Job Description

Posting number: FAA00000-09/18/26

Department: Department of Public Health & Environment

Division: Administration Division

Job classification: Student Trainee I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Internship

Summary

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This posting is only open to current residents of the State of Colorado.

ABOUT CDPHE:

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This is a non-employee internship position. No benefits are available. This position is not covered by the Partnership Agreement between the State of Colorado and Colorado Workers for Innovative and New Solutions (COWins).
• The referral list generated by this position announcement may be used to fill multiple position vacancies and may be extended.
• Hybrid work options may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. The position will be based at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Glendale, CO 80246.
• PART-TIME ONLY: This is a Part time Internship requiring 6 hours per week.
• TEMPORARY ONLY: This is a Temporary Internship for 5 months or less.
• This Internship is unpaid, however the Office of Public Health Practice, Planning and Local Partnerships (OPHP) will cover the $385.00 exam fee for the student to take the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam upon successful completion of this internship.

Examples of duties

The Work Unit:

The Office of Public Health Practice, Planning and Local Partnerships (OPHP) exists to advance Colorado’s public health system by serving as a trusted liaison and providing the infrastructure, resources and evidence-based practices LPHAs need to deliver effective and equitable public health services to their communities.

What You Will Do: CPH Exam Preparation Program Sustainability Internship

The Internship utilizes established public health strategic planning, leadership, and financial frameworks to address the long-term sustainability of the Colorado Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam Review Course.

The establishment of a self-sustaining review course represents an important piece of workforce infrastructure for Colorado. By institutionalizing this support, we provide a clear pathway for professional advancement and long-term workforce retention, ensuring that state and local public health staff are not only prepared for the exam but are also equipped to meet the evolving demands of public health practice.

To prepare for the project deliverables and gain professional certification, the intern will be integrated into the Spring 2027 CPH Cohort as an active participant. The intern in partnership with OPHP will lead the assessment, business model formulation, and potential operational re-design of the review course with the following objectives during the semester-long internship:

Objective 1: Participate in the Spring 2027 CPH Cohort (Jan-May)

Learn about the program through firsthand participation, including preparing for and earning certification. (Virtual sessions on Mondays, 1-3, January 4-April 19).

Objective 2: Program Sustainability Focus

While participating in the program, focus on the following areas while working toward the deliverables which are existing financial assessment, potential cost-sharing options, potential changes to curriculum delivery model.

Key Responsibilities:

• Situational Analysis & Cost-Accounting Report
• A baseline report containing a SWOT matrix, an inventory of digital assets, and a per-person cost breakdown.
• Alternative Funding & Fee Framework Proposal
• An options paper outlining employer-funded financing models for state and local agencies.
• Course Sustainability Strategic Plan
• A VMOSA-based strategic plan detailing action steps, assigned roles, and cost-saving strategies.
• Revised Program Logic Model
• A visual diagram mapping out program inputs, activities, outputs, and workforce outcomes.

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

A applicant must be a current or recently graduated (within the past 3 calendar years) Masters student from an accredited college or university in Public Health.

No Substitutions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

1. Interest in public health workforce development and program planning.
2. Experience with assessment, program planning, and strategic planning.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Residency Requirement Options:
• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Signed Non-Employee Confidentiality Agreement is required.
• If you will be using this internship for academic credit, a Signed Affiliation Agreement is required between CDPHE and your University.
• SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Must be willing and able to participate in the program from 1/4/2027 - 4/19/2027.
• SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Must be willing and able to take professional certification exam.
• This Internship is unpaid, however the Office of Public Health Practice, Planning and Local Partnerships (OPHP) will cover the $385.00 exam fee for the student to take the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam upon successful completion of this internship.

Supplemental information

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• RESUME.
• COVER LETTER: describing how your educational experience aligns with the preferred qualifications of this position.
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
• Comparative Analysis:

Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

• A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify:

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.