Nationwide - PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER/SCIENTIST II - 639.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 61,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as a Physical Science Researcher/Scientist II. In this role, you will conduct comprehensive analyses and policy recommendations for water quality standards, ensuring your work promotes health equity and environmental justice. Ideal candidates will have a background in biology or environmental science, with significant experience in standards development.

Qualifications

• Six years experience in water quality standards development, including complex analysis.
• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in related field preferred.
• Experience managing data and technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct periodic reviews of water quality standards and classifications.
• Provide technical assistance to other sections and develop implementation guidance.
• Recommend new criteria based on health equity and justice principles.

Skills

Analysis

Environmental Justice

Health Equity

Technical Assistance

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

Excel

R

ArcGIS

Job description

Nationwide - PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER/SCIENTIST II - 639.

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Department Information

- Criteria Unit

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

The state of Colorado (State) Constitution, Article XII, Officers, Section 13, requires that “All appointees shall reside in the state". All non-residents of Colorado must be willing and able to relocate to Colorado if appointed to this position.

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.

ork, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careers

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

Description Of Job

The 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 as staff to the WQCC in the establishment of water quality classifications and standards for both surface and groundwater in 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.

Department Information

Division of Water Quality Control - Criteria Unit

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

The state of Colorado (State) Constitution, Article XII, Officers, Section 13, requires that “All appointees shall reside in the state". All non-residents of Colorado must be willing and able to relocate to Colorado if appointed to this position.

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.

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

In addition to free parking, access to RTD bus lines, Cherry Creek bike path and flexible working arrangements, click the link below to review additional benefits and perks!!!!

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careers

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

Description Of Job

The 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 as staff to the WQCC in the establishment of water quality classifications and standards for both surface and groundwater in 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.

What You'll Be Doing

This position exists within the Standards- Criteria Unit to conduct the periodic review of existing water quality standards and classifications and to develop 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 position 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.

Option 1

Six (6) years of experience in the establishment of water quality classifications and standards, including conducting complex physical, chemical, and biological analyses; developing standards implementation guidance; considering health equity and environmental justice principles; and developing thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on this information.

Option 2

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, environmental science, environmental toxicology, ecology, or closely related life sciences field.

AND

Two (2) years experience in the establishment of water quality classifications and standards, including conducting complex physical, chemical, and biological analyses; developing standards implementation guidance; considering health equity and environmental justice principles; and developing thoughtful and appropriate policy recommendations based on this information.

Option 3

An advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) in biology, environmental science, environmental toxicology, ecology, or closely related life sciences field will substitute for the required bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience. Any additional experience required will be determined on a case by case basis.

• A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION (UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE ACCEPTABLE)****
  
  

Conditions Of Employment

Must be willing to:

• A pre-employment background check
• Must be willing to: Travel independently 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.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications And Essential Competencies

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

• A graduate degree in biology, environmental science, environmental toxicology, ecology, or closely related life sciences field.
• Relevant years of State service shall be considered.
• Experience, education, and interest in aquatic biology and/or human health, toxicology, and specific water quality parameters of concern in Colorado (e.g., nutrients, metals, selenium, PFAS).
• Experience, education, and/or interest in 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.
• The ability to manage multiple overlapping projects and your own time, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, independently research a wide range of topics, locate obscure technical and regulatory documents, and synthesize information into concise and effective written reports.
• The ability to think critically to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Experience managing data in programs such as Excel, performing statistical data analyses using programs such as R, and performing spatial analyses using programs such as ArcGIS.
• Experience collecting water quality samples, aquatic biological samples, and aquatic habitat data, and use of associated equipment.
• Demonstrated application of attention to detail in accomplishing tasks, no matter how small.
• 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 implementing provisions of the federal Clean Water Act and other states’/tribes’ water quality statutes, regulations, and/or policies.
  
  

Supplemental Information

A Complete Application Packet Must Include

• 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 that holistically consider health equity and environmental justice principles. 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 must be attached. Transcripts can be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
  
  

The Selection 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 (SME's) 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.

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: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. 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 [e-mail] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Government Administration

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