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PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER/SCIENTIST III - Standards Feasibility Unit - 02609

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PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER/SCIENTIST III - Standards Feasibility Unit - 02609

Salary

$86,376.00 - $103,644.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

FAA02609-10/21/24

Department

Department of Public Health & Environment

Division

Water Quality Control Division

Opening Date

11/01/2024

Closing Date

11/18/2024 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

4300 Cherry Creek Drive

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Mike Houlihan at michael.houlihan@state.co.us

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Department Information

This position is only open to current permanent residents of the State of Colorado.

This position will have remote and hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business need.

Be BOLD and make a real difference . . .

Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a career position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play. Our vision is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and is conveniently located near RTD bus lines, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Employee wellness programs and facilities

• Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Bike to work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

• Strong, yet flexibleretirement benefits (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page%CF%87ldpagename=DPA-DHR/DHRLayout&cid=1213025229644&pagename=DHRWrapper) including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DPA-DHR/DHR/1236690495481)

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off

• Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees

• Tuition assistance for college level courses including Masters degree programs

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and

• A variety of employee resource groups

  Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch (https://secure.neogov.com/employers/job_posting/detailed_job_classification.cfm?JobID=3689558#!/pslf/launch)

  We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Description of Job

The Work Unit:

The Water Quality Control Division’s (WQCD) Water Quality Standards Feasibility Unit provides information, scientific analysis, and policy and regulatory recommendation services to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). The unit’s work includes researching and analyzing complex water quality topics to support the development, implementation, and review of water quality standards variances, consistent with the federal Clean Water Act and Colorado Water Quality Control Act. This includes researching water/wastewater treatment technologies, assessing the cost and effectiveness of these technologies, developing alternatives analyses based on this information, and evaluating technological, economic, and environmental feasibility of alternatives. Standards variance and feasibility work is focused on small, rural, and disadvantaged or disproportionately impacted communities, and holistically considers health equity and environmental justice principles. This unit also provides technical assistance and support to the WQCD and other agencies, develops standards implementation guidance, and assists other department programs implementing water quality standards.

What you will be doing:

This position is the work group leader for the division’s WQS Feasibility Unit, which includes two water quality researcher/scientist positions. The position provides facilitation, project management, and leadership to ensure the successful completion of the unit’s work on complex water quality issues and regulatory requirements. This work holistically considers health equity and environmental justice principles and includes priorities identified in the Clean Water Program work plan and the Water Quality Roadmap.

Responsibilities include assigning work, evaluating progress, establishing priorities and schedules, supporting unit staff, training newly assigned team members, and providing performance feedback to the unit manager. This position also coordinates with other groups to ensure that data and information needed to review and develop standards are acquired in a timely manner.

This position provides a significant level of technical environmental and water quality protection expertise to direct the review and development of scientifically defensible water quality standards that meet the requirements of state and federal law. This position coordinates with the WQCC, WQCD, state and federal agency staff, the attorney general’s office, and stakeholders to ensure that legally and scientifically defensible policy recommendations are provided to the WQCC.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

You may qualify one of several ways:

(Option 1)

Eight (8) years of professional experience in environmental engineering or environmental regulatory policy, including experience evaluating the cost and effectiveness of various water/wastewater treatment technologies and developing thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on this information.

(Option 2)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, biology, environmental health science, environmental policy, or a closely related field.

AND

Four (4) years of professional experience in environmental engineering or environmental regulatory policy, including experience evaluating the cost and effectiveness of various water/wastewater treatment technologies and developing thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on this information.

(Option 3)

A master’s degree in environmental engineering, biology, engineering, environmental health science, environmental policy, or a closely related field will substitute for the bachelor’s degree and two years of professional .

AND

Two (2) years of professional experience in environmental engineering or environmental regulatory policy, including experience evaluating the cost and effectiveness of various water/wastewater treatment technologies and developing thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on this information.

A copy of your college/university transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the minimum requirements, preference will be given to candidates who have the following experience:

• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience implementing the federal Clean Water Act, the Colorado Water Quality Control Act, and associated regulations and guidance. This includes Water Quality Control Commission standards regulations (e.g., Regulation Nos. 31-38); WQCC policies (e.g., Policy 13-1: Discharger Specific Variances); 40 C.F.R. Part 131.14; and EPA’s Financial Capability Assessment Guidance.

• Six or more years of professional experience in environmental engineering or environmental regulatory policy, including experience evaluating the cost and effectiveness of various water/wastewater treatment technologies, developing alternatives analyses based on this information, and crafting thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on this information. A graduate degree in environmental engineering, biology, engineering, environmental health science, environmental policy, or a closely related field.(highly preferred).

• Relevant years of State service shall be considered.

• Proven project management skills to manage multiple projects, establish priorities and schedules, delegate and review work, communicate project status to management, and meet overlapping deadlines in a timely manner. Holds self and team accountable for high quality and timely results. Attention to detail in accomplishing tasks, regardless of their size or complexity.

• Proven collaboration skills and experience effectively cultivating and maintaining strong working relationships with other WQCD units, department programs, state and federal agencies, the WQCC, and other stakeholders involved in standards development and implementation. Experience providing effective and timely feedback to others.

• Demonstrated experience applying health equity and environmental justice principles to inform environmental policy and regulation, including supporting disproportionately impacted communities (including rural communities) in protecting and improving water quality.

• Demonstrated experience independently researching a wide range of topics, locating obscure technical and regulatory documents, and synthesizing information into concise and effective written reports to support decision-making.

• Experience managing data in programs such as Excel, performing statistical data analyses using programs such as R, and developing open data systems that allow users to analyze, visualize, and download data for policy-making and public awareness.

• Experience applying critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Demonstrated experience making difficult decisions with diplomacy and inclusion.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated experience communicating technical information to audiences of varying backgrounds and developing and presenting proposals to the WQCC .

• Experience collecting water quality and biological samples, conducting site/treatment facility inspections, and use of associated equipment.

Conditions of Employment

• A background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Ability to operate a vehicle in order to preform assigned duties.

• Must be willing and able to independently travel up to approximately 10% of the time. Travel will typically be in-state with approximately 1-5 overnight stays during up to 5 weeks throughout the year.

Supplemental Information

Applicant Checklist: The following must be submitted by the application deadline.

1.) A completed State of Colorado application submitted online via colorado.gov/jobs by the application deadline.

2.) A copy of your college/university transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

3.) A cover letter, strictly limited to two pages, that describes:

a.) how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications.

b.) why you are interested i n this specific position leading a team and its focus on technical water quality analyses that holistically consider health equity and environmental justice principles.

The Selection Process: Applicants will be notified at each step in the selection process via email. Emails will come from info@governmentjobs.com.

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

   a. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

3. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position or that as a result of no longer being considered, you were discriminated against, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. If an applicant seeks to have an allegation of discrimination reviewed by the Board, that person must file an appeal (petition for hearing) within 10 days of the action or receipt of any final written selection decision. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also applies to all charges of discrimination.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more aboutE-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/e-verify) , including your rights and responsibilities.

You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

ADAAA Accommodations:

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. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 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 our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe.humanresources@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.

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.

01

CDPHE-Applicants for State of Colorado classified positions must be current residents of Colorado. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?

• Yes

• No

  02

  This position requires the incumbent to be willing and able to independently travel up to approximately 10% of the time. As a condition of employment, are you willing and able to independently travel approximately 10% of the time?

• Yes

• No

  03

  Have you included your cover letter, strictly limited to two pages, that describes 1) how your experience aligns with the minimum AND preferred qualifications of this position, and 2) why you are interested in this specific position leading a team and its focus on technical water quality analyses that holistically consider health equity and environmental justice principles?

  04

  Please describe your approach to project management, team leadership, and mentorship and provide an example of how it helped you overcome challenges to achieve results. What motivates you to lead efforts in environmental protection, and how will this role at the Water Quality Control Division align with your personal and professional goals?

  05

  What role do you believe open data systems play in empowering disproportionately impacted communities, and how can these systems improve the effectiveness of regulatory policies to achieve environmental protection through feasible water and wastewater treatment solutions?

  06

  CDPHE-Part of the required application materials includes a copy of your college or university transcript to verify the education requirements. Unofficial copies from an accredited college or university are acceptable. Have you included your transcript(s) as an attachment to your application? (If not, you may go back and do so now). Please note: Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this announcement. Yes, I have attached my transcript(s) that will be used to verify whether or not I meet the education requirement as announced. No, I have not attached the required transcripts to my application. I understand that if transcripts are not submitted, my fulfillment of the educational requirement will not be verifiable and I may not proceed in the selection process, unless I meet the allowable substitution.

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

State of Colorado

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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