with a long history of water challenges. In the American West, over 40 million people depend on the Colorado River, now listed as one of the most endangered rivers in America. MSU Denver developed the non credit Professional Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Taught by MSU Denver faculty, courses are one month long, fully online, and self-paced to accommodate the schedules of busy professional students.

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presents 14 videos to help community members learn about how water is managed, restored and monitored in the upper Uncompahgre River watershed. Take advantage of this new education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and waste water treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series here.

Master Irrigator Program- San Luis Valley. Over four sessions, this 32-hour program reviews water law and administration, history of water development, and gives participants the tools and strategies to improve water and energy use efficiency and conservation, soil health, and profitability on their operations. Those who complete the course will also receive a $2,000 stipend. To be eligible for this course you must farm in either Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache or Mineral County. Details will be available soon here.

The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers courses in a live setting and online that deal with developing the knowledge and skills required to conduct stormwater inspections. Our courses are based on a “Real World” attitude of finding implementable solutions to the challenges that stormwater inspectors face every day. The state and federal regulations require that “QUALIFIED PERSONS” conduct inspections related to stormwater permits. The overarching goal of the ASI classes is to ensure that our students are well qualified to conduct these inspections. For a list of all classes offered click HERE.

Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.

San Juan Expedition Avy Course based at Thelma Hut. The AIARE Avy 1 Hut Course is designed to give you a full introduction to backcountry travel. Based out of the Thelma hut on Red Mountain Pass, you will spend day and night with your peers and instructors learning the foundation of avalanche education. In a hut format, you spend more time skiing, more time learning from and observing your instructors, and more time in the mountains—all with lodging and food included. When you take your level one with San Juan Expeditions you will get hands-on experience analyzing the avalanche hazard and using your observations to make decisions in the field. Click HERE for more information.

MSU Denver developed the noncredit Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Students will learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West. The courses have recently been improved, offering the same high quality, but shortened to meet your busy schedules. The course structure has been redesigned for each class to be one month long to improve the learning experience and accommodate the schedules of busy professional students. Click HERE for more information.

Colorado Master Irrigator offers farmers and farm managers advanced training on conservation- and efficiency-oriented irrigation management practices and tools. This program is the product of efforts led by several local producers, district management representatives, and others. Colorado Master Irrigator is modeled on the award-winning Master Irrigator program created and run since 2016 by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District in the Texas panhandle. Topic experts from Colorado and adjacent Ogallala states, serve as instructors over the 32 hours of the program. Colorado Master Irrigator's interactive class format is designed to encourage peer-to-peer exchange among participants and instructors, helping forge useful contacts that graduates can reach out to after their participation in the program. Click HERE for more information.

Silt Removal - Positive Impact on Crop Yields, Water Use Efficiency, & Irrigation Systems. Presentation from the 2021 World Ag Expo on sources of silt, its impacts, and current and new methods of removal. Watch the presentation here!

Announcements Early December

REW is seeking your input in this 5-minute survey to identify innovative, relevant, and feasible workshops where they can intentionally engage you all in your regions of focus or exciting areas of the desert riparian west that you may want to visit or learn from. The survey closes on December 7, 2022.

Water Hub's NEW Color of Water directory features the knowledge and lived experiences of more than 60 experts of color in water. Read the joint statement by Color of Water members on the launch of the directory and importance of equity and inclusion in the water world. 

African American Heritage Water Trail Story Map. Bekah Price (RMS) shares a story map about the nationally significant region from Beaubien Woods to Robbins.

Cash for Grass: Colorado will soon pay for the removal of turf grass to conserve H2O

Community Agriculture Alliance: What is the Yampa Integrated Water Management Plan? Read the full article here!

Alternative Valuation: An Innovative Way to Value Land for Conservation. Keep It Colorado is helping to develop an alternative valuation method that will enable conservation in critical areas of the state that feature the most biodiverse and climate-resilient landscapes. It will give landowners a choice about how to determine a proposed conservation easement value for their property - while maximizing opportunities to conserve wildlife habitat, water resources, healthy soils and other land conservation values.

Funding Opportunities Early December

Colorado Ag Water Alliance announced that there is funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agricultural during drought while maintain profitability. These projects can include a wide variety of strategies that support drought resilience and adaptation to reduced water supplies: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. You are encouraged to reach out to us about your project ideas. The submittal deadline is December 1st, 2022.

CAWA Funding for Ag Drought Resiliency Projects- There is funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agricultural during drought while maintain profitability: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us about your project ideas. Deadline: December 1st Application available here

Department of Interior (DOI) Bureau of Reclamation (DOR) Water Conservation Field Services Program: Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 — Applications due December 9, 2022 — The U.S. Department of the Interior (Department), through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) administers the Small Surface and Groundwater Storage Program (Small Storage Program) to promote Federal assistance to enhance water storage opportunities for future generations. Surface water and groundwater storage are essential tools in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Water storage projects enhance and make more reliable municipal and irrigation water supplies as well as provide opportunities to enhance groundwater management abilities and to provide water quality improvements and ecosystem benefits. To learn more, click here.

River Network is looking to launch 5-7 NEW Community-Led Research (CLR) projects and Leadership Development (LD) programs in partnership with local organizations. Selected organizations receive up to $8,000 in funding and direct technical assistance to advance their project. We are particularly interested in partnering with organizations that are: (1) working to advance climate resilience, (2) focused on equitable outcomes and a credible stakeholder with communities that are at greatest risk, and (3) able to leverage or contribute to existing climate resilience initiatives. If your organization is interested in this opportunity or know of others that might be, please fill out this simple interest form.

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million will be directed towards technical assistance on Colorado’s local water projects. Funding can be used for: preliminary project planning and design, preliminary permitting, development of estimated project costs, navigation of available federal opportunities, grant writing, and federal grant application submission. Currently, $2.5 million is available for local grantees to hire contractors. Another $2.5 million will soon become available for similar projects that work through contractors hired by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Learn More

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are provided to eligible applicant states/tribes/territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure.

Applications are NOW OPEN for Nature in the City planning grants! Have an idea for a nature play area, outdoor gathering space, or pollinator restorations? The Dream it Up Project Planning grants can help you and your community plan out your dream project. Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and even schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Get started!

The Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership was created in 2021 to fund multi-purpose water projects on the Western Slope in five project categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Funding for the program was approved by Western Colorado voters as part of ballot question 7A in November 2020. These funds provide a catalyst for projects that are priorities for residents in the District to receive matching funds from state, federal and private sources. Click here for more information and to apply.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure. Learn more about these opportunities here.

HUD: Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships Notice. HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. HUD is making up to $2 million available for Lead and Healthy Homes Research Partnerships and approximately $1 million available for Research Partnerships for other topics. HUD is interested in increasing participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in all program areas. To learn more, click here.

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has launched the Resilient Communities Program (RCP). The $15 million program aims to fund one-time, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the pandemic. It will help partners advance outdoor recreation, stewardship, and land protection projects in a manner that best reflects community needs and priorities at this moment in time. Capacity and operations support, stewardship efforts, projects that support community vitality, and urgent and emergent land acquisition opportunities will be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, click HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board has compiled this database to serve as a tool for people and organizations across Colorado to navigate all available funding opportunities for water projects in a single place.

A list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.