Job Description

Environmental Scientist (Metals, Organics, Inorganics, and General Chemistry)

Our Laboratory Services Department is hiring an Environmental Scientistto perform analyses on source, drinking, power plant cooling, ground, and wastewater samples. You will have the opportunity to analyze water and wastewater for a variety of organic and inorganic analytes and interpret data for our water and wastewater treatment plants, all while working in one of our progressive laboratories. You will also work alongside a dynamic and highly skilled group of scientists whose priorities include evaluating, testing, and producing the cleanest drinking water in the region while keeping environmental protection at the forefront of our efforts. If you have environmental laboratory testing and analysis experience and are excited to leverage your testing and analytical skills, we want to hear from you!

What Else Will You be Doing?

• Preparing, testing, and analyzing drinking, source, and wastewater samples in compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ASTM, EPA, SM) in support of the SDWA and CWA
• Conducting advanced analytical testing including general chemistry, organic and inorganic analysis, metals analysis, disinfection-by-products analysis, and other testing using advanced and highly specialized instrumentation
• Operating sophisticated analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS, FIA, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS – and troubleshooting, configuring, maintaining, and repairing instruments
• Performing complex qualitative and quantitative analyses, reviewing and validating data, and preparing quality control reports
• Conducting quality control monitoring for CWA, SDWA, and 503 Regulations for Inorganics to comply with EPA requirements

Please note that working occasional holidays and weekends is required for this position.

Who You Are - please be sure to highlight your experience with any of the following in your resume/application

• Demonstrated environmental laboratory testing and analysis experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or a closely related field
• Knowledge of and skill with advanced instrumentation
• Knowledge of and skill with GC-MS, IC, and TOC
• Previous experience with method development and validation
• Knowledge of standard methods and procedures for chemical testing, and analyses of water and wastewater samples, including quality control measures
• Experience with SDWA and CWA plant processes
• Knowledge of water and wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment principles
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and EPA regulations

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Exerts 20-50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
• Positions in this class typically require reaching, standing, walking, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

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 don't 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 to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness