Conferences & Events Late December

January 5th, 2024 | CSU Spur Anniversary Party. CSU Spur will be filled with special hands-on programs – join us to decorate desserts, enjoy a photo booth, and even pick up your own Spur bolo tie! Plus, on-show activities will be in full swing where you can watch horses conditioning on treadmills, veterinarians in surgery with pets, scientists working in labs, and see how food is grown indoors. No registration required, free and open to the public.

January 25th, 2024 | State of the Sector | Colorado Resource Center. The theme of this year’s event is Advocates for Good: The Power of Nonprofits in Colorado. We hope you will join us along with change-makers across the state of Colorado in discovering how our organizations can form meaningful partnerships as we plan for the year ahead. The year’s State of the Sector is a hybrid event with options to attend the virtual program as well as watch parties and social mixers in Denver and Durango.

February 29th, 2024 | St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District’s 2024 Water Symposium. Save the date!

March 5th-7th, 2024 | Riparian Restoration Conference | RiversEdge West. Save the date and call for abstracts!

April 10th, 2024 | Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter Annual Meeting. Save the date!

April 15th-17th, 2023 | Partners in the Outdoors | Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Save the date. The Partners in the Outdoors Conference is Colorado's foremost opportunity to cultivate common ground, explore best practices of partnering, and design collaborative solutions with diverse voices and stakeholders to conserve Colorado's outdoor heritage. Our annual conference has quickly become one of the signature events in Colorado bringing together organizations, agencies, schools, businesses and communities engaged in the future of Colorado's conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities.

June 5th-7th, 2023 | Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days. Save the date. The Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) conference will be hosted June 5-7, 2024 in Fruita! This opportunity only occurs once every four years in the Western Slope region, serving Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, and Mesa counties. 

September 11th-13th, 2023 | San Luis Rural Philanthropy Days. Save the date.

Job Announcements Late December

Douglas County Conservation District is seeking a District Conservation Technician. This position will work primarily with the agricultural community to implement a wide variety of USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill practices, focusing on land conservation practices. Eighty percent of the duties will be related to USDA Farm Bill Programs. The Conservation District Technician will also be called upon for a variety of Conservation District duties. Apply by December 22nd, 2023.

City of Westminster is seeking a Plant Operator I - IV - Water Treatment Plants. This is technically skilled work in the operation and maintenance of two Class A Water Treatment Facilities requiring independent working abilities on an assigned shift. It is a mandatory requirement of this position to work rotating 12-hour shifts; including nights, weekends, and holidays and at times required to be on call. The operator must demonstrate flexibility, and be willing to accommodate changes in the work schedule as required, to provide vacation and general leave coverage for coworkers. The Plant Operator will receive training and instruction to learn the essential functions of a Plant Operator I–IV. This is a safety sensitive position. Apply by December 31st, 2023.

Colorado Water Center is seeking a Water Workforce Program Coordinator. This position will work closely with the CoWC Associate Director in developing and implementing the Water Workforce program. The coordinator must be able to take initiative and work independently, foster relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, plan and deliver outreach-related events, and execute community engagement and collaborative partnerships across the state. The application deadline is December 31, 2023.

Rocky Mountain Field Institute is seeking a Trail Crew Technician. The Trail Crew Technician (TCT) works under the supervision of the RMFI Program Managers and in close coordination with the RMFI Trail Crew Leaders (TCT). The TCT serves as the primary on the ground workforce, implementing RMFI’s trail, restoration, and education field programs. The TCT spends the duration of their workday performing rigorous physical labor in an outdoor setting utilizing a variety of hand and power tools. Primary duties include completing objectives for single and multi-day field projects; instructing volunteers in trail and restoration techniques; maintaining tools and equipment; and completing detailed project documentation. The application closing date is February 2nd, 2024.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking a Water Rights Program Administrator. The Water Resources Section (WRS) has several programmatic areas of responsibility: water resource/right portfolio protection, management and development; water quality; recreational water use; and instream flow. The WRS provides statewide expertise to and on behalf of CPW in water quality, water resource management, and water rights by enabling scientifically and technically supported decisions through data, law, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration. Applications will be accepted through January 4th, 2024. 

The Alliance for Collective Action is hiring an Executive Director. This full-time, exempt position ensures that the Alliance fulfills its mission through two programs, The Alliance Center and The Coalition for a Regenerative Future. The Executive Director provides leadership and management of the organization, executing on the organization’s strategic plan, and sustaining the financial health of the organization. The Executive Director also focuses on staff culture and development to ensure that the Alliance team is effectively fulfilling job responsibilities and carrying out strategic initiatives. This position reports to the Board of Directors. Apply by January 15th, 2023.

Colorado Water Congress on behalf of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming water users has a Colorado River Project Coordinator Contract Opportunity. The Colorado River Project Coordinator (Coordinator) represents Colorado River water users in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah in the implementation of the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery Program). A broad coalition of twenty-three water users in Colorado and Utah provide funding for a Coordinator through the Colorado Water Congress Colorado River Project (Project). Each contributing water user is a member of the Project’s Executive Committee and provides guidance and direction to the Project Coordinator and is kept informed of Recovery Program activities through regular meetings with and correspondence from the Coordinator. Open until filled.  Initial interviews anticipated the week of January 29, 2024.

Resource Central is seeking a Senior Water Program Coordinator. With water being one of the most important issues facing Colorado, Resource Central partners with over 45 water districts and municipalities to promote water conservation and sustainable landscaping. We seek an energetic individual, ready to learn new skills, get their hands dirty, and help us scale our programs to make a lasting difference in Colorado communities. As the Senior Water Program Coordinator, your role is central to our Lawn Replacement Program focusing on operations and leading our seasonal crews. Preferred hire date is February 1st, 2024.

Resource Central is seeking a Conservation Engagement Coordinator. Water is one of the most important issues facing Colorado, Resource Central is part of the solution by partnering with over 45 utilities and municipalities to promote water conservation and sustainable landscaping. The Conservation Engagement Coordinator will play an essential support role in the efforts of keeping Resource Central’s partners up to date, informed, and committed to program outcomes. This role will additionally assist in outreach to new communities and the upkeep and creation of cross-program, public-facing, web-based resources. Preferred hire date is February 1st, 2024.

The City of Greeley is seeking a Water Quality Analyst. This position exists to collect and analyze samples to ensure compliance with all of the Water Pollution Control Facility’s (WPCF) wastewater permits and to assist with the operations process control analyses on wastewater samples. The Analyst will prepare and monitor equipment and chemicals for use in analyses, and works in partnership with our employees, department/divisions, and agencies in delivering effective and accurate results. Other duties include collecting samples of and monitoring the flow of Cache la Poudre River (CLPR) to formulate an accurate flow-rating table, which is critical for the Water Pollution Control Facility’s discharge permit. The deadline to apply is February 5th, 2024.

White Rivers & Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are seeking a Program Coordinator (Forestry). The Program Coordinator reports directly to the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts’ (Districts) Executive Director and works closely with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), White River National Forest Blanco Ranger District (USFS), Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), National Forest Foundation (NFF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other partners to facilitate program development, projects and contract management support. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of forest management projects on private and public lands. Position is opened until filled.

The City of Loveland is seeking a Water Systems Operator. Performs installation, maintenance and repair on water distribution and wastewater collection facilities and operates a variety of heavy equipment, specialized equipment and other department-related equipment. The city of Loveland is hiring for all levels of operators. The salary range for this position is dependent on qualifications and experience. This position will remain open until filled.

Trainings & Workshops Late December

January 23rd-25th, 2024 | Water Transmission Pipeline Engineering and Management. This course will also provide insight into how different pipeline materials degrade over time. Join to gain an insight on how to approach large-diameter pipeline management.

January 29th, 2024 | Strategic Planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities. Attendees working in the water and wastewater industries will have the opportunity to develop a strategic plan and/or refine a current plan by identifying gaps and process inefficiencies. A strategic plan begins with developing a simple Vision and Mission and building upon these to organize and achieve goals and objectives. The tools to be reviewed will include SWOT analysis, affinity mapping, balanced scorecard, Porter’s Five Forces, as well as details on how to write the plan, perform a gap analysis, and develop a process for change management.

January 30th, 2024 | Government Grant Development | Colorado Resource Center. This training will highlight the steps necessary to develop an organized, focused approach to grant research and how to optimize grant search efforts, using the Colorado Grants Guide®.

April 15th-17th, 2024 | After the Flames | Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. After the Flames is a first-of-its-kind Conference and Workshop devoted to post-fire recovery. Attendees represent individuals, organizations, and agencies impacted by wildfire and responding to the post-fire impacts, as well as experts in the arena of post-fire recovery.

Leave No Trace 101 Course. This is an introduction to Leave No Trace and the actions we can collectively take to protect our planet. In this course we share helpful information with a simple framework of minimum impact practices to apply when spending time outdoors.

Watershed Academy’s new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module Ready - The EPA Watershed Academy has released their new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module. This module is intended for water quality and hazard mitigation professionals that are interested in integrating water quality issues and/or nature-based solutions into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs), and highlights the benefits of working across water quality and hazard mitigation programs. Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and examples are provided to assist hazard mitigation planners with integrating water resource programs into HMPs and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs.Visit this link to begin the course!

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 live and online courses 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.

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.

Funding Opportunities Late December

Request for proposals: Ag Drought Resilience Projects. Successful projects will help test concepts and collect data that can demonstrate the ability to either reduce water use and/or increase long-term resilience to reduced water supplies. The deadline for 2024 projects is January 2. All applicants must have a conversation with CAWA staff about their project to be considered for funding. Please email coagwater@gmail.com or call (720) 244-4629 to set up an appointment.

USDA Forest Service Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program — Applications due January 12, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private and Tribal Forestry, is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP). CFP is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to Indian Tribes, local governments and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land. To apply, interested local government and nonprofit applicants must submit applications to the State Forester where the property is located. To learn more about how to apply, click here.

National Forest Foundation 2024 Matching Awards Program Nationwide Grant Opportunity. Through the Matching Awards Program (MAP), the NFF is soliciting proposals to provide funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands. MAP pairs federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, multiplying the resources available to benefit the National Forest System. Round 1 Application Deadline: January 16, 2024

WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects

Applications Due: January 24, 2024

Funding for projects to study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in the improvement of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration and improved fish passage.

Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge — Applications due January 30, 2024 — HHS is creating a national competition to identify innovative and effective approaches to enhance community-driven efforts to address the health consequences of communities burdened by environmental and climate change-related hazards.  Desired outcomes include the development of community-driven strategies and application of data-driven tools to advance health equity and address environmental hazards including those related to climate change, and the cumulative impacts of environmental and other stressors. Participants will have access to a technical assistance opportunity in each phase of the Challenge. Total cash prizes equal $1 million. To learn more about the Challenge and apply, click here.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program — Applications due February 29, 2024 — Each year, FEMA publishes a funding opportunity for the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program. Awards made under this funding opportunity will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding priorities for this application cycle are Capacity and Capability Building Activities, Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects and Individual Flood Mitigation Projects. To learn more about eligibility and apply, click here.

FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program — Applications due February 29, 2024 — The BRIC grant program makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal governments and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. It does so with a recognition of the growing hazards associated with climate change and of the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation and resilience with respect to those hazards. These include both acute extreme weather events and chronic stressors which have been observed and are expected to increase in intensity and frequency in the future. For FY23, FEMA will distribute up to $1 billion for the BRIC program. To learn more about BRIC, click here.

WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grants.  Applications Due: April 2, 2024

(1) Water Strategy Grants to conduct planning activities to improve water supplies.

(2) Project Design Grants to conduct project-specific design for projects to improve water management.

(3) Comprehensive Drought Contingency Plans. Note that funding to develop a water marketing strategy – formerly funded through Water Marketing Strategy Grants.

The Department of Local Affairs in Colorado has launched the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program for small, community-based nonprofits serving underrepresented communities. The program aims to support infrastructure and capacity-building by providing funds for strategic planning, professional development and technology. Eligible nonprofits with budgets between $150,000 and $2,000,000 can apply from July 5 to August 31, 2023. Grants totaling $33,100,000 will be awarded, with selected organizations receiving up to $100,000. Interested applicants should contact their Regional Access Partner for assistance and submit applications through them. Grant recipients will be notified by January 31, 2024, and the program seeks to help nonprofits enhance their impact on historically marginalized communities.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.

Click here to access the funding opportunity on grants.gov and download the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (also searchable using the opportunity number R23AS00089).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allocating $550 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expedite investments to reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. Grant funding will be available through the EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) program. This new program will fund up to 11 entities to serve as grantmakers to community-based projects that reduce pollution. Grantmakers will work collaboratively with the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. Grantees will develop an efficient, simplified process so that organizations that historically have faced barriers to receiving funding can more seamlessly apply for subgrants and address environmental harms and risks. The following types of organizations can apply:

• A community-based nonprofit organization;

• A partnership of community-based nonprofit organizations;

• A partnership between a Tribal Nation and a community-based nonprofit organization; or,

• A partnership between an institution of higher education and a community-based nonprofit organization.

Federal Technical Assistance Grants. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million in federal funding has been allocated for technical assistance grants that will enable eligible entities to work with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) contractors or to hire contractors to expand their capacity and expertise, in pursuit of federal funding opportunities that directly support the Colorado Water Plan objectives. The allowable uses of this grant funding are broad in scope, to allow for the wide range of federal opportunities available. 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 submittal. Rolling application deadline.

The Request for Concept Papers for AIM Grant Funding has been posted! Download the instructions and the concept paper from COCO's AIM Grant Page under How To Apply HERE.

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!

Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program - Community Solutions to Improve Environmental Health. This grant opportunity was created by the Environmental Justice Act to provide funding to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the EJ Grants Program and will serve as the selection committee for the grants. You can apply for this grant if you are part of a: non-profit organization, local government, federally-recognized Tribal government, university, other educational institution, for-profit corporation, or grassroots organization.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Watershed Operations PL-566 Program.

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) - CDPHE’s SWAP program's main objective is to minimize potential contaminant threats to public drinking water supplies. To engage in this effort, public water systems and governmental entities can apply for a $5,000 protection planning grant through the SWAP program. The SWAP program also supports Wildland Fire Decision Support System work and post-wildfire recovery efforts. SWAP program staff assisted in the development of the Post Fire Playbook to assist local recovery groups in navigating the complexities surrounding post-wildfire recovery. For more information visit the SWAP page.

Water Quality Grants and Loans Unit - CDPHE’s Grants and Loans Unit offers small community grants and water quality improvement fund grants to protect public health and water quality. They also administer the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to finance the design and construction of public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. More information on eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects is available on the water quality grants and loans page.

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.

Announcements Late December

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project (RGHRP) is requesting proposals from qualified engineering firms with expertise and experience in the design of community-based river recreation and restoration, as well as agricultural diversion infrastructure, to complete project designs, permitting documents, and oversee construction of the Alamosa Riverfront Project. The full RFP can be found on the RGHRP homepage.

The National Forest Foundation is accepting applications for their 2024 Conservation Connect Fellowships. The National Forest Foundation (NFF) invites graduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree to apply to the 2024 Conservation Connect Fellowship Program. Conservation Connect fellowships aim to build experience, knowledge, and skills within the next generation of collaborative and conservation leaders to support each other and advance the field. We are striving to build a cohort of emerging leaders, connecting graduate students who will go on to do important work with communities and public lands in the future! Apply by February 4th, 2024.

Water Education Colorado's Water Leaders Program is now open for applications. This program aims to positively impact the Colorado water profession by creating a pipeline of dedicated, effective water leaders across diverse fields who exemplify the four quadrants of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management. The application deadline is January 29, 2024.