Environmental Sampling Technician/ Specialist I

Metro Water Recovery•Denver, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO is seeking environmental sampling professionals to join their growing sampling team. In either the Environmental Sampling Technician or Specialist I role, you will have the opportunity to support Metro’s environmental compliance and annual charge programs, as well as wastewater treatment operations. These positions involve working with fellow sampling personnel in the field and making a real environmental impact within a technical environment. Your work will consist of sampling both at our wastewater treatment plants and at metering stations/industrial sites across our Denver Metro service area. Specifically, you will be involved in sampling activities to meet strict regulatory and scientific standards while following established safety protocols. You will be responsible for the maintenance and calibration of sampling equipment, inventory of sampling supplies, and dropping off samples at contract laboratories. This role allows you to contribute to SOP development and associated workflows, support internal stakeholders, aid in problem-solving challenges, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives in a new and growing division. These two positions (Environmental Sampling Technician and Specialist I) are part of a job series offering significant reclassification and promotional opportunities, with multiple higher levels allowing potential for ample career growth. Additionally, staff enjoy flexible work schedules with the ability to swap shifts with other team members. Overall, it’s an opportunity to contribute to high-impact sampling work that ensures reliable environmental data, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence for Metro, while supporting our mission to protect the region’s public health and environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Wastewater Collection System Operator Class II certification (for Specialist I).
Knowledge of general office processes and procedures.
Knowledge of MS Office (or equivalent, e.g. Google) software.
Skilled at reading and following detailed, multi-step instructions.
Skilled at performing basic mathematical calculations.
Skilled at problem-solving and troubleshooting.
Skilled at utilizing technology to seek and share resources and information.
Skilled at effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
Ability to work rotating and/or set shifts that may include weekend, holiday and overnight shifts and possible overtime.
Ability to demonstrate good time management and accountability.
Ability to wear correct PPE and follow safety procedures (steel-toed shoes, hard hats, etc.).
Ability to legally and safely drive a Metro motor vehicle throughout Metro’s service area, including during periods of inclement weather.
Ability to adhere to policies and procedures.
Ability to document observations and other information via handwritten and digital methods.
Ability to learn and apply detailed sample collection, storage and transport and associated documentation, including formal chain-of-custody procedures.
Ability to learn environmental water, wastewater, air, biosolids, and/or soils sampling methods.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
Ability to maintain emotional control under ambiguous and stressful circumstances.
Knowledge of safety and confined space entry procedures for wastewater treatment plant, collection system and industrial environments (for Specialist I).
Ability to begin to use independent judgement when troubleshooting on-site challenges or situations (for Specialist I).
Ability to maintain, install (setting-up, programming), troubleshoot, and repair automatic sampling equipment and instrumentation (for Specialist I).

Nice To Haves

Understanding of environmental sampling protocols.
Detailed-oriented approach to daily tasks, with an emphasis on thorough documentation and effective communication.
Enjoy problem-solving and troubleshooting.
Diligently follow SOPs to ensure accurate and compliant work.
Work effectively with other team members to meet the needs of various stakeholders.
Enjoy working outside and travelling to different field locations.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Safety-oriented.
Ability to assist with the development and updating of standard operating procedures.
Ability to effectively adapt and operate with evolving and fluid priorities and/or other requirements.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to physically access and navigate all areas of Metro’s facilities and properties while wearing applicable personal protective equipment at all times, including periods of inclement weather, excluding areas requiring formal confined space entry procedures.
Ability to adapt to changing field conditions and schedules while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Sampling activities to meet strict regulatory and scientific standards while following established safety protocols.
Maintenance and calibration of sampling equipment.
Inventory of sampling supplies.
Dropping off samples at contract laboratories.
Contribute to SOP development and associated workflows.
Support internal stakeholders.
Aid in problem-solving challenges.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.