Environmental Specialist

The Environmental Specialist at Colorado Springs Utilities is responsible for optimizing water quality through customer inquiries, system investigations, and compliance sampling. The role includes collaboration with laboratory teams, managing data reports, and providing technical support. Candidates should have laboratory experience, knowledge of water regulations, and the ability to handle customer concerns. The position involves both office and fieldwork, with a full-time schedule and various benefits.
About the position

The Environmental Specialist at Colorado Springs Utilities plays a crucial role in supporting water quality optimization through various programs. This position involves managing customer inquiries related to water quality, conducting system investigations, and participating in sampling programs for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act. The specialist will work collaboratively with laboratory and other teams to ensure the protection and health of drinking water, offering a mix of office and fieldwork opportunities.

Responsibilities
• Lead initiatives with cross-group participation to maximize water quality in the distribution system.
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• Manage incoming customer water quality inquiries, respond to, schedule, and delegate concerns to appropriate subject matter experts.
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• Leverage the online monitoring system to support the system optimization program.
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• Plan, coordinate, and assist with complex infrastructure disinfection and flushing, as well as complex system water quality issues.
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• Build/manage data reports for customers internally and externally.
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• Historicize group assets such as geo-locations, ongoing and legacy projects, and relevant work scope tools through GIS and other applications.
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• Review, interpret, and validate laboratory and field analysis data.
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• Collect samples and manage projects driven by SDWA, CWA, and other laboratory initiatives.
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• Provide technical and logistical support for group projects involved with source water and treatment plant support.
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• Provide field support in all areas of group work scope when scheduling demands require.

Requirements
• Demonstrated experience within a laboratory environment (i.e., sample collection, sample analysis).
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• Experience handling/managing customer concerns with industriousness and enthusiasm.
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• Knowledge of SDWA and CWA plant processes, and applicable federal, state, and EPA regulations.
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• Knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, water and wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment principles.
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• Knowledge of standard methods and procedures for microbiological and chemical testing and analyses of water and wastewater samples, including quality control measures.
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• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
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• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required.
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• Possession of a Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) Distribution License Class 1 is valued.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with GIS applications.
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• Familiarity with water quality monitoring systems.
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• Certification in water quality management.

Benefits
• Wellness program
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• Health savings account
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• Paid holidays
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• Disability insurance
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• 401(k)
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• Flexible spending account
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Paid time off
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• Employee assistance program
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• Gym membership
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• Loan forgiveness
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• Life insurance