Environmental Specialist (Water Quality)

Our Water Quality Assurance team is seeking an Environmental Specialist to optimize our water quality from source to tap for our 500,000 customers in the Pikes Peak region. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with our Inspections, Distribution Operations, Engineers, and external contractors to manage water quality optimization and monitor components of capital projects. You will also work with our Water Operations staff to streamline processes for cost-savings and improved water quality while identifying areas in the system with quality issues for improved public health and supporting regulatory compliance efforts.

A day in the life of an Environmental Specialist may include:

• Evaluating large-scale developments and system extension projects to identify potential water quality issues and recommending solutions that maintain regulatory compliance
• Evaluating infrastructure in proposed annexations and making recommendations for seamless integration into our existing water system
• Working with Operations staff to develop and manage water quality optimization projects (e.g., advanced water treatment processes, distribution system upgrades or modifications)
• Developing and implementing procedures or equipment that promote field safety
• Vetting, implementing, and maintaining systems for specialized monitoring (e.g., remote raw water panels, cyanobacteria, nutrient monitoring)
• Supporting the team with sample collection, disinfection/flushing operations, and equipment preventative maintenance
• Leveraging software to identify areas of concern across the water system, and working with the team to diagnose and propose solutions
• Developing and managing projects to monitor the impact of process modifications, system events, and engineering solutions
• Identifying and implementing solutions for complex customer water quality issues
• Serving as a subject matter expert on special or impending regulations and developing process modifications that assist the organization in achieving compliance

Who You Are

• Knowledge of Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and associated state and local regulations
• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field is valued
• Demonstrated experience in environmental protection and potable water system management is valued
• Demonstrated environmental compliance experience in water and wastewater treatment is valued
• Knowledge of and experience with implementing compliance programs related to environmental regulations is valued
• Certifications in water treatment, wastewater treatment, and/or water distribution system operations is valued

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We do not just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

• Time Off – Because everybody needs time off to recharge
  • Vacation – New employees accrue 13 days of paid time off to start, while our more tenured employees accrue 24 days per year
  • Personal Leave –3 days per year of personal leave
  • Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
  • Sick Leave – Accrue 12 days of sick leave annually for those days when you or a family member is feeling under the weather
  • Vacation Buy – Purchase up to 40 hours of additional vacation time
• Pension Plan – Looking forward to a comfortable lifestyle once you’re done working? The Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) provides you with retirement benefits and peace of mind when you retire 
• Medical – Select from three comprehensive medical plans, starting at $0 per month. Employees also enjoy access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Wellness Program – Voluntary wellness program that allows you and your spouse to each earn up to $500 to use towards healthcare expenses, $100 in Visa gift cards, and up to $400 in gym membership reimbursements
• Dental – Select from two dental plans, with in-network PPO preventive care covered at 100% and access to orthodontia coverage (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Vision – Voluntary plan that covers full vision care services and discounts on LASIK eye surgery (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Retirement Saving Programs – Supplement your pension plan with voluntary retirement programs such as the PERAPlus 401(k) and MissionSquare’s Roth IRA and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage – Short-Term (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance available for purchase (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Makes the going a little easier by aiding with mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal matters, and much more
• Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) – Whether it's due to an accident or a serious illness, LTC insurance is available for purchase to help you and your loved ones (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Life Insurance – Company-paid life insurance and supplemental coverage available (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement – Employees are eligible to receive up to $5,250 annually for Tuition Reimbursement
• Qualifying Public Service Employer – Payments made towards student loans may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program