GHG Analyst and Inventory Specialist - EPS II

ABOUT US:

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.  We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position will have hybrid workplace options available, at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.  The employee will still be required to report to the agency address listed on this announcement.

Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE offers: 

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.

• Flexible working arrangements

• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans

• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off

• Tuition assistance 

• Wellness programs

• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: 

https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

The Work Unit:

The Climate Change Program (“Program”) is housed in the Air Pollution Control Division (“Division”). The Program provides technical information, guidance, planning, and coordination for developing and implementing climate-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategies and programs. In carrying out these duties, the Program also leads efforts to identify and engage Disproportionately Impacted Communities on equity and environmental justice. This work ensures Colorado satisfies statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements set forth in the state and federal Clean Air Acts and rules promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC), and the State of Colorado. The Program also develops and maintains partnerships with EPA, the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), other state and federal agencies, air quality planning agencies, and local and national groups.

The GHG Inventory and Reporting Unit (“Unit”) is housed in the Program and supports the Program and other internal and external stakeholders in developing and implementing climate change strategies and carrying out myriad state statutory and regulatory obligations. The Unit has primary responsibility for implementing Colorado’s GHG reporting program from regulated stationary sources under AQCC Regulation No. 22, including development and maintenance of Colorado’s GHG reporting protocols. The Unit also has primary responsibility for developing and analyzing statewide GHG data necessary to draft and publish Colorado’s Statewide GHG Inventories. The data and inventories this Unit manages are foundational to the State’s climate-change policy development and implementation.

What You Will Do:

The purpose of this position is to carry out the Division’s duties under sections 25–7-105(1) and 25-7-140, C.R.S., in support of the statewide GHG pollution reduction goals set forth in section 25-7-102(2)(g) and sectoral targets set forth 25-7-105(1)(e), C.R.S. Under the direction of the Unit Supervisor, Unit Work Lead, Program Manager, and/or Division management, this position will serve as an individual contributor in the following areas:

• Research, analyze, and conduct quality assurance evaluations of GHG and other air pollutant emissions and sink data necessary to produce biennial statewide GHG emissions inventories and other reports required by statute and Air Quality Control Commission regulations;
• Research and draft designated portions of the Statewide GHG Inventory and supporting technical documentation;
• Manage and use various data tools to model and analyze statewide GHG emissions; 
• Research and analyze GHG emissions, accounting methodologies, offset registries, and emissions reduction technologies and strategies for use by the Program, Air Division, and other state agencies;
• Lead communications with regulated entities, other agencies, and internal Division clients concerning GHG emissions and inventory data;
• Produce memos, reports, technical support documents, and guidance documents for the regulated community, agency leadership, the legislature, and the public;
• Coordinate and collaborate with other state agencies and stakeholders to conduct technical reviews, working groups, and modeling efforts, and develop GHG emissions reduction strategies.

This position may explain work processes, train others, and may serve as a resource or guide in these areas.

Key Responsibilities:

GHG Inventory Compilation and Report Development
Within limits set by the Unit Supervisor, Unit Work Lead, Program Manager, and Division leadership, this position must:
Contribute to the compilation, development, and continual improvement of the statewide GHG Inventory and other associated reports through assessment and analysis of available emissions and emissions-related data and models (including data reported to the EPA per 40 CFR Part 98 and the state per AQCC Regulations 22, 27 & 7), public engagement, and other related tasks.

• Consult with experts within the Division, other agencies, other states, federal agencies, NGOs, industry, trade groups, consultants, carbon registries, standards bodies, public stakeholders, etc., to access data, evaluate and establish GHG emission calculation methodologies and models, and estimate activity data, emission factors, and GHG emissions. 

• Research, review, and implement new or advanced models, tools, or other methodologies to improve the scope, detail, or disaggregation of emissions estimates. 

• Contribute to briefings, position papers, reports, and summaries of technical assessments for Division staff, management, AQCC, and other state agencies. 

• Support the Unit supervisor, Work Lead, and team in preparation of presentations, briefings, reports, or other information sharing engagements to the AQCC or other commissions, internal and external working groups and stakeholders, etc. 

• As needed, investigate, analyze, and support development of carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage (CCRUS) accounting standards, methods, protocols, and/or measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) requirements. 

• Support other efforts pertaining to GHG inventories that may arise. 

GHG Reporting Program and Data System Development & Maintenance 
Within limits set by the Unit Supervisor, Unit Work Lead, Program Manager, and Division leadership, this position must:
Support the implementation of Colorado’s GHG reporting program as established under AQCC Regulation Numbers 22, 27, 7, and any future regulations, and support the program’s further development. This can include, but is not necessarily limited to:

• Reviewing submitted GHG reporting data, including quality control and verification of submitted data;

• Providing support for regulated entities in the submission of GHG emissions data and identifying instances of noncompliance;

• Assessing and analyzing reported data to determine significance, identify data gaps, and opportunities for additional reporting regulations;

• Researching new or different emissions estimation methodologies, including assessment of carbon capture and storage protocols;

• Collaborating with other Air Division units, programs, or divisions to leverage other forms of non-GHG-reported emissions data collected from the broader regulated community to estimate GHG emissions from the non-regulated GHG-emitting community; and

• Supporting engagement with other reporting programs, including the federal GHG Reporting Program or other states or jurisdictions’ programs, to share information and collaborate on methods, best practices, and other applicable topics.

This position is also responsible for supporting regular updates and reports to the Unit Supervisor and Division leadership, including but not limited to:
Regular updates on the status of GHG emissions report submissions during annual reporting seasons;

• Notification and supporting information concerning noncompliance with state GHG emissions reporting rules;
  Summary and analytical reports of key indicators for the Unit Supervisor, Division Leadership, and other Division programs as needed; and

• Recommendations for improving the GHG reporting program and supporting infrastructure including reporting workbooks, technology platforms, and user interfaces.

This position is expected to manage data collected from the GHG reporting program to:

• Inform state GHG emissions inventories;

• Monitor progress towards statutory and regulatory targets;

• Enable the Climate Change Program, other Division programs, and other state agencies to access and utilize data to inform state policy and regulatory decisions; and

• Collaborate with the GHG Emissions Credit Trading and Offsets Unit to evaluate emissions trends, ensure state regulatory programs are meeting statutory requirements, and strive to guarantee accurate accounting of emissions reductions associated with state regulatory programs.

Professional Development
Professional Development: This position is expected to pursue ongoing professional development and maintain technical expertise to effectively execute the technical duties for the greenhouse gas inventory and reporting requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Maintaining extensive technical knowledge of GHG emissions sources and sinks, emission controls and technologies, database management, computer modeling, and emissions inventories;

• Rapidly understanding and applying changing policy and regulatory requirements;

• Continuous improvement of written and spoken communication skills; and

• Seeking education and training opportunities needed to effectively carry out duties of this position.

Other Duties as Assigned

Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Residency Requirement:

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

Class Code & Classification Description:

I3A3** Environmental Protection Specialist II

Minimum Qualifications:
An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience. 

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• 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.

• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

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 [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.