Job Description

Senior Environmental Technician

Our Laboratory Services team is seeking a Senior Environmental Technician to support the Water Quality Assurance Group. The ETS is responsible for Clean Water Act (CWA) support, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) support, as well as a variety of other customer- and lab-driven projects. This position's work scope includes maintaining and managing online monitoring equipment, infrastructure disinfections (potable mains and water tanks), handling and sampling customer complaints or water inquiries, source water sample collections (reservoirs, creeks, and streams), and collaborating across multiple groups at Colorado Springs Utilities to protect the quality and health of our community's drinking water. This position offers the opportunity to work both in the office and field, safeguarding our treated waters and source waters. If you are passionate about public service with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with people of all backgrounds, this may be the opportunity for you.

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

• Supporting the lab in a variety of customer-driven projects that include source water, treatment plants, and the distribution system
• Supporting the Water Quality initiative for online monitoring throughout the city
• Handling customer water quality inquiries and complaints promptly with a high degree of professionalism and courtesy
• Maintaining and operating chemical injection treatment systems throughout the city
• Performing potable main and tank disinfections following AWWA and relevant SOP standards
• Helping Colorado Springs Utilities meet all its regulatory commitments as defined by the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
• Assessing and interpreting data to provide water quality recommendations, leveraging various technology platforms to build reports for internal/external customers
• Ensuring laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and that all records are accurately kept

Who You Are:

• Demonstrated experience within a laboratory environment (i.e., sample collection, sample analysis) is valued
• Experience handling/managing customer concerns with industriousness and enthusiasm is highly valued
• The ability to interact professionally and confidently with experts of all backgrounds, from analysts to engineers to operational personnel in the field and on construction sites, is highly valued
• Experience with SDWA and CWA plant processes, and knowledge of applicable federal, state, and EPA regulations, is valued
• Knowledge of any of chemistry, biochemistry, water, and wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment principles is valued
• Mechanical aptitude with operating trucks and trailers, repairing chemical feed systems and monitoring sites, and engaging in rigorous work handling heavy equipment such as fire hose and pipe fittings is valued
• Knowledge of standard methods and procedures for microbiological and chemical testing and analyses of water and wastewater samples, including quality control measures, is valued
• The ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation is valued
• Distribution or Treatment certification is valued
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/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 exceed those for Light Work.
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

Who We Are:

• Check us out on our YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@SpringsUtilities)
• 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

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 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