Final Approval Specialist (EP Intern) - Hybrid

Department Information

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

This announcement may be used for multiple vacancies and may be extended.

This position will have hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business need.

Be BOLD and make a real difference...We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and is conveniently located near RTD bus lines, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Employee wellness programs and facilities

• Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Bike to work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

• Strong, yet flexible retirement benefits including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off

• Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees

• Tuition assistance for college level courses including Master's degree programs

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and a variety of employee resource groups

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Description of Job

The Work Unit:

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 Section conducts compliance evaluations, reviews source submitted reports, and provides compliance assistance for stationary sources (not including the Oil & Gas Sector) in Colorado. The Section also provides oversight of contracts with local agencies which may include inspections, complaint investigations and/or general open burning permits. The Compliance Monitoring Section 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 Section 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 will also undertake a process improvement project for the Final Approval permit process.

What you will be doing

The purpose of this position is to assist coordination of the Final Approval permit process. This includes conducting compliance assistance and outreach to sources that have been issued Construction Permits to operate. This position receives and reviews source-submitted documents to evaluate compliance with air quality regulations and determine if final permit approval can be granted. If all of the terms and conditions of the permit have been satisfied, the Final Approval Specialist will either issue a final approval letter to the source or will forward the permit to the permitting units for further processing (if a modification to the permit is warranted). The primary goal of this position is to address the backlog of permits that have not been self-certified and to support the Coordinator to ensure the FA process is operating smoothly, tracked in Division databases, and that sources are meeting their self-certification requirements as required.

Job Duties:

Final Approval Processing

• This position follows set procedures and air quality regulations to determine final permit approval for sources required to have air permits. The primary duties of the Final Approval (FA) Specialist are: review source-submitted documents to evaluate compliance with air quality regulations and determine if final permit approval can be granted. If all of the terms and conditions of the permit have been satisfied, the Final Approval Specialist will grant final approval and either issue a final approval letter to the source or forward the permit to the permitting units for further processing (if a modification to the permit is warranted). This position contacts sources via phone and email; assists sources with outstanding compliance documents; and provides compliance assistance as needed. The specialist will ensure the FA process is well-operated, track final approval actions in Division databases, and determine if sources are meeting their self-certification requirements.

• This position assures that sources with an Initial Approval Permit will self-certify compliance and complete the necessary steps to receive Final Approval within 180 days of startup. Sources that have not certified compliance within 180 days of startup shall be informed that they are out of compliance and will be required to submit the required compliance documentation ASAP. The Specialist will work on a backlog of permits that have not completed Final Approval within 180 days of permit issuance.

• The Final Approval Specialist will also train inspectors in the Compliance Monitoring Unit on the requirements for Final Approval.

Training/Information Sharing/Outreach and Education

• Request relevant training and participate in training to maintain the necessary technical knowledge required to execute the duties of the Final Approval Specialist. Attend staff meetings to stay informed of Division procedures and to educate and inform co-workers and customers. Provide information and educate regulated sources and the public about regulations and Division procedures regarding air quality matters.

• Provide training to other staff on how the Final Approval Process works. Support inspectors in getting sources being inspected to complete Final Approval if a regulated source has not already done so.

• Attends training courses related to air quality, or other relevant topics, to obtain the skills necessary to become a fully trained Final Approval Specialist. Attend semi-annual opacity certification courses to maintain valid EPA Method 9 certification. Attend training offered by outside entities, when possible, such as WESTAR and EPA, as well as internal training, including inspector training for new Division inspectors.

Other Duties as Assigned

Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only:

Four (4) years of relevant experience in environmental sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental geography, or closely related field

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in environmental sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental geography, or closely related field equal to four (4) years

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following experience:

• Process improvement experience (e.g. LEAN, KAIZEN)

• Excellent organizational skills

• Process flow and tracking experience

• Understanding of state and federal environmental statutes and regulations pertaining to Air Quality and the Clean Air Act

• Proven skill in using Excel and other Microsoft Suite software

• Proven skill in using Google Suite software

• Demonstrates accountability by assuming responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives

• Ability to pay close attention to detail by ensuring information is complete and accurate

• Critical thinker with demonstrated talent for analyzing and assessing all sides of a question or an issue in order to make a more informed decision

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• TRAVEL: approximately 5% of the time may be spent traveling to conduct inspections and investigate complaints.

• Colorado Driver's License to legally operate state fleet vehicles and independently access remote locations throughout Colorado to perform assigned job duties.

Appeal Rights: (Updated)

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Supplemental Information

A complete application packet must include:

• A completed State of Colorado application.

• RESUME

• COVER LETTER: describing how your professional/supervisory experience aligns with the preferred qualifications of this position and what interests you in this position

• Answered supplemental questions.

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) must be provided with application.

• If using work experience to qualify for this position, please provide an adequate description in the work experience section of the application. Do not write "see resume".

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

• A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe.humanresources@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.