Environmental Specialist - Air Programs

Environmental Specialist – Air Programs

Colorado Springs Utilities’ Environmental Services Section is responsible for providing environmental compliance support to meet utility service needs for the Pikes Peak region. The Operations Environmental Support Unit manages waste, compliance inspections, water quality permits, and new chemical products and pesticides reviews. We are seeking an Environmental Specialist to support our air compliance programs by providing internal customers with permitting guidance and support, with a focus on Clean Air Act related programs, and fulfill environmental compliance and regulatory obligations required to operate Utilities' assets for all four of Colorado Springs Utilities services (electric, gas, drinking water, and wastewater).

The position will assist in managing growing demands brought on by new air quality laws and regulations, as well as the addition of new electric generation units.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conducts work related to new program and/or review requirements, such as Environmental Justice submittals associated with permit applications or modifications, permit modeling unit review submittals, Toxic Air Contaminant reporting and implementation
• Manages the stack testing program
• Evaluates operations, providing professional consultation to ensure and improve compliance with environmental regulations to support environmental stewardship
• Assists the Sr. Environmental Specialist with CEMS program tasks
• Manages air permitting, compliance activities, and reporting for one or more major source facilities with a Title V Operating Permit
• Completes greenhouse gas tracking, calculation, and reporting duties, and develops tools to communicate program-related information to internal customers and operations
• Engages Operations customers to ensure high-quality support and regulatory assistance to successfully operate their facilities in compliance with environmental requirements
• Participates in regional and state environmental and technical committees, evaluates proposed regulatory changes, and communicates information appropriately
• Complies with all safety and health programs in support of an incident and injury-free workplace

This is an individual contributor non-supervisory position.

Who You Are...The ideal candidate will come with a Bachelor’s Degree with environmental coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a closely related field, and 3-5 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities may be accepted in lieu of the years of experience desired. Demonstrated and progressively responsible and transferable years of experience in environmental regulatory review and permitting, specifically desired. Seeking a collaborative individual who is skilled at building networks and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. This job requires an acute attention to detail and substantial reading and comprehension skills.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge and/or familiarity is desired with the Clean Air Act programs and Colorado Statutes and Regulations
• Desired experience in the preparation and submittal of environmental permit materials (e.g., Title V Operating and air construction permits, air pollution emissions notices, etc.)
• Knowledge of pollution control devices and continuous emissions monitoring systems is desired
• Technical writing ability
• Ability to review and interpret technical reports

A valid, unrestricted driver’s license is required for this role.

Who We Are...

• One of the largest four-service public utilities in the nation (over 500,000 customers)
• A national leader in reliability (power on an average of 99.991% of the time)
• Diamond Designation recipient from the American Public Power Association – a utility sector leader in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvements
• Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in the most desired city to live in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2022)

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 $10.00 a month.  Employees also enjoy access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 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
• Vision – A Voluntary plan that covers full vision care services and discounts on LASIK eye surgery
• 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
• 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
• Life Insurance – Company-paid life insurance and supplemental coverage available
• 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