Program Assistant

This position is only open to current Colorado state residents.

Be BOLD... 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, 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
• Flexible 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

 Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to:  https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch  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

The Work Unit: 
The Environmental Justice Ombudsman seeks to advance environmental justice in Colorado in partnership with disproportionately impacted communities (“DI communities”), the Environmental Justice Advisory Board (“EJAB”), the Environmental Justice Program, and Department and Environmental Division leadership and staff. The Ombudsman functions independently in exercising the duties granted in section 25-1-134(1)(a), C.R.S. To act as a liaison between DICs and CDPHE to improve communication and information exchanges, and handle, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints. The office may advocate on behalf of DICs using informal dispute resolution processes after conducting an impartial investigation. The office will work to improve the relationship between CDPHE and residents of disproportionately impacted communities through open, honest, frequent, and straightforward communication. The office aims to earn the trust of disproportionately impacted community residents by responding directly to community questions that pertain to environmental justice matters.

What You Will Be Doing:
The Program Assistant position within the Office of the Environmental Justice Ombudsman at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is a vital role supporting the office's mission to address environmental justice concerns and promote equitable access to environmental resources and protections. This position will provide essential administrative and programmatic support to facilitate complaint resolution, community engagement, and outreach efforts, ensuring the effective functioning of the office and its initiatives.

Responsibilities of the position include but not limited to: 

• Assists in managing office communications, including phone calls, emails, and correspondence, to ensure timely and professional responses to inquiries and requests.
• Coordinates meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for office staff, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and logistics coordination.
• Supports the intake and processing of complaints received through the Environmental Justice (EJ) complaint system, including data entry, documentation, and initial assessment.
• Assists in coordinating complaint investigations, including liaising with stakeholders, scheduling site visits, and collecting relevant information and documentation.
• Assists in the planning, promotion, and execution of ombudsman-sponsored community events, workshops, and forums aimed at raising awareness of environmental justice issues and fostering community empowerment.
• Other Duties as Assigned

• Residency Requirement: (New)

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

Class Code & Classification Description: (New)

H4R1XX

PROGRAM ASSISTANT I

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

NOTE:  An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Experience Only:

Four (4) years of relevant experience in  administrative support, communty relations, managing volunteers, non- profit work or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in public health, public administration, business administration and/or relevant experience in  administrative support, communty relations, managing volunteers, non- profit work or an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated. A copy of your transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).**

 

**** YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS TO YOUR APPLICATION****  

 

Preferred Qualifications:   

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies: 

• Strong organizational skills to track and manage a variety of personnel paperwork and actions
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers and business partners
• Experience working in an environment requiring multi-tasking skills
• Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent time management skills

Conditions of Employment:

•  Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE. 

• Travel is required for in-person statewide meetings. 

Appeal Rights: (Updated)

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

A complete application packet must include:

1. A completed State of Colorado application.
2. If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
3. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

 

The Selection Process:

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.

• 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.

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

 

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.  

 

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.

 

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, Daniel Mckenna at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-6319. Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first- ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. 

Salary : $52,344 - $65,436