Photochemical Monitoring and Calibrations Scientist - PSRS II - HYBRID

Full Job Description

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 needs.

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

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

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.

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://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Requirements

The Work Unit:

This work unit exists for the management and implementation of scientific air quality programs within the Air Pollution Control Division – Technical Services Program (TSP), including ambient air monitoring for gaseous criteria pollutants, meteorology, support of special air monitoring projects within and external to CDPHE, and sensor/analyzer research and development.

The work unit is also responsible for the analysis of data and development of summary documents, quality assurance of field work, laboratory data, and supporting technical information (air quality data and analyses) to the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as set forth in the Clean Air Act.

What you will be doing

This position implements and maintains air quality monitoring by auto-GC and other continuous methods, according to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Technical Assistance Document for Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations, and the provisions of the Clean Air Act.

This position will function as a staff-level scientist who applies the scientific method, theory, and principles in the development and implementation of air quality research projects.

This position will have 2 primary focuses.

The first focus of this position is the monitoring of ozone precursors and other organic compounds that can lead to violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

This includes oversight of the auto-GC operations, collecting samples, compiling and analyzing data, and reporting data both to the public and internal stakeholders.

The second focus of this position is the development, configuration and implementation of new technologies in air monitoring calibrations; the usage and maintenance of database applications to track calibrations and verifications; planning, organizing, writing, and publishing standard operating procedures; and the calibration of gaseous analytical systems.

Job Duties:

Aid Gas Phase Equipment CalibrationsPerforms calibrations on gaseous analyzers and troubleshoots non-compliant calibrators and analyzers to ensure the collection of regulatory defensible air quality data, using the application of theory and scientific principles through the scientific method.

Documents calibration and repair efforts and routinely communicates efforts to management. Ensures that regulatory calibration data can be shared with the public.

Data Verification Perform examinations of data collected from the auto-GC(s) and carbonyls samplers to ensure that the highest data quality standards are upheld.

Data verifications are to include daily review of data generated by the gas chromatograph, examination of quality control sample results, weekly review of carbonyl sample holding times and storage conditions, and review/tracking of sampling run parameters against EPA requirements.

This task is performed independently without the direct oversight of senior staff.

Maintain and Operate Auto-GC Ambient Monitoring Station(s)Operates, services, and repairs the auto-GC shelter(s) by performing on-site service and repairs to ambient air monitoring instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and support equipment.

Creates and maintains a consumables inventory for site operations, including compressed gases and other supplies. Works with GMM Work Lead to order gas cylinders.

Works with vendors and analytical laboratories to maintain equipment health and process samples.

Anticipates, identifies, and diagnoses malfunctioning equipment by analysis of control charts, logs, technical manuals, and other documentation.

Documents all service and repair functions by completing logs and forms.

Attends and participates in national calls on subject matter and stays informed about system issues, improvements, and national trends.

Maintains and cleans air monitoring shelter and surrounding grounds.

Execution and completion of all tasks are performed at a demonstrated proficiency as to allow for autonomy and operation outside the direct supervision of senior staff.

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

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.
Experience Only:

Six (6) years of experience in photochemical air monitoring or ambient air auto-GC operations.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in engineering, atmospheric science, environmental sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology) or a related field, AND photochemical air monitoring experience equal to six (6) years.

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. (if either are unavailable please email the department contact for this posting, listed above)
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Experience performing equipment operations, calibrations and repairs in a field setting.
• Previous experience operating an auto-GC to collect air samples
• Previous experience operating and calibrating continuous gaseous pollutant analyzers
• Strong analytical skills (i.e., capable of working with large data sets)
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Experience with information technology/modem communications
• Experience writing Standard Operating Procedures and other technical documents
• Experience with 40 CFR Part 58

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• TRAVEL: Daily for Denver metro sites and along the front range sites, and there will be overnight travel to distant sites approximately 5% of the time, to maintain auto-GC air monitoring sites and perform equipment calibrations around the State.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift 60lbs. This is required to move calibration equipment and gas bottles in and out of vehicles and air monitoring sites.

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, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Additional Information

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• 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) or diploma must be provided with application. (if either are unavailable please email the department contact for this posting, listed above)
• 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:

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, 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.

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.