Air Quality Scientist - EPS II

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking an Air Quality Scientist to join the Air Toxics Regulatory and Program Development Unit. This unit develops and aids in the implementation of regulations and program elements related to public protections from toxic air contaminants, as mandated by House Bill 22-1244. The role involves iterative review cycles for the state air toxics program, including reviewing the list of reportable toxic air contaminants, identifying priority toxic air contaminants, updating health-based standards, and developing emission control regulations. The position will also coordinate with other programs within the division and department that support toxicology, risk assessment, and the implementation of an evolving air quality program. Collaboration with external stakeholders such as the public, disproportionately impacted communities, local public health departments, non-governmental organizations, the regulated community, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Air Quality Control Commission is a key aspect of this role. The CDPHE is committed to diversity and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. This position offers hybrid workplace options at the discretion of the supervisor.

Requirements

• Must be a resident of the State of Colorado at the time of application.
• Six (6) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned (e.g., developing, enforcing, or complying with air emission control requirements; engineering control cost analysis principles; or researching emission control strategies).
• OR A combination of related education (B.S. or M.S. from an accredited institution in science, engineering, or economics or a closely related field of study) and relevant experience equal to six (6) years.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado.
• A strong background in federal Clean Air Act laws and regulations as they pertain to hazardous air pollutants.
• Experience with evaluating state or local air toxic reduction strategies that may complement the federal framework.
• The ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams to meet deadlines established by Colorado statute or by supervisor.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Experience with evaluating the economic and technical feasibility of strategies to reduce air pollution, including experience with calculating capital and ongoing O&M costs and associated emissions and potential emission reductions for different process types.
• The ability to effectively communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of emission control strategies to reduce air toxic exposures in Colorado.
• Identify additional priority toxic air contaminants and develop emission control strategies to reduce emissions of those priority pollutants.
• Develop and utilize necessary technical skills, analytical procedures, and knowledge of regulations and policies through participating in emission control strategy development.
• Assist with the compilation, review, and analysis of technical data related to reported emissions, monitoring, and modeling outputs.
• Evaluate technically feasible control strategies and estimated costs.
• Prepare policy recommendations for periodic reviews to be presented to Division management and the AQCC to meet statutory obligations.
• Provide information necessary for the supervisor to advocate for emission control strategies with interested stakeholders and before the AQCC.
• Coordinate with other programs within the division, units within the department, and external stakeholders in continuously improving the various elements of Colorado’s air toxics program.
• Develop proposed regulatory requirements or briefings related to air toxics that will be presented to the AQCC.
• Identify and implement stakeholder engagement and outreach activities for each rulemaking.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to facilitate meetings, promote collaboration, and seek input on rule proposals.
• Attend relevant meetings to confer with EPA, Attorney General’s Office, industry, non-governmental organizations, local governments, the public, Division staff, other state agencies, and the AQCC.
• Design and prepare materials to support effective implementation of adopted air toxic regulations.
• Compile and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and regulations already in place to reduce exposures to air toxic pollution.
• Attend meetings, serve on task forces or teams, complete projects, and perform 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree