Superfund / Brownfields Unit Leader - 01844

Work Unit
This work unit exists to protect human health and the environment through the evaluation of potential or confirmed releases of hazardous substances and remediation of sites under federal or state authority. Projects in this work unit progress through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) process, to include site discovery; site assessment; remedial investigation; alternatives analysis; decision documentation; remedial design; remedial action; and operation and maintenance. The unit works as a lead or supporting agency with the United States Environmental Protection Agency under CERCLA. Projects in this work unit also include Brownfields and those being addressed under the State of Colorado’s Voluntary Cleanup and Redevelopment Program (VCUP). The work unit seeks and fosters public involvement in selecting and implementing remedial actions which are: protective of human health and the environment; consistent with federal and state laws and policies; and technically sound, cost effective, and timely

Job Description

This position supervises, coaches, and manages the five-person Superfund and Brownfields Unit. Its primary purpose is to lead the unit's efforts in investigating and responding to potential or confirmed releases of hazardous substances. This includes: (a) evaluating sites for suitability to enter the Brownfields program, eligibility for removal actions, or potential addition to the National Priorities List; (b) initiating response actions through other federal or state-authorized cleanup programs; and (c) determining when no further response is necessary. The position supervises and guides staff to ensure all site evaluations and actions align with Superfund, Brownfields, and/or VCUP guidance and policy. This role ensures that work is consistent with federal and state laws and policies, is in accordance with plans and specifications, and that remedies remain intact and institutional controls are maintained. The position is responsible for affecting policy decisions, providing contractor oversight, drafting budget estimates, negotiating financial agreements, and representing the State in policy and technical negotiations. It also coordinates policy, administrative, and technical positions between other agencies of the state.

• Professional level experience which included environmental, regulatory, project management, or consulting experience which included regulatory compliance and/or enforcement related activities related to environmental health which provided the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired in the required education may substitute for the degree on a year-for year basis.
• Additional education from an accredited college or university in engineering, environmental science, environmental law or a related field may substitute for the professional experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Experience communicating both orally and in writing to a wide range of partners,
• Relevant years of State service shall be considered,
• Experience in staff supervision,
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, statutes, and policies, as well as the specific areas of authority for various agencies, as they relate specifically to cleanups under CERCLA.
• Ability to mediate contentious situations and align staff and project teams to meet collective goals,
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and effective listening skills,
• Experience in developing, tracking, and managing budgets,
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with keen attention to detail,
• Skilled at adapting to a changing work environment, requiring acceptance of new challenges and opportunities,
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including coaching, conflict resolution, facilitation, and negotiation,
• Strong organization and project management skills, with an ability to multi-task,
• Self-motivated,
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diverse viewpoints as well as different communication and work styles in a multi-cultural and inter-generational environment,
• Ability to identify and creatively resolve issues, while exercising appropriate judgment,
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all partners and leadership,
• Ability to drive and support group, customer, and program initiatives,
• Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations,
• Ability to analyze and present information to management in a way that enables good business decisions, and  
• Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team.

• Ability to travel for site visits, attend meetings and training.
• A pre-employment  background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Should your background check reveal any charges and convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Human Resources office with an official disposition of any charges.

1. A completed State of Colorado application submitted online via colorado.gov/jobs by the application deadline.
2. A cover letter.
3. A copy of your transcripts, if using education to substitute for experience. (unofficial copies accepted)
4. Completed supplemental questionnaire. 

1. 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. 
2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
   1. 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. 
3. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.