Hiring

The Department of Agriculture is seeking a talented and imaginative leader to take the reins of the Colorado State Fair, a well respected cultural and agricultural event older than the department itself. The fair’s General Manager provides the strategic direction and operational oversight of the Fair Division, the planning and execution of the 11-day State Fair Exhibition, as well as fairground management and master plan development.

To advance the administration of animal welfare programs and provide additional capacity for the Animal Health Division, the Colorado legislature passed a bill establishing the Division of Animal Welfare at the Colorado Department of Agriculture (HB24-1458). The Colorado Department of Agriculture is now seeking a qualified candidate for this first-ever position of Division of Animal Welfare Director.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired two new Regional Assistant Commissioners to help strengthen the agency’s connection to agricultural communities across the state. These positions were created last year and serve as a key resource to continue building and maintaining trusted relationships with rural communities and ag producers across the state.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is searching for a Director of the Markets Division. This position provides the operational and strategic management of the Markets Division, providing high-level direction for all Division programs and initiatives, including numerous grant and loan programs, marketing and promotion of Colorado producers and products, fruit and vegetable inspections, and more. 

Tom Lipetzky, the current Director of CDA’s Markets Division, is retiring at the end of September after more than a 38 year career, with 17 of those years at CDA. 

The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board (CWIDB), a Governor-appointed board that is part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, is announcing the appointment of Kyle Schlachter as the Board’s Executive Director. Schlachter previously served as the Marketing Coordinator for the CWIDB and steps into the role of Director following the retirement of the Board’s former Director of 23 years, Doug Caskey.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has named Cindy Lair as the Deputy Director for Conservation Services Division and Climate Resilience Specialist. In her new role, Lair will oversee the Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO), which encompasses programs that focus on soil health as well as energy and water efficiency, along with numerous other duties to advance agriculture’s leadership in Colorado’s climate strategies.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is seeking a new program manager to lead the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP), which is dedicated to addressing the neglect, mistreatment, and abuse of animals in Colorado. The Department is searching to hire a replacement as current Program Manager, Dr. Rebecca Niemiec, transitions to a new role with Colorado State University. 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is recruiting qualified applicants for a new position of Deputy Director of the Conservation Division & Climate Resilience Specialist. This position will support the work of the Division and oversee several programs and strategic initiatives related to climate resilience.