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 Coloradoans. 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.

Work Unit

The Climate Change Program (“the Program'') is housed in the Air Pollution Control Division. The Program consists of three units - GHG Inventory & Reporting; Strategy Development, and; Emissions Credit Trading/Offsets. The Program provides necessary planning and coordination for proposals of climate related emission reduction strategies, develops and oversees the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, oversees GHG emission reduction programs, and provides technical support on a variety of climate related issues. In carrying out these duties, the Program also has the lead responsibility for identifying and engaging disproportionately impacted communities around equity and environmental justice. The Program queries databases, conducts necessary research on air quality studies and emerging emission reduction strategies, analyzes data, conducts technical analyses, coordinates necessary air quality modeling efforts, forecasts GHG emissions in comparison to goals, conducts stakeholder engagement, develops air pollution emission reduction strategies (understanding other pollutant cobenefits), generates technical support documents, develops corresponding rule proposals, and advocates before the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) and other local, state, and federal decision makers. This work is completed to ensure Colorado satisfies statutory, regulatory, policy and program goals as set forth by the state and federal Clean Air Acts and promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the AQCC and the State of Colorado. This Program also develops and maintains partnerships with EPA, the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and other air quality planning agencies (including the Regional Air Quality Council).

Job Description

The purpose of this position is to analyze GHG emissions data, prepare greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories, support computer modeling efforts, develop GHG emission reduction strategies, conduct technical analyses in support of these reduction strategies, engage stakeholders (including Disproportionately Impacted Communities), and support rule proposal and rulemaking activities, advocating before the AQCC. This position requires an extensive technical knowledge of GHG emission sources, emission inventories, emission controls, computer modeling, understanding of policy and regulatory requirements, excellent written and spoken communication skills along with dedication to collaborate among a wide variety of staff, stakeholders and decision makers. Accordingly, this position develops and utilizes the necessary technical skills, analysis procedures, knowledge of regulations and policies through participating in GHG emission reduction strategy development projects under the direction of the supervisor and Division management. This position identifies data gaps and options for filling those gaps. This position compiles, reviews and analyzes technical data related to emissions, monitoring and modeling (computer and mathematical) for use in developing emission control measures and preparing the policy recommendations in carrying out its duties (25-7-105(1)(e), CRS), and emission reduction goals and targets (25-7-102(2)(g), CRS). This position then assists in advocating for those completed technical analyses in support of a reduction strategy with partner agencies, stakeholders, partner agencies, the AQCC and the EPA.

Job Duties

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting, Monitoring, and Emission Reduction Strategy Development and Implementation

Working under the direct supervision of the program manager and unit supervisor, this position: develops Colorado specific programs for GHG reporting and monitoring, and emission reduction strategies that satisfy Colorado’s statutes specific to climate change, or other federal initiatives. This includes measuring progress against prescribed goals, targets and timelines and compiling documentation in an annual report. This includes engaging with key stakeholders on data gaps, emission calculation methods, modeling, emission limits and other parameters, and performance against any such limits. Coordinate this work within CDPHE and with the AGO, for presentation to the AQCC, other Colorado agencies, the RAQC and other agencies as necessary. Prepare briefings, position papers, reports and summaries of technical assessments for Division staff, management, AQCC and these other agencies.Provide specific technical insights on compiling and analyzing data related to emissions, monitoring and modeling (computer and mathematical) for use in developing emission control measures and policy recommendations. Conduct analysis of air quality related data with theoretically-based methods from the fields of physics, mathematics, meteorology, engineering, chemistry, and statistics to formulate solutions to air quality problems by using applied theory to support the development of emission reduction strategies that inform any necessary air quality strategies. Evaluate costs and benefits, along with technical and economic feasibility of emission reduction strategies. All information must be summarized and presented in tables and graphics that convey the information in a clear and understandable format. Raw data and information must be preserved and compiled in technical support documents. Evaluate and establish GHG emission calculation methodologies and models.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, Forecasting and Report Development

Work under the direct supervision of the program manager or unit supervisor on developing the Colorado greenhouse gas inventory and related forecasting and reports that satisfy climate change directives (25-7-105(1)(e), CRS). This includes seeking guidance and making recommendations before the AQCC and other decision-making bodies. Prepare briefings, position papers, reports and summaries of technical assessments for Division staff, management, AQCC and these other agencies. Provide specific technical insights on compiling and analyzing data related to emissions, monitoring and modeling (computer and mathematical) for use in developing emission control measures and policy recommendations. Consult with modeling experts to evaluate and establish GHG emission calculation methodologies and models. Analyze air quality related data with theoretically-based methods from the fields of physics, mathematics, meteorology, engineering, chemistry, and statistics to formulate solutions to air quality problems by using applied theory to support the development of emission reduction strategies that inform any necessary emission reduction strategies. Evaluate costs and benefits, along with technical and economic feasibility of emission reduction strategies. All information must be summarized and presented in tables and graphics that convey the information in a clear and understandable format. Raw data and information must be preserved and compiled in technical support documents.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Data System Development and Maintenance

Maintain a Colorado specific program for GHG reporting and monitoring, and emission reduction strategies that satisfy Colorado climate change statutes or other federal initiatives. This includes measuring progress against prescribed state or federal goals, targets and timelines and compiling documentation in an annual report. This includes engaging with key stakeholders on data gaps, emission calculation methods, modeling, emission limits and other parameters, and performance against any such limits. Coordinate this work within CDPHE and with the AGO, for presentation to the AQCC, other Colorado agencies, and other state and federal agencies as necessary. Prepare briefings, position papers, reports and summaries of technical assessments for Division staff, management, AQCC and these other agencies.

Other Duties as Assigned

Attend meetings, serve on task forces or teams, complete projects, and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.

Option 1 (Experience)

Five (5) years of experience in economics, engineering, environmental law, environmental policy, environmental science, chemistry, biology or related fields.

Option 2

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in economics, engineering, environmental law, environmental policy, environmental science, chemistry, biology or related fields AND One (1) year of experience in economics, engineering, environmental law, environmental policy, environmental science, chemistry, biology or related fields.

Option 3 (Advanced Education)

An advanced (Master’s or Doctorate) degree from an accredited institution in economics, engineering, environmental law, environmental policy, environmental science, chemistry, biology or related fields.

#emissions jobs

Greenhouse Gas Specialist - EPS I - 01999