Air Quality and Data Scientist - PSRS II

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking an Air Quality and Data Scientist to join the Air Toxics and Ozone Precursor Program (ATOPs) within the Air Pollution Control Division (APCD). This role functions as a scientific researcher responsible for developing and applying data quality standards to ambient monitoring data, designing and developing standardized data analysis tools and products for dissemination, supporting the integration of new air toxics monitoring instrumentation, assisting with the management of the air toxics database, and collaborating with CDPHE team members to develop and manage data dissemination platforms. The position offers hybrid workplace options and is located at 4300 Cherry Creek S Dr, Glendale, CO 80246. CDPHE is committed to serving communities, advancing Colorado's health, and protecting the environment for a healthy and sustainable Colorado.

Requirements

Six (6) years of relevant experience in the atmospheric sciences or environmental data management and programming.
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in air quality management, atmospheric sciences, or environmental engineering equal to six (6) years.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience with the State of Colorado
Experience in scientific data processing, reporting, and analyses
Experience with scientific programming
Experience with data analysis and visualization (e.g., using python, R, and/or similar languages)
Experience using cloud databases (esp. Amazon Web Services) to manage environmental data
Experience using visualization tools (e.g., python and Tableau) to communicate environmental data and build dashboards
Experience using APIs to manage data access and ingestion
Experience with statistical analysis and/or modeling
Experience managing data processing tools and/or data dashboards to support users
Experience drafting user guides and leading trainings on technical topics
Familiarity with air quality or environmental monitoring
Experience working on diverse teams (e.g., including individuals with IT, scientific, and project management expertise)
Strong work ethic
Team player with good people skills

Responsibilities

Develop and Apply Data Quality Standards to ATOPs Monitoring Data: Develop, perform, and document quality control and quality assurance tasks for analytical systems within ATOPs. Assist with the development of quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) for new analytical methods, protocols and procedures. Ensure that all quality control metrics and procedures are in adherence with the project’s quality assurance project plan and prescribed analyzer maintenance intervals.
Manage and Maintain the Air Toxics Database: Work with ATOPs staff, other CDPHE staff, and external contractors to build and maintain a cloud-based database for all ATOPs data. Facilitate the management of all data generated from analytical systems and special projects within ATOPs using this database, including proper data formatting, naming, processing and archiving. This will include integrating procedures to ensure data integrity and data validity into the function of the new database. Support the ongoing use of the database to ingest, QC, QA, and store the ATOPS data.
Develop and Maintain Data Analysis and Reporting Tools: Collaborates with measurement scientists within ATOPs to design, develop, and write methods/code for data analysis tools; research and investigate new analysis tools/methods that can be implemented to better communicate data to the public; and coordinate projects related to stakeholder data dissemination, which could include written reports, websites, and figures used in presentations. Perform data processing, 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 mobile air monitoring systems and special projects.
Design, Develop, and Maintain Data Dissemination Platforms: Designs, develops, and maintains data dissemination platforms for publicly communicating all analytical system data within ATOPs. This will include building and maintaining data dashboards (for internal staff and/or the general public), supporting the development of reports, helping to manage the air toxics website and data access features (i.e., the air toxics data repository and the ATMD public data access), all of which will also contain guidance and context related to the data.
Facilitate the Use of New Air Toxics Monitoring Instrumentation: Identifies ways in which new and novel instrumentation or projects can support and enhance ATOPS monitoring activities. Collaborates with measurement scientists within ATOPs, and potentially external partners, to evaluate new technologies and integrate them into ATOPs operations through initial testing, developing SOPs, developing QA/QC procedures, and optimizing the utility of the data through the database and data dissemination platform.
Other Duties as Assigned: Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

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.