Environmental Sr. Scientist or Environmental Lead Scientist

~ Denver Water proudly serves high-quality water and promotes its efficient use to 1.4 million people in the city of Denver and many surrounding suburbs. ~

Denver Water aspires to be the best water utility in the nation.  The organization is a responsible steward of the resources, assets and natural environment entrusted to us in order to provide a high-quality water supply, a resilient and reliable system, and excellent customer service.

Position Overview

Denver Water’s Environmental Planning Section of External Affairs is currently seeking a qualified candidate to assist us as either an Environmental Sr. Scientist or Environmental Lead Scientist. The level will be determined by the selected candidates’ experience.

Under general supervision, performs professional level analysis of natural resource sciences for environmental assessments and permitting; assists in developing strategies for environmental permitting, mitigation, and natural resource protection related to Denver Water’s water development and supply operations; and manages or assists in managing the collection of biological/ecological data and associated information needed for environmental compliance.  Works collaboratively with resource agencies for compliance with permit terms/mitigation programs to satisfy state and federal environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and/or manage environmental studies and data collection for use in water resource planning and regulatory processes related to the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  
• Conduct field work and special studies on botanical and aquatic resources, wildlife, and stream restoration for data collection, permit applications, mitigation design and monitoring.
• Assess environmental impacts, issues and permit requirements for existing and proposed water supply facilities.
• Research and prepare written and oral technical reports and recommendations pertaining to environmental issues and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate effectively with federal, state and local regulatory agencies, environmental groups and other stakeholders, as well as Denver Water staff and contractors related to the planning and operation of existing and future water resource facilities and other activities.
• Perform related work as required.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Environmental Lead Scientist will also:

• Lead critical negotiations with regulatory agencies to protect Denver Water’s interest in complex and controversial water supply development projects.
• Develop, analyze, recommend and present permitting strategies to Denver Water’s Executive Team and Board of Commissioners.
• Serve as project manager and contract administrator of multi-disciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, attorneys, consultants and external stakeholders on major projects.
• May have formal supervisory responsibilities over other employees.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university Environmental Science, Watershed Science, Aquatic Biology, Natural Resources Management, Climate Science or a related field.  
• Minimum 4 years of related work experience for Environmental Senior Scientist.
• Minimum 6 years of related work experience and 2 years supervisory experience for Environmental Lead Scientist.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities for either position.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Masters degree in a Scientific or Natural Resource Management discipline.
• Strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects in a collaborative team environment, resolve conflicts, and negotiate with multiple workgroups or organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organization skills and computer literacy. 
• Familiarity with Section 404/401 Clean Water Act permitting and application preparation; mitigation and restoration plan preparation for streams and wetlands; NEPA analysis and document preparation; FERC license monitoring and compliance reporting, western flora, fauna and natural systems; wetland delineation; protected species surveys and habitat analysis; Section 7 ESA consultation and/or water quality assessments.      

Licenses, Registration and Certifications:

• May require HIPAA Training.

Compensation

Hiring Salary Range:

• Environmental Sr. Scientist: $5,550.13/monthly (min) to $6,825.00/monthly (mid)
• Environmental Lead Scientist: $6,066.67/monthly (min) to $7,645.74/monthly (mid)

Benefits:

• Denver Water offers excellent benefits that include a pension plan, a 401K Plan with 3% match, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Health and Dental coverage, Life Insurance, and Paid Time Off.  

Additional Information

• A background check will be conducted to verify information submitted on application.
• Please be sure that all information on application is correct and complete the application fully, do not say “see resume”.
• If application is not fully completed, we (Denver Water), will not accept your application.
• All positions require a Worker’s Compensation Background check.
• Denver Water is committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on Denver Water property at the main campus.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. 

Candidates must submit a completed Denver Water application in order to be considered.  Applications must include all of your relevant work experience as it is a legal document. Please do not use “see resume”. Cover Letters and resumes must be attached to the application as one (1) document.

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received. Denver Water reserves the right to either close or extend a posting. If you plan to apply, please do not wait until the posted closing date, June 15, 2018.

~ Denver Water is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment or business decisions. It also prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace or in its dealings with the public. The organization encourages and welcomes diversity of backgrounds in its workforce. Denver Water complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). ~