Environmental Protection Specialist III, Water Quality - Durango

Salary: $88,980.00 - $97,872.00 Annually
Location : Durango, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: CDOT Region 5
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 3803 North Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: emily.harp@state.co.us
Type of Announcement: The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
Hiring Pay Rate: The 2026 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information
Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

• New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

Description of Job
About the Work Unit

The Region 5 Planning and Environmental Team provides support to design, construction and maintenance personnel for environmental analysis, permits and mitigation throughout southwestern Colorado. This includes ensuring that the legal requirements of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental protection laws, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) policies and procedures are adequately addressed for region programs. This team works to ensure that the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the transportation system is conducted in a manner which helps preserve the environmental resources within the Region.
About the Position

As the Environmental Protection Specialist III, you will serve as a water quality resource lead and expert for the Region 5 Environmental Team and also support the Region Planning and Environmental Manager (RPEM), environmental staff, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the engineering programs during the most critical phases of the project completion, construction and maintenance.
Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following

• Support the RPEM with administering the regional water quality program.
• Determine need for, obtain and deactivate permits, such as the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) stormwater permit.
• Manage the construction stormwater program to ensure the protection of state waters.
• Conduct CDPS stormwater permit audits and advise staff and contractors on compliance with water quality requirements, including Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation and repairs.
• Complete paperwork and maintain records for the water quality program, advise maintenance on all open CDPS permits and conduct and coordinate post-construction inspections, complete necessary paperwork, and provide maintenance oversight.
• Ensure compliance with other environmental commitments unrelated to water quality, as appropriate.
• Perform environmental planning and management of construction and maintenance programs, along with access and utility permits, to determine the NEPA categorical exclusion type for project clearance.
• Manage CatEx NEPA project clearances, and assist with larger NEPA projects.
• Ensure incorporation of all applicable federal, state and local agency laws and permitting such as Section 404, SB 40, and stormwater construction permits.
• Advise and clarify environmental requirements with CDOT design engineers and consultants.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Primarily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday with the opportunity for flexible work hours.
• After a training period, you will likely work a hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office and remote work.
• Travel required throughout southwest Colorado to attend meetings, training, and to conduct project site visits.
• May require working extended hours in evenings and weekends to attend meetings or training
• Occasionally required to travel out of town with overnight stays.
• Approximately 40% spent in the field, 60% spent in the office
• Required to operate CDOT vehicles
• Required to perform some work over variable terrain, in all weather conditions, and in proximity to heavy traffic

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only:

• At least 8 years of full-time professional experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, hydrologic science, water resources, natural resources, biology, urban planning, construction management, or other work related to the major duties of this position, which included at least 4 years of experience with a focus in stormwater management, water quality, and/or hydrology.

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least 8 years.
  
  • Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in environmental science, environmental engineering, hydrologic science, water resources, natural resources, biology, urban planning, construction management, or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.
  • Experience with a focus in stormwater management, water quality, and/or hydrology will be considered.

Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. "See Resume" statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section.
• A current valid driver's license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Theexceptional applicantwill possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;
• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;
• State of Colorado Certificate for a Transportation Erosion Control Supervisor;
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, implement, and maintain a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP);
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with construction stormwater management inspections;
• Familiarity with a broad range of water quality laws, rules, and regulations, such as those with local agencies CDPHE, EPA, and FHWA regulations, etc.;
• Ability to teach, explain, demonstrate, and clarify stormwater plans, specifications and regulations to a variety of construction staff;
• Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking ability;
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects in a fast paced, demanding environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills;
• Working effectively as both independent self-initiator and interactive problem-solving in team situations;
• Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem solving ability;
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral;
• Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;
• Experience with electronic stormwater permitting software;
• Experience with CDOT stormwater management field inspection is a plus;
• Passion for safety;
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Supplemental Information
Applicant Checklist
Complete Applications must include the following documents:

1. A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
2. A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
3. A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.
4. A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.
5. If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), your name, and the name of your school, or your official NACES credential evaluation report. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
6. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.