Environmental Protection Specialist II - On-site Wastewater Treatment System Coordinator

Work Unit: 

The Engineering Section exists to address for the public, governmental entities, the regulated community, and the department, technical and regulatory issues primarily related to compliance assistance and compliance assurance for drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities (and other discharging facilities) including the following activities: site application review and approval, water and wastewater engineering design review and approval; vulnerability assessment-related monitoring waivers; technical and compliance assistance; regulation and policy development; and provision of technical services in support of the division's programs to provide financial assistance for drinking water and wastewater treatment facility construction.

Position Duties:
This position exists to implement the State's On-site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) program through the review of local regulations, new on-site wastewater treatment products and technologies, and interpretation of regulations and policies. This position provides assistance to local governments to ensure an effective overall OWTS program, responds to inquiries, provides compliance assistance related to on-site wastewater treatment systems, develops program materials to implement On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulation, Regulation 43 (5 CCR 1002-43), and develops criteria for content of acceptable state-wide training. Local governments strongly support the continuation of the current system under which local governments have the primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of on-site wastewater treatment systems. This position provides important coordination with local program staff and industry professionals to improve the overall state on-site wastewater treatment management program. Moreover, local agencies with responsibilities for on-site wastewater treatment systems typically are addressing this area as one of many responsibilities, making it difficult to devote substantial resources to this one area. Accordingly, this state leadership role is needed to support local government to ensure an effective overall management program. The position, after gaining experience and appropriate professional development, also formulates policies, as appropriate, for implementation of the on-site wastewater treatment system program and represents the division on work groups developing proposed revisions to regulations governing this program. After a reasonable training period, the position serves the fully functioning EPS II roles on position-related matters.

Option One:
Six (6) years of relevant experience implementing OWTS guidelines, permitting OWTS systems and/or designing OWTS systems in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Option Two:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, engineering (civil or environmental), or related field 
AND
Two (2) years of professional experience implementing OWTS guidelines, permitting OWTS systems and/or designing OWTS systems.

Option Three:

Work experience related to the job duties listed above may substitute for the education. An advanced degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, engineering (civil or environmental), or related field may substitute for the education and one year of experience.

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:
• Relevant years of State service shall be considered.
• Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communications; ability to adapt a style to fit audiences of varying technical levels, and at various levels within an organization, in groups and individual settings.
• Critical thinking and good judgment; ability and motivation to identify problems and develop creative solutions to complex challenges
• Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative partnerships and effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and diverse Self-efficacy, flexibility and adaptability; high tolerance for ambiguity and ability to perform research to identify appropriate courses of action, and willingness to learn the work.
• Demonstrated awareness of emotional triggers and how emotions impact thoughts, actions, and communications in the workplace.
• Proven experience using assertiveness, tact, sensitivity and professionalism when dealing with interpersonal conflict
• Knowledge and professional experience in the design and/or operation of on-site wastewater treatment facilities.

Conditions of Employment

• Must maintain ability and willingness to independently travel approximately 10% of the time.  Travel consists of in-state meetings related to OWTS program in portions of the state that require overnight stays. Occasional out-of-state travel to OWTS related conferences is required. In-state emergency related travel may be required. 
• On Call Status: Must be willing to be on-call in the event of an emergency (e.g. bio-terrorist attack, chemical attach, disease outbreak, or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.  During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• You must be able to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. CDPHE does not sponsor any applicants for employment purposes.

A complete application packet must include:

1. A completed State of Colorado application.
2. A cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position.
3. A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. (Unofficial copies will be accepted).

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.
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, 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 your 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.

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. 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 a 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.