Air Quality Modeler - PSRS II -01033-06/01/22

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Air Quality Modeler - PSRS II -01033-06/01/22

Salary

$5,705.00 - $8,348.00 Monthly

Location

Denver County, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

FAA-01033-06/01/22

Department

Department of Public Health & Environment

Division

Air Pollution Control Division

Opening Date

06/01/2022

Closing Date

7/14/2022 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

4300 E Cherry Creek South Dr. Denver, CO 80246

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Information

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

  The state of Colorado (State) Constitution, Article XII, Officers, Section 13,  requires that “All appointees shall reside in the state". All non-residents of Colorado must be willing and able to relocate to Colorado if appointed to this position.   

This announcement may be used to fill multiple positions and may be extended.

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.

Be Bold... 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 Coloradoans. 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
  • 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
  • 10 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off
  • Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees
  • Tuition assistance for college level courses including Masters 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.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Description of Job

The Work Unit:

The Permit Modeling Unit (PMU) performs and reviews air quality-related analyses for a variety of air programs to meet Federal and State regulatory requirements, but specifically performs and reviews air quality-related analyses for stationary source permitting. The analyses include air quality impact modeling, emission modeling, and meteorological analysis. The spatial scales of analyses include near-field, far-field, and regional scale. Meteorological applications include review of the adequacy of meteorology for near-field modeling and evaluation of output from meteorological models for regional modeling purposes. This unit also exists to provide technical work products and analysis to internal and external customers.


What you will be doing...
This position exists under the guidance of the PMU Supervisor, to perform and support technical analyses that are completed by the unit in a timely manner, following applicable regulations and guidance. This position applies scientific research methods, theory, and principles in the identification, study, and solution of air pollution problems; applies, develops, and validates mathematical air quality models that compute or simulate the emission, transport, and fate of airborne contaminants; assesses air quality impacts from air pollution sources to demonstrate compliance or noncompliance with state and federal regulations and thresholds of concern; develops spatially and temporally complex models of air pollution emissions; applies mathematical and computer models of air pollution dispersion to predict impacts of proposed activities; and communicates the results of this work in reports, publications, and presentations.

Job Duties:

Permit Modeling Application Reviews

This position reviews air quality modeling submitted to the Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) as part of new construction permits, modification to existing permits, and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits.  The position ensures the air quality modeling for these permits comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Colorado regulations and guidance. When reviewing new construction/modification and PSD permits this position makes sure the source emissions match what the permit engineer validates, that the source(s) are in the correct location, that downwash has been addressed, receptors capture appropriate impacts, and the impacts from nearby sources are included. This is done to show new sources (minor, major, and PSD) and modified sources comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).


This position comments on technical and theoretical aspects of air quality modeling studies and analyses generated by the public and private sector to show compliance with regulatory ambient air thresholds and standards. Lastly, this position supports the enhanced modeling/assessment of disproportionate impacts of air pollution of environmental justice communities.


NEPA Modeling Reviews

This position reviews air quality modeling submitted to APCD as part of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) actions. This position ensures the air quality modeling for these assessments comply with EPA and Colorado regulations and guidance. When reviewing NEPA the position ensures the source scenarios evaluate the different possible development scenarios under review. This is done to show that the various NEPA actions comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.


Training

This position works with the Modeling Lead and Supervisor to register and attend professional development training in air quality, atmospheric dispersion, State Implantation Plans (SIP), Permitting, FLM and EPA Guidance, Tools, and Resources. The position also attends and completes internal APCD training to include, but not limited to, OnBase, Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), Office of Information Technology (OIT) quarterly security, CDPHE New Hire and Annual as assigned.


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

There are (3) three ways you can qualify for this position: 
Option 1Six (6) years of professional experience in  meteorology, engineering, physics, environmental science or a closely related field, including two (2) years of professional experience in environmental regulatory policy, with AERMOD experience in preparing atmospheric modeling demonstrations of compliance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. (Substitution)
Option 2Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in meteorology, engineering, physics, environmental science or a closely related field
AND
Two (2) years of professional experience in environmental regulatory policy, including AERMOD experience in preparing atmospheric modeling demonstrations of compliance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Option 3 A master’s degree or additional appropriate experience in meteorology, engineering, physics, environmental science or a closely related field will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.(Substitution)

This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.  A copy of your transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.)

Conditions of Employment:
  • A background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. 
Special Condition of Employment
Special Condition of Employment:
Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, or, submit to twice-weekly serial testing. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination, or begin twice-weekly serial testing for COVID-19.  Please do not provide an attestation or vaccination documentation with your application. 

Testing will take place in-person/at home/TBD and will be considered paid work time.

Note:  Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.   

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

  • Demonstrated experience applying health equity and environmental justice principles to inform environmental policy and regulation, including supporting disproportionately impacted communities (including rural communities) in protecting and improving air quality.

  • The ability to independently research and stay abreast of current regulatory guidance and policies. .

  • The ability to think critically to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Experience managing data in programs such as Excel and Access, and performing statistical data analyses using programs such as R.

  • Works in a collaborative manner and is capable of managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.

  • Applies attention to detail in accomplishing tasks, no matter how small.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to audiences of varying backgrounds.

  • Experience implementing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act and the associated Colorado Air regulations.  

  • Knowledge and experience with MS Office Suite, and relational databases 

  • Knowledge and experience with Google Applications

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to audiences of varying backgrounds.

  • Experience implementing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act and the associated Colorado Air regulations.  

Supplemental Information

A complete application packet must include:

  1. A completed State of Colorado application.
  2. A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.

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.
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.

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.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

01
The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that APPLICANTS for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado at the time of application, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board for the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA). A residency waiver has been approved by the DPA for this announcement. If you are not a Colorado resident are you agreeable to becoming a resident within 8 weeks of the hire date? For more information, please see the FAQ's at: https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply.
  • Yes
  • No
02
A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. As a condition of employment, are you willing and able to submit to a background check if offered the position?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID 19, or submit to twice-weekly serial testing. Upon hire, the employee appointed to this position will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination, or begin twice-weekly serial testing for COVID 19. Please indicate that you are aware of this condition of employment.
  • Yes
  • No
04
In 500 words or less, describe the greatest challenge to permit modeling and your recommended solution to address that challenge.
05
In 500 words or less, describe your ability to see your work from another's point of view and work collaboratively to reach consensus.
06
In 500 words or less, please tell us more about your motivation for seeking this position with the Air Pollution Control Division.

Required Question

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