Environmental Technician

Colorado Springs Utilities•Colorado Springs, CO

12d

About The Position

Our Laboratory Services team is seeking an Environmental Tech to support our compliance programs for the SDWA and the CWA. This candidate will be responsible for collecting samples from our Water Resource Reclamation Facilities, coordinating and collaborating between the laboratory and plant operations to ensure the timely delivery of all samples. This candidate will also manage and collect samples for the Total Coliform Rule, while collaborating and coordinating with multiple groups within the lab. As well, the Environmental Tech will support the Water Quality Assurance group in its various programs of work, from laboratory-supported projects, online monitoring equipment, and assisting with customer water quality issues. This position offers the opportunity to work both in the office and in the field, protecting our treated waters and source waters. If you are excited to leverage your environmental science expertise and have a passion for public service, this may be the opportunity for you. A day in the life of an Environmental Technician may include: Collecting daily compliance samples from both Wastewater Plants associated with the Clean Water Act (CWA) Collecting daily compliance samples throughout the city associated with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Ensuring laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and that all records are accurately kept Supporting the lab in a variety of customer-driven projects that include source water, treatment plants, and the distribution system Supporting the Water Quality initiative for online monitoring throughout the city Supporting the lab in its handling of customer water quality issues through system flushing and sample responses Usage of technology platforms such as GIS and other report generation methods for internal/external customers

Requirements

Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience within a laboratory environment (i.e., sample collection, sample analysis) is valued
Experience handling/managing customer concerns with industriousness and enthusiasm is highly valued
Experience with SDWA and CWA plant processes, and knowledge of applicable federal, state, and EPA regulations, is valued
Knowledge of any of chemistry, biochemistry, water, and wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment principles is valued
Knowledge of standard methods and procedures for microbiological and chemical testing and analyses of water and wastewater samples, including quality control measures
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Ability to operate hydrants and familiarity with water hydraulic systems under pressure are valued

Responsibilities

Collecting daily compliance samples from both Wastewater Plants associated with the Clean Water Act (CWA)
Collecting daily compliance samples throughout the city associated with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Ensuring laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and that all records are accurately kept
Supporting the lab in a variety of customer-driven projects that include source water, treatment plants, and the distribution system
Supporting the Water Quality initiative for online monitoring throughout the city
Supporting the lab in its handling of customer water quality issues through system flushing and sample responses
Usage of technology platforms such as GIS and other report generation methods for internal/external customers

Benefits

Time Off to Recharge
Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
Personal Leave –3 days per year
Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
Additional Support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness