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Nationwide - PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER/SCIENTIST II - Term Limited - 5253

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Nationwide - PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER/SCIENTIST II - Term Limited - 5253

Salary

$6,217.00 - $7,460.00 Monthly

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

FAA05253-05/13/25

Department

Department of Public Health & Environment

Division

Water Quality Control Division

Opening Date

05/13/2025

Closing Date

5/27/2025 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

4300 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver, CO 80246

Hiring Pay Rate

See recommended salary range.

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Mike Houlihan at [email protected]

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Type of Announcement

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

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

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

This position is term-limited, meaning employment cannot be guaranteed beyond December 31, 2030.

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 position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Coloradans. 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 Master’s 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=3926927#!/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.

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.

Description of Job

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 and 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.

About the Position

The Small Community Feasibility Coordinator within the WQS Feasibility Unit and its focus on helping build tools that help scale up Colorado’s discharger specific variance program for small communities.

This work includes connecting with communities and conducting technical analyses both for individual discharger-specific variances and for statewide policy proposals affecting all small community facilities to support the development of robust policy proposals that maximize feasible water quality progress throughout Colorado. By evaluating cost-effective and sustainable approaches, the coordinator ensures that small communities have the resources and insights needed to implement feasible

improvements while considering their unique constraints.

Specifically, this position’s responsibilities include translating complex scientific and engineering concepts in concise written and verbal recommendations to decision-makers; proactively solving problems by connecting people, data, and systems; conducting independent research into best practices in policy and economics to develop clear, actionable resources; and synthesizing this information into durable policy proposals that maximize positive impacts on water quality in Colorado. 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

Minimum Qualifications

(Option 1)

Six (6) years of experience in environmental engineering or 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)

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

AND

Two (2) years of experience in environmental engineering or 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 graduate degree in engineering, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field will substitute for the required bachelor's degree and twp years of experience.

The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

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

Preferred Qualifications and Essential Competencies

+ Four 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 to develop alternatives analyses, 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.

+ Relevant years of State Service shall be considered.

+ 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.

+ The ability to manage multiple overlapping projects and your own time. Attention to detail in accomplishing tasks, regardless of their size or complexity.

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

+ Proven collaboration skills and experience effectively cultivating and maintaining strong working relationships with small communities, state and federal agencies, internal/external partners, and other stakeholders.

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

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

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to audiences of varying backgrounds and effectively navigate and manage conflict.

+ Experience conducting site/treatment facility inspections, collecting water quality and

biological samples, and using associated equipment.

Conditions of Employment

+ This position is term-limited, meaning employment cannot be guaranteed beyond December 31, 2030.

+ Must be willing and able to independently travel up to approximately 10% of the time. Travel will be in-state with approximately 1-5 overnight stays up to 5 weeks throughout the year. Must be able and willing to travel in a fleet truck to remote areas for extended periods with overnight stays. Must be willing and able to work in potentially adverse weather conditions.

+ A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Should your background check reveal any charges and convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Human Resources office with an official disposition of any charges.

Supplemental Information

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

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

+ A cover letter that 1.) describes how your experience aligns with the minimum AND relevant preferred qualifications of this position, and 2) why you are interested in this specific position and its focus on water quality standards and feasibility of wastewater treatment in small communities. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your colorado.gov/jobs application and MUST NOT exceed two (2) pages. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.

+ If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

+ If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts can be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process: Applicants will be notified at each step in the selection process via email. Emails will come from [email protected].

+ 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.

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

+ 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.

+ 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 about E-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 [email protected] 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

This position requires the incumbent to be willing and able to independently travel approximately 10% of the time. Travel will be in-state with approximately 1-5 overnight stays up to 5 weeks throughout the year. Must be able and willing to travel in a fleet truck to remote areas for extended periods with overnight stays. Must be willing and able to work in potentially adverse weather conditions. As a condition of employment, are you willing and able to independently travel as described above?

+ Yes

+ No

02

A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Felony convictions or conviction of crimes of moral turpitude or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges and convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Human Resources office with an official disposition of any charges. Conviction does not mean automatic disqualification and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. As a condition of employment, are you willing and able to submit to a criminal background check if offered the position?

+ Yes

+ No

03

This is a term-limited position and employment cannot be guaranteed beyond December 31, 2030. Employees who are in term-limited positions are eligible to apply for other positions within the state personnel system, including transfer opportunities. As a condition of employment, are you willing and able to agree to resign on December 31, 2030?

+ Yes

+ No

04

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. Do you understand this statement?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Part of, or all of, the selection/comparative analysis process for this position may involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. One of the documents required to apply for this position is a cover letter. Your cover letter should describe the extent that you possess the education and experience relating to the minimum AND preferred competencies for this position. Failure to include a cover letter may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants. Have you prepared a cover letter and attached to your application? (If not, you may go back and do so now.)

+ Yes

+ No

06

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.

07

Small communities in Colorado often lack the technical and financial capacity to navigate the lengthy and complex process of developing and presenting a discharger-specific variance (DSV) before the Water Quality Control Commission. Our unit typically manages key aspects of this work—including coordinating meetings, sending proposal requirement reminders, drafting proposals on behalf of towns and their consulting engineers, conducting economic feasibility and alternatives analyses, and collecting and analyzing water quality data. However, this work is time-intensive, and we are generally only able to support a small number of communities each year, including those with existing variances. Since the majority of the state is made up of small communities, many more could benefit from our unit’s assistance. How do you see your unique background supporting significant and measurable progress to help scale up Colorado’s discharger-specific variance program for small communities consistent with the federal Clean Water Act and Colorado Water Quality Control Act? What personal skills, interests, and goals would help you succeed in this role and support the program in achieving its objectives?

08

How should principles and ethics inform the development of water quality regulations in Colorado to ensure they are effective, efficient, and fair? In your response, please reference at least one concept from Regulation 31 or WQCC Policy 13-1 that supports your perspective or that you believe may warrant reconsideration or revision.

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

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