Environmental Protection Specialist, Retail Food DEHS - (EPS I)
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Environmental Protection Specialist, Retail Food DEHS - (EPS I)
Salary
$65,736.00 - $97,104.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
FAA000986-03/24/26
Department
Department of Public Health & Environment
Division
Environmental Health & Sustainability Division
Opening Date
03/26/2026
Closing Date
4/6/2026 11:59 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 S Dr. Glendale, CO 80246
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
samantha.nelson@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
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
Division of Environmental Health & Sustainability
Now hiring for our Retail Food Program
Be BOLD and make a real difference . . .
Do you desire 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 career position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play. Our vision is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
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, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 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 Masters degree programs
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and
A variety of employee resource groups
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.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: http://www.tgslc.org/borrowers/public-
Description of Job
The Work Unit:
The Colorado Retail Food Safety Program is responsible for assuring compliance with the requirements of the food laws and regulations of the State. These duties are accomplished through inspections and compliance assistance, by reviewing licensing information, and through plan review submissions and other field-generated information for retail food operations within the State. The program determines the appropriate response, which may include informal or formal actions, such as embargo, condemnation, seizure, injunctive relief and recalls. The program may request additional field investigations, recommend research and develop administrative or judicial enforcement actions, and develop and negotiate civil penalties. The program is also responsible for drafting new regulations, completing State Board of Health documents, and coordinating stakeholder meetings.
Summary of Position:
The purpose is to primarily serve as an environmental protection specialist within the retail food program and provide support to the other regulatory programs in the Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability. In this capacity, conduct regulatory inspections, prepare inspection reports, compliance advisories, and orders issuing civil enforcement actions that might include civil penalties. In addition to direct facility inspection oversight, this position will be providing compliance assistance, guidance and training to the regulated community and local public health agencies.
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.
Classification: Environmental Protection Specialist I (https://dhr.colorado.gov/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-i3a-environmental-protection-specialist)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only:
Five (5) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to this position such as retail food experience which include regulatory compliance, conducting field inspections, enforcement related activities related to environmental protection, and/or retail food facility oversight/food safety compliance.
OR
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assigned to this position such as a bachelor's degree in a field such as biology, physical or health science, environmental health, science education
AND
One (1) year of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to this position such as conducting inspections of retail food facilities, assisted living residences, child care centers, dairy farms and pasteurization plants, manufactured food production, investigations into child lead poisoning, and sustainability and green business initiatives.
This experience and education must be substantiated within the Work Experience & Education section of your application. Please be sure to enter all relevant job history and education within the last 10 years. "See Resume" and missing relevant employment or education criteria will not be credited towards the minimum qualifications. Education will be credited on a year-for-year basis. Part-time work will be pro-rated. If using education to substitute for experience please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts or a copy of your diploma/degree to your application. If you do not have access to either of these options, please contact the department contact.
Cover Letter Requirement:
Along with the application, submit a cover letter, not to exceed two @typewritten pages, double-spaced detailing how your education and previous work experience has prepared you to excel in this job. Specific examples of experience that meets the minimum qualifications and the preferred competencies for this position should be included. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may involve a review of the information you submit in your application and cover letter. Written communication skills will be evaluated from the cover letter submitted.
Conditions of Employment:
A pre-employment background check
Ability and willingness to travel independently or with a group throughout the state of Colorado up to 50% throughout the year. Some overnight travel may be required. Requires the use and operation of state fleet vehicles. *conditions apply.
Must be willing to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances.
Must be able and willing to work in adverse weather conditions.
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and walk on uneven and/or slick surfaces such as mud, ice, or snow.
Preferred and Essential Competencies:
Relevant years of experience in retail food, assisted living residences, child care facilities, schools, manufactured foods, cottage foods, dairy farms and pasteurization facilities, child lead poisoning investigations, and green business initiatives that animal or crop production, regulatory compliance of agricultural businesses, etc. contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Keen attention to detail, with an ability to analyze facts and data, to reach a defensible decision.
Self motivated, with the ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team.
Ability to observe, electronically record, and interpret information.
Ability to perform the physical demands of this active position.
Advanced Interpersonal and conflict management skills e.g. displays understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern.
Develops and maintains effective relationships, deals skillfully with people who are difficult, hostile or distressed, effectively manages and resolves conflicts, confrontations and disagreements in a positive and constructive way.
Ability to use information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate errors and support decision-making.
Displays a strong desire to learn and improve by actively soliciting, receiving, and implementing constructive feedback from supervisors and peers.
Appeal Rights:
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 .
Supplemental Information
A completed State of Colorado application includes:
Unofficial transcripts if using education to substitute for experience.
DD214 if claiming veterans status
Cover letter stating how you meet the minimum requirements and preferred qualifications of this position
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.
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, Dan McKenna, at daniel.mckenna@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 the 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
Are you willing and able to travel independently or with a team to work locations in the performance of job-related duties?
Yes
No
03
Part of, or the entire section/comparative analysis for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Please include a cover letter describing how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position. Failure to include adequate information or to follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants. Have you attached your cover letter to your application? Have you attached a cover letter to your application? The cover letter is a requirement at the time of applying and should cover how you meet the minimum requirements and any preferred qualifications of this position. Please refer to the job announcement to view the cover letter requirements.
Yes
No
04
Are you willing to submit to a pre-employment background check?
Yes
No
05
CDPHE: This position requires educational transcripts be submitted if you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position or using education for the substitution of education for some experience. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications or substitution for this position, a copy of your unofficial (or official) transcript is required by the application deadline. You must attach this transcript to your application electronically. Please select "Yes" to acknowledge that you have attached your transcripts to your application.
Yes
No
06
If you are unable to provide a transcript showing your college accreditation, are you able to provide another form of academic proof such as a copy of your diploma or degree?
Yes
No
07
What interests you most about this position?
08
Describe your experience conducting inspections, site visits, or field evaluations. Additionally: Describe any experience you have with inspections or investigations at retail food establishments, assisted living residences, child care facilities, dairy farms and pasteurization plants, manufactured food facilities, childhood lead poisoning environments, sustainability or green business initiatives, agricultural inspections, compliance monitoring, or regulatory enforcement.
09
Provide an example of a time you analyzed technical information or guidance and enforcement procedures
10
Please explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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