Physical Science Researcher Scientist IV - Water Standards Criteria Unit Manager - 2639.

Department Information

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

Make a real difference . . .

Do you have a passion and drive to apply your talent to create a better Colorado? Are you looking for 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 fantastic position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to protect and improve the health of Colorado's people and the quality of its environment.

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, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong retirement benefits 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
• 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
• Employee wellness programs and facilities
• 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
  
  

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service .

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 , 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.

Description Of Job

Work Unit

The purpose of the Water Quality Control Division Standards - Criteria Unit is to provide information, scientific analysis, and policy recommendation services to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC), government agencies, and the public so they can make informed water quality decisions. The Standards - Criteria Unit conducts the periodic review of existing water quality standards and classifications and also develops new criteria. This work includes design, formulation, and analysis of complex water quality investigations for the purpose of recommending water quality standards and classifications that holistically consider health equity and environmental justice principals. This work unit exists to serve staff to the WQCC in the establishment of water quality classifications and standards for both surface and groundwater to the state. The unit also serves as staff to the WQCC in their policy development and refinement with respect to water quality classifications and standards. This unit also provides technical assistance and support to other sections of the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD), develops standards implementation guidance, and assists other department programs implementing water quality standards.

About The Position

This position manages the Standards - Criteria Unit that implements regulatory aspects of the federal Clean Water Act and Colorado Water Quality Control act that focuses on development of information used by the WQCC to establish water quality classifications and standards for both surface and groundwater to the state and developing and refining water quality policies. This is accomplished by implementation of the Clean Water program work plan and priorities by identifying and overseeing the appropriate work activities assigned to unit staff. This position manages the Standards - Criteria Unit staff within the limits set by federal and state regulations, guided by the WQCD strategic plan goals, and focused through the Clean Water program work plan and priorities by identifying and overseeing the appropriate work activities assigned to unit staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Option One

Nine (9) years of environmental protection experience.

Option Two

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, environmental sciences (biology, geology, hydrology, chemistry) or related field,

AND

Five years of environmental protection experience.

Option Three

An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for the education and one year of experience. Work experience demonstrating competencies equivalent to the competencies learned through completion of the required education may substitute for the education.

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.

Preferred Qualifications And Essential Competencies

The preferred experience, competencies, and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered in selecting the successful candidate:

• 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 (WQCC) 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.
• Six or more years of professional experience in environmental regulatory policy related to water quality. Experience in crafting thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on relevant science and guiding regulations. A graduate degree in environmental engineering, biology, environmental health science, environmental policy, or a closely related field.
• Relevant years of State service shall be considered.
• Proven management skills to oversee multiple staff working on multiple projects or oversight over multiple projects. Experience in establishing priorities and schedules, delegating and reviewing work, communicating project status to management, and meeting 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience communicating technical information to audiences of varying backgrounds and developing and presenting proposals to a board or commission. Professional experience in communicating complex water quality issues, regulations, and environmental risks to various audiences. Excellent listening skills.
• Demonstrated experience making difficult decisions with diplomacy and inclusion. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated conflict resolution skills through professional experience and training.
• Fosters an inclusive workplace. 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.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• Must maintain the ability and willingness to independently travel approximately 10% of the time to attend meetings and WQCC hearing across the state. Occasional travel outside the State is required to attend national meetings. Occasional overnights will be required.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted prior to being selected for this position.
• You must be eligible to work within this country without visa sponsorship.
  
  

Supplemental Information

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

• A completed State of Colorado application submitted online via governmentjobs.com
• A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your governmentjobs.com application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.
• If using education to qualify a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial copies will be accepted.
  
  

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

• 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, 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. 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 apply to all charges of discrimination.