Local recruitment: Environmental Protection Intern - Water Quality Permit Writer

• Salary: $4,872.00 – $5,845.00 Monthly
• Location: Denver, CO
• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Number: FAA02461-04/28/25
• Department: Department of Public Health & Environment
• Division: Water Quality Control Division
• Opening Date: 04/28/2025
• Closing Date: 5/12/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
• FLSA: Determined by Position
• Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
• Primary Physical Work Address: 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Department Contact Information: Mike Houlihan at michael.houlihan@state.co.us
• How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information

This job announcement is only open to current, permanent residents of the State of Colorado.

These positions 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.

This EPS Intern position is a full-time position that is eligible for a future promotional opportunity to an EPS I followed by EPS II classification, if position competencies are demonstrated.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. 

Be BOLD and make a real difference…
Do you have a passion and drive to apply your talent to create a better Colorado? Are you looking for a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a fantastic position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to protect and improve the health of Colorado’s people and the quality of its environment. 

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:  http://www.tgslc.org/borrowers/public-service/

Description of Job

Work Units
The Permits Section exists to develop and issue discharge permit actions (new, renewal, modification, termination) for discharges of pollutants from point sources to waters of the state, to regulate the beneficial reuse of reclaimed water, and to control discharges of pollutants to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). These activities are mandated by the Colorado Water Quality Act. In addition, the Section participates in the development of statutes, regulations and policies related to the issuance and enforcement of such activities. The Section also develops Water Quality Planning Targets (WQPTs) and provides permitting assistance and general public assistance. The work of the Permits Section is distributed across multiple work units. This EPS Intern (Permit Writer) position resides in Unit 1 of the Permits Section.

The Groundwater, Construction and Industrial and Municipal Stormwater Unit exists to complete work assigned to the Unit. Currently assigned work includes developing and implementing individual and/or general discharge permits for construction stormwater, industrial stormwater, municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4), dewatering activities, remediation of groundwater, hydrostatic testing, water reuse, general permits for aquatic animal production facilities, water treatment plant general permits, and all domestic wastewater discharges to groundwater. Additional core work assigned to the unit includes regulatory development and issuance of reuse notices of authorization for Reclaimed Water. Other general permits may be assigned to this unit based on the business needs of the section. The unit also provides collaborative support to work assigned outside the unit on an as needed basis (e.g., compliance oversight, enforcement actions, TMDL development). Unit staff provide general public assistance responding to inquiries and providing information for work planning and reporting.

Job DescriptionThis position exists to train a permit writer to implement technology and water quality based regulations that protect human health and the environment through permit actions and other authorizations. Work is designed to train for the next higher level in the class series (EPS I) and prepare the permit writer to be an individual contributor and carry out established work processes and operations by learning to apply and follow procedures, techniques, rules, and regulations. The individual filling this position will be new to the Division and entry level. The individual will need to undergo complete training to implement environmental protection regulations through permit actions. It is expected that during this training period the permit action assignments will be more structured and straightforward. The individual will need to understand the basic theories and principles of physical sciences, including hydrology and chemistry.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

You can meet the minimum qualifications a couple of ways:

• Four (4) years of relevant work experience (e.g., engineering, environmental consulting/science, regulatory, or water treatment operations) will substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

OR

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, or a closely-related field. 

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires the candidate to operate a State vehicle during the performance of duties. 
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• you must be eligible to work within the United States, CDPHE does not sponsor any type of visas.

Preferred Qualifications and Essential Competencies
The preferred experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered in selecting the successful candidate:

• Demonstrated ability to interpret, analyze, and summarize scientific or environmental data, particularly water quality data.
• Experience applying or complying with surface or groundwater water quality requirement.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry regarding surface water, stormwater, wastewater requirements and treatment chemicals.
• Knowledge of the Clean Water Act or the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.
• Experience working with databases and manipulating large datasets.
• Experience working with standardized procedures and making decisions based on the standardized procedures.
• Prior experience working in a professional office environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking skills, including the ability to make timely judgments and decisions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs, including Microsoft Excel.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask and effectively prioritize work activities.
• Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail when completing work tasks.
• Holds self accountable for high-quality and timely results.
• Relevant years of State service shall be considered.
• Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued.

Supplemental Information

A complete application packet must include:

1. A completed State of Colorado application.
2. If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) must be provided with application.
3. 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”.
4. A cover letter describing how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. 

The Selection Process 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. A top group of candidates, depending on the number of vacancies to be filled, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

APPEAL RIGHTS: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position or that as a result of no longer being considered, you were discriminated against, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. If an applicant seeks to have an allegation of discrimination reviewed by the Board, that person must file an appeal (petition for hearing) within 10 days of the action or receipt of any final written selection decision. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

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.
 
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.

Employer: State of Colorado

Address: See the full announcement by clicking the “Printer” icon located above the job title Location varies by announcement, Colorado, —

Website: https://careers.colorado.gov/