Environmental Sampling Technician/ Specialist I

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO - a nationally recognized leader among clean water utilities, provides wastewater conveyance and treatment services for more than 2 million people in the Denver Metro area.

At Metro, we help you be your best so we can do our best. You will join a team that offers stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a difference. We take pride in being part of an industry-leading team who serves the community by protecting the region's health and environment.

This is a posting to fill two specific shifts working four 10-hour days per week: One Sunday-Wednesday shift and one Wednesday-Saturday shift

Why it's a Great Opportunity:

We are seeking environmental sampling professionals to join our growing sampling team. In either the Environmental Sampling Technician or Specialist I role, you will have the opportunity to support Metro's environmental compliance and annual charge programs, as well as wastewater treatment operations. These positions involve working with fellow sampling personnel in the field and making a real environmental impact within a technical environment.

Your work will consist of sampling both at our wastewater treatment plants and at metering stations/industrial sites across our Denver Metro service area. Specifically, you will be involved in sampling activities to meet strict regulatory and scientific standards while following established safety protocols. You will be responsible for the maintenance and calibration of sampling equipment, inventory of sampling supplies, and dropping off samples at contract laboratories. This role allows you to contribute to SOP development and associated workflows, support internal stakeholders, aid in problem-solving challenges, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives in a new and growing division.

These two positions (Environmental Sampling Technician and Specialist I) are part of a job series offering significant reclassification and promotional opportunities, with multiple higher levels allowing potential for ample career growth. Additionally, staff enjoy flexible work schedules with the ability to swap shifts with other team members.

Overall, it's an opportunity to contribute to high-impact sampling work that ensures reliable environmental data, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence for Metro, while supporting our mission to protect the region's public health and environment.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Environmental Sampling Team is situated within the Quality Assurance and Sampling Division of the Environmental Services Department. Our department has a terrific culture that is built on continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and fun. We believe in fostering a work environment that encourages teamwork, problem solving, creativity, and personal growth. Our team members have the opportunity to work on meaningful assignments and contribute to making a difference across Metro. The Environmental Services Department also includes the Pretreatment, Laboratory Services, Regulatory Compliance, and Water Quality Divisions, making it a dynamic and diverse work environment.

How to be Successful in the Role:

• Have an understanding of environmental sampling protocols
• Can take a detailed-oriented approach to daily tasks, with an emphasis on thorough documentation and effective communication
• Enjoy problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Can diligently follow SOPs to ensure accurate and compliant work
• Work effectively with other team members to meet the needs of various stakeholders
• Enjoy working outside and travelling to different field locations
• Are comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Are safety-oriented

We value excellence, integrity, inclusion, and collaboration, and we're looking for people who share these values.

This position will be filled at one of the following levels depending upon the candidate's qualifications:

Environmental Sampling Technician ($28.21 - $39.35 Hourly)

Performs entry-level environmental field sampling and related technical work in support of Metro's environmental compliance and Annual Charge programs. Work is performed under direction and established sampling procedures. The position reports to the Environmental Sampling Manager (ESM).

Environmental Sampling Specialist I ($30.47 - $42.50 Hourly)

Performs routine and moderately complex environmental field sampling and related technical work in support of Metro's environmental compliance and Annual Charge programs. Follows sampling guidelines and SOPs. The position reports to the Environmental Sampling Manager (ESM).

Examples of Duties

This position is being posted at multiple levels. For Examples of Duties, please select the appropriate job description below and wait for pop-up on the right of the screen.

Qualifications

Environmental Sampling Technician Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of:

• General office processes and procedures
• MS Office (or equivalent, e.g. Google) software

Skilled at:

• Reading and following detailed, multi-step instructions
• Performing basic mathematical calculations
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Utilizing technology to seek and share resources and information
• Effectively communicating verbally and in writing

Ability to:

• Work rotating and/or set shifts that may include weekend, holiday and overnight shifts and possible overtime
• Following completion of training for an assigned task, successfully perform the task without assistance
• Demonstrate good time management and accountability
• Wear correct PPE and follow safety procedures (steel-toed shoes, hard hats, etc.)
• Legally and safely drive a Metro motor vehicle throughout Metro's service area, including during periods of inclement weather
• Adherent to policies and procedures
• Document observations and other information via handwritten and digital methods
• Learn and apply (e.g. perform) detailed sample collection, storage and transport and associated documentation, including formal chain-of-custody procedures
• Following completion of training, successfully operate and clean automatic sampling equipment and field measurement instrumentation, and perform support tasks as assigned for calibrating and maintaining equipment and instrumentation
• Assist with the development and updating of standard operating procedures
• Effectively adapt and operate with evolving and fluid priorities and/or other requirements
• Work in a team environment
• Learn environmental water, wastewater, air, biosolids, and/or soils sampling methods
• At all times, including periods of inclement weather, excluding areas requiring formal confined space entry procedures, physically access and navigate all areas of Metro's facilities and properties while wearing applicable personal protective equipment
• Establish and maintain good working relationships
• Maintain emotional control under ambiguous and stressful circumstances

Education High school diploma or GED. A valid driver's license is required.

Environmental Sampling Specialist I Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of:

• General office processes and procedures
• MS Office (or equivalent, e.g. Google) software
• Safety and confined space entry procedures for wastewater treatment plant, collection system and industrial environments

Skilled at:

• Perform detailed sample collection, storage and transport and associated documentation, including formal chain-of-custody procedures
• Successfully operate and clean automatic sampling equipment and field measurement instrumentation, and perform support tasks as assigned for calibrating and maintaining equipment and instrumentation
• Reading and following detailed, multi-step instructions
• Demonstrate good time management and accountability
• Performing basic mathematical calculations
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Utilizing technology to seek and share resources and information
• Effectively communicating verbally and in writing

Ability to:

• Work rotating and/or set shifts that may include weekend, holiday and overnight shifts and possible overtime
• Following completion of training for an assigned task, successfully perform the task without assistance
• Begin to use independent judgement when troubleshooting on-site challenges or situations
• Maintaining, installing (setting-up, programming), troubleshooting, and repairing automatic sampling equipment and instrumentation
• Wear correct PPE and follow safety procedures (steel-toed shoes, hard hats, etc.)
• Legally and safely drive a Metro motor vehicle throughout Metro's service area, including