Air Quality Scientist I - PSRS I

Department Information

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

About Us

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . .

join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

Mission -

To advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

Vision -

To create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE Offers

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans
• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

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

Description Of Job

The Work Unit:

This work unit exists to provide technical support and research capabilities for the Air Pollution Control Division, Air Toxics and Ozone Precursors Section in the context of air toxics monitoring and special studies. This work unit collects, verifies, analyzes and writes reports from air toxics and other air quality data and distributes it to other government agencies and the public. Evaluates and modifies the air toxics monitoring network. Provides air toxics monitoring technical support to other government agencies, industry and the public. Designs, develops, screens and implements new air toxics monitoring technologies and methodologies. Sustains quality control of air toxics monitors in the network.

What You Will Do

This position is located within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Air Pollution Control Division (APCD), Air Toxics and Ozone Precursors Section (ATOPS), Oil \& Gas Mobile Monitoring Unit (OMM). The purpose of this position is to function as a staff level scientist that works as an integral member of the OMM unit that applies the scientific method, theory, and principles in the development and implementation of air quality monitoring and research projects utilizing a variety of ground based and mobile air monitoring euipment and systems. Research project support can include the acquisition, validation, statistical analysis, and reporting of air quality data. The acquisition of air quality data includes the operation, maintenance, and repair of analyzers, gas chromatographs, spectrometers, sample collection systems, calibrators and meteorological sensors; maintenance of gas standards; performance of verifications on analytical equipment; and the configuration of data acquisition systems. Also included are:

• assist in the implementation of new technologies
• maintenance and development of database applications to track inventories
• planning, organizing, writing, publishing, and reviewing of program scientific reports and standard operating procedures
• performance of ad hoc statistical analyses and reporting of air quality data
• calibration of select analytical systems
• providing field support in the routine maintenance and repair of air monitoring systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Technical Support for Mobile and Stationary Assets Under the guidance of senior staff, provide technical support for mobile and stationary assets to include deployment setup and teardown, driving/towing, troubleshooting scientific equipment, performing calibrations and reference checks, charging solar panel batteries, and replacing cylinders.
• Lead Technical Support for Community Led Monitoring Work in collaboration with the APCD Eco Team to establish and maintain a sensor library program for addressing community air quality concerns, including determining site prioritization, serving as subject matter expert, providing technical support, assessing deployment locations, preparing documentation, monitoring sensor performance and health, performing QAQC operations, and preparing reports.
• Maintain, Troubleshoot, and Repair Air Monitoring Systems Under the guidance of senior staff, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair all analytical systems and infrastructure necessary for stationary and mobile monitoring and to include scientific equipment, standards, generators, and vehicles.
• Collect, Manage, Analyze, and Report on Air Quality Data Perform data validation on data collected from air monitoring systems and special projects to ensure that the highest data quality standards are upheld. Manage all analytical data generated from air monitoring systems and special projects. Data management is to include proper data formatting, naming, processing, and archiving. Perform data analysis, hypothesis testing, and reporting of scientific findings, using the application of theory and scientific principles in support of air quality research projects and associated deliverables. Write reports for air monitoring systems and special projects.
• Perform QC and QA Tasks Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance tasks on analytical systems. Assists in the development of quality assurance and quality control project plans and standard operating procedures for new analytical methods, protocols, and procedures. Ensures all quality control metrics and procedures are in adherence with the project’s quality assurance project plan, standard operating procedures, and prescribed analyzer maintenance intervals.
• Other Duties as Assigned Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Residency Requirement

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment \& Appeal Rights

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

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

Five (5) years of relevant experience in air quality monitoring or closely related field.

OR

Education And Experience

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Chemistry, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field equal to five (5) 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado
• Experience in scientific data processing, reporting, and analyses
• Experience with a scientific programming language
• Experience with air toxics sampling
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Experience working with regulated entities
• Knowledge and experience with MS Office Suite and relational databases
• Knowledge and experience writing technical reports
• Experience in atmospheric field measurement techniques
• Problem solving including mechanical troubleshooting
• Ability to work independently in field settings and at remote locations
• Strong work ethic
• Team player with good people skills

Conditions Of Employment

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• TRAVEL: Three times a week to move and operate OMM unit assets, including the mobile labs and sensors in different areas of the state.
• SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Colorado Driver’s License,
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

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 [email protected] 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, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .

Supplemental Information

A Complete Application Packet Must Include

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process

• 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.

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.

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 [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5\.