Field Inspector - EP INTERN

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Compliance and Enforcement Program of the Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) conducts compliance evaluations (i.e. inspections) and stack test oversight, reviews source submitted reports, provides compliance assistance, provides oversight of local agency contracts, and conducts enforcement actions as appropriate for stationary sources in Colorado. These responsibilities are divided into two functional units: Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement. The Compliance Monitoring Unit conducts compliance evaluations, reviews source submitted reports, and provides compliance assistance for stationary sources (not including the Oil & Gas Sector) in Colorado. The Unit also provides oversight of contracts with local agencies which may include inspections, complaint investigations and/or general open burning permits. The Compliance Monitoring Unit conducts stack test oversight and Permit Final Approval oversight for all stationary sources (including sources in the Oil & Gas sector) in Colorado. Finally, the Compliance Monitoring Unit issues general open burning permits throughout Colorado and is responsible for tracking and reporting source-specific inspection & enforcement data to EPA’s website for oversight purposes. This position exists to inspect and evaluate stationary sources that emit air pollutants and determine compliance with State and Federal regulations promulgated by the State Air Quality Control Act. Inspectors also investigate citizen complaints and address public health and/or procedural issues related to stationary air pollution emission sources. The facts associated with inspections and investigations are documented in reports that meet or exceed EPA’s minimum data requirements. When noncompliance is identified the Division utilizes a variety of options to bring the facility back into compliance to ensure protection of the public’s health and the environment.

Requirements

Four (4) years of experience in air pollution, environmental science, biology, or a similar field and/or relevant experience conducting stationary source air inspections or an occupation related to the work assigned.
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in air pollution, environmental science, biology, or a similar field and/or relevant experience conducting stationary source air inspections or an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years.
Colorado Driver’s License in order to legally operate state fleet vehicles and independently access remote locations throughout Colorado to perform assigned job duties.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience with the State of Colorado
Experience performing inspections of stationary air pollution sources
Experience writing technical reports (preferrably for stationary air pollution sources)
Experience evaluating data sets of processing and air emissions
Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships
Experience interpreting or implementing state and/or federal air quality regulations
Ability to have difficult conversations
Experience with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite
Experience providing regulatory compliance assistance
Experience communicating both orally and in writing to a wide range of partners
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proven ability to work as a part of a team
Strong analytical, inductive and deductive reasoning skills
Strong organizational and evaluation skills with keen attention to detail

Responsibilities

Determines compliance with air pollution regulations by conducting field inspections, comparing and analyzing data collected, compiling, computing and verifying emission calculations, writing inspection reports of at least EPA Level II quality and evaluating source submitted documents.
Discuss any alleged violations with the supervisor and the source so issues of noncompliance are resolved as expediently as possible.
Present findings of fact that support alleged violations, synthesize pertinent information observed or provided during the field inspection and communicate facts to supervisors, source representatives, legal counsel, consultants, and industry experts.
Assist the supervisors, program managers, and staff in initiating, negotiating, and settling enforcement actions.
Investigates air quality (including odor) complaints to assess potential violations and document activities with inspection reports and/or Division databases.
Analyze information reported, requested, or facts presented by complainants and communicate regulatory applicability, the Division’s procedural process and/or limitations to address citizen air quality related inquiries.
When violations are identified, discuss enforcement recommendations with the supervisor and participate as a technical specialist in subsequent enforcement actions.
Provide assistance to sources on a variety of topics, including state and federal air regulations, permitting requirements, and air pollution control requirements.
Attends training courses related to air quality, or other relevant topics, to obtain the skills necessary to become a fully trained inspector.
Attends semi-annual opacity certification courses and annual odor certification courses to maintain valid EPA Method 9 certification and valid odor certification.
Attends training offered by outside entities, when possible, such as WESTAR and EPA, as well as internal training, including inspector training for new Division inspectors.
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.