Colorado Department of Transportation

Department Information

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

Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.

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.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Medical, Vision and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

For more detailed information, please visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits

About Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC):

The mission of the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is to regulate the development and production of the natural resources of oil and gas in the state of Colorado in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. Our agency seeks to serve, solicit participation from, and maintain working relationships with all those having an interest in Colorado's oil and gas natural resources.

The Cumulative Impacts & Energy Transition (CI-ET) Unit leads the agency’s efforts to develop and implement clean energy programs, including deep geothermal (GT), that support the state’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables in order to meet Colorado’s goals of 100% renewable grid energy by 2040 and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The CI-ET Unit also leads the agency’s efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse cumulative impacts, including climate impacts, through the development of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and other decarbonization and emissions-reduction programs, including reductions in emissions and other impacts caused by oil and gas. The CI-ET Unit also supports local and tribal governments in the development of wind and solar projects. CI-ET’s programs and projects are delivered through a lens of environmental justice and equity, energy reliability and accessibility, and in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources for both traditional and clean energy development.

Description of Job

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

Position Summary:

This position supports emerging energy programs involving the development of geothermal (GT) and carbon capture and storage (CCS). This position applies geological, hydrological, and engineering theories, principles, and models in the administration of deep geothermal resources and the sequestration of captured carbon.

Support CCS and Geothermal Program Development: Assist in the development and implementation of mechanics and processes associated with carbon sequestration and deep geothermal programs for permitting and reporting.

• Determine when new geothermal or CCS permitting and reporting electronic forms should be developed or existing forms should be modified.
• Provide input on database requirements or modification needs, and determine how to prioritize and implement any necessary changes by coordinating with appropriate staff and stakeholders.
• Determine best practices for data sharing, analysis, display, etc.
• Identify gaps in reporting requirements for carbon sequestration and deep geothermal projects and develop for recommendation to leadership potential protocols that reach beyond standard permitting and completion details.
• Determine best practices for creating and updating a dedicated CCS and/or Deep Geothermal landing page on the ECMC website.
• Support program funding and applicable federal grants by identifying potential updates and communications that should be delivered.
• Help maintain reporting and collaborate with the EPA.
• Assist other staff identifying the types of data that should be collected during the lifecycle of CCS and Deep Geothermal projects, and support efforts to structure, access, and report data effectively, then determine the prioritization and best practices for implementing those forms development or redesign.

Permit Application Support for Carbon Sequestration and Deep Geothermal Project: Support the evaluation, drafting, and editing of carbon sequestration or deep geothermal permits. This includes assisting with environmental, technical, and policy writing, and helping review documents for completeness and accuracy.

• Requires familiarity with, or the ability to become proficient in, ECMC’s electronic forms processing, wellbore construction, facility requirements, surface impacts, risk mitigation, and associated activities at carbon sequestration and deep geothermal facilities.
• Determine if, and how, a permit application fails to meet ECMC rule requirements.
• Determine if an operator correctly interprets rules and regulations and when additional consultation is necessary; determine who should participate in the consultation.
• Develop recommendations for permitting actions and determine when to provide input to senior staff for decision making.

Research and Study Support: Provide scientific support for development and implementation of deep geothermal and CCS regulations, programs, other emerging industries, and associated studies.

• Review scientific literature, conference proceedings, technical work proposals, and keep apprised of program developments, study needs, and provide information and testimony as required.
• Assist in research, writing, scoping, and proposal development as needed. Manage documents or sources that pertain to studies or rulemaking as references.
• Survey other state and federal agencies for evolving rules and regulations that may impact geothermal or CCS development in Colorado and beyond; determine which cases or examples should be reported to the GT/CCS Supervisor and explored further.
• Determine the best resources to find relevant and current data in answering information requests or conducting research.
• Establish the right cadence in communication to assure studies, rulemaking, and other time-defined projects will progress timely.
• Collect and compile relevant documents in a navigable document management system, and determine when to cull, update, or expand data as needed. Determine who needs access to the information and ensure access is properly granted (or restricted).

Industry Monitoring, Interagency Collaboration, and Outreach: This position will seek to stay current in industry technologies and practices, share information and collaborate with other state and federal agencies (including CDPHE, DWR, and EPA), and support outreach efforts with the Commission, operators and the regulated community, and other stakeholders.

• Survey industry to identify and track developing technologies, trends, or systems that may affect ECMC regulatory needs; determine which cases should be elevated to the GT/CCS Supervisor for additional exploration.
• Determine when outside stakeholders such as the public, other state agencies, other states, and/or federal partners should be consulted when new or unique industry technologies or practices should be considered by ECMC

Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. Relevant experience may include work in one or more of the following areas:

• Energy sector operations or regulation, including oil and gas, geothermal, or carbon capture and sequestration.
• Permitting, regulatory compliance, or environmental assessment for energy or subsurface resource projects.
• Data management or analysis related to environmental, geological, or energy-related datasets.
• Scientific research or technical writing in a relevant field (e.g., geology, hydrogeology, or environmental sciences).

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Data Science, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in the following equal to six years.

• Energy sector operations or regulation, including oil and gas, geothermal, or carbon capture and sequestration.
• Permitting, regulatory compliance, or environmental assessment for energy or subsurface resource projects.
• Data management or analysis related to environmental, geological, or energy-related datasets.
• Scientific research or technical writing in a relevant field (e.g., geology, hydrogeology, or environmental sciences).

Class Code: Physical Science Researcher/Scientist

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related field with coursework or research relevant to oil and gas, geothermal energy, or carbon capture and sequestration.
• Professional experience in oil and gas, geothermal energy, carbon capture and sequestration, or a related energy sector, including direct work with permitting, regulatory compliance, operations, or project management.
• Demonstrated expertise in data management and analysis, including experience designing, modifying, or maintaining forms and databases for environmental or energy related data, preferably in oil and gas, geothermal, or CCS contexts.
• Proficiency in scientific research and technical writing, with a track record of producing reports, proposals, or publications related to energy or environmental sciences and presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of ECMC rules and regulations and regulatory processes.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, including working with regulatory bodies, industry partners, or community stakeholders to develop or implement energy programs.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and deliverables in a technical or regulatory environment.
• Familiarity with wellbore construction, energy operations, or risk mitigation strategies specific to geothermal or CCS projects, including surface and subsurface impacts

Conditions of Employment:

• Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
• A current & valid Driver's license is required for operating a state vehicle and occasional travel is anticipated. May travel for field work or meetings, including overnight.
• May require occasional weekend or evening work.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

The Assessment Process

• All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
• 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 will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
• Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important todocument in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
• Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
• This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

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 Department of Natural Resources 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 dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us

ADAAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request accommodation, please contact our Benefits Specialist at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

E-Verify

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

Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.

The Department of Natural Resources 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.

Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues. Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

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