Environmental Protection Intern - Water Quality Permit Writer - 857
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Environmental Protection Intern - Water Quality Permit Writer - 857
Salary
$4,970.00 - $5,962.00 Monthly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
FAA00857-08/26/25
Department
Department of Public Health & Environment
Division
Water Quality Control Division
Opening Date
08/26/2025
Closing Date
9/8/2025 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.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This job announcement is only open to current, permanent residents of the State of Colorado.
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.
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
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 flexibleretirement benefits (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page%CF%87ldpagename=DPA-DHR%2FDHRLayout&cid=1213025229644&pagename=DHRWrapper) 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 (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DPA-DHR/DHR/1236690495481)
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) through implementation of the pretreatment program. 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 compliance assistance and general public assistance. The work of the Permits Section is distributed across multiple work units. This permit writer position resides in one of the work units included in the Permits Section. All EPS work is under the review and approval of the WGL and/or UM.
The Domestic and Food Manufacturing Permits Unit (Unit 2) exists to complete work assigned to the Unit. Currently assigned work includes domestic and SIC 20- Food and Kindred dischargers to surface water individual permits, and the following domestic surface water general permits; 100:1 dilution (COG590000),
Job Description
This position exists to implement environmental protection regulations 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 following
procedures, techniques, rules, and regulations. This position is a new entry level water permit writer. This position undergoes complete training to implement environmental protection regulations through permit actions. Position is expected that during this training period the permit action assignments are more structured and straightforward. The position understands the basic theories and principles of physical sciences, including hydrology, mathematical equations, basic statistics, and water 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 vehicle during the performance of duties.
A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
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:
Experience or familiarity with water quality data.
Experience or familiarity with applied hydrology/steam flows and/or lake mixing.
Environmental regulatory experience.
Practical experience doing environmental or engineering field work.
Knowledge of basic chemistry regarding surface water, wastewater 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.
Knowledge of the operations and/or design of wastewater treatment plants.
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.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent conflict resolution skills.
Strong customer service skills.
Ability to multitask and effectively prioritize work activities.
Relevant years of State service shall be considered.
Supplemental Information
A complete application packet must include:
A completed State of Colorado application.
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".
A cover letter describing how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications.
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 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 (http://www.dhs.gov/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.
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
Applicants for State of Colorado classified positions must be current residents of Colorado. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?
Yes
No
02
Travel frequency is approximately 5% per calendar year. The incumbent may be required to operate a vehicle. Are you willing and able to independently travel and operate a State vehicle to fulfill the duties of this position?
Yes
No
03
Part of the required application materials includes a copy of your college or university transcript - if attended. Unofficial copies from an accredited college or university are acceptable. Have you included your transcript(s) as an attachment to your application? (If not, you may go back and do so now).
Yes, I have attached my transcripts.
No, I have not attached my transcripts to my application because I have not attended college or university. I understand that if transcripts are not submitted, my fulfillment of the educational requirement will not be verifiable and I may not proceed in the selection process, unless I meet the allowable substitution
04
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
05
A cover letter is required along with the completed employment application. If using education to qualify you must attach a copy of your transcripts. Failure to attach the required documents could result in not moving forward in the recruitment process. Did you attach your cover letter and/or transcripts? If not, you may go back and do so now.
Yes
No
06
Describe your familiarity or experience with environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act and/or the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.
07
This job requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work independently while using standard operating procedures (SOP's) and division guidance documents to guide your work. Describe your familiarity or experience using SOP's and other guidance documents. How will this experience help you perform this job?
08
Describe your familiarity or experience with domestic wastewater characteristics and treatment facilities.
09
Describe your experience with measuring or evaluating stream flows, or experience with other hydrological principals. Please include any relevant coursework, projects, or internship experience.
10
Describe your experience analyzing water quality data.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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