Description
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.
Description
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
We are seeking an Air Quality Compliance Engineer to support and lead complex technical and regulatory work across our facilities. This position may be filled at the Staff, Senior, or Principal level, depending on experience.
This is a hands-on engineering role where you will perform air quality and regulatory work from start to finish—developing defensible emissions calculations and inventories, preparing permit applications and compliance documentation, interpreting regulatory requirements, and evaluating equipment and process changes to ensure compliance with federal and Colorado air quality regulations.
You will work closely with operations and capital project teams to integrate environmental requirements into planning, design, construction, and implementation. You will also support regulatory engagement efforts, including rulemaking processes, by analyzing proposed and revised regulations and assessing impacts to operations, permitting, and compliance.
This role offers the opportunity to work in a stable, mission-critical environment supporting essential public infrastructure. The work is consistent, impactful, and supported by long-term regulatory drivers and capital programs—providing both job security and meaningful career growth.
In addition, we prioritize work-life balance, offering a supportive environment where high-quality work is valued without a culture of constant overtime. This allows you to build a rewarding career while maintaining balance outside of work.
While air quality compliance is the primary focus, this role also contributes to other environmental program areas as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
This position performs meaningful work that directly supports our mission to protect public health and the environment.
Why It's a Great Department:
This position is part of the Regulatory Compliance Division within the Environmental Services Department, a well-established and highly respected team supporting critical public infrastructure. Our work is essential, stable, and mission-driven—providing long-term career opportunities in a field that protects public health and the environment.
We offer a strong foundation of organizational stability, supported by consistent regulatory responsibilities, long-term capital planning, and sustained investment in environmental compliance programs. This creates a reliable environment where employees can build lasting careers and continue to grow professionally.
Our team culture emphasizes continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. We foster an environment that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing, while also supporting individual development and advancement.
We also value work-life balance and flexibility, recognizing that sustainable performance comes from supporting our employees both professionally and personally.
The Environmental Services Department includes Pretreatment, Laboratory Services, Data Quality and Sampling, and Water Quality Divisions—creating a diverse, collaborative, and technically rich workplace with opportunities to engage across multiple environmental disciplines. How to be Successful in the Role:
You will thrive in this role if you:
Bring strong knowledge of federal and Colorado Clean Air Act requirements
Are comfortable performing emissions calculations and compliance evaluations
Prepare clear, technically sound permit applications and regulatory submittals
Translate regulatory requirements into practical, implementable solutions
Communicate effectively with regulators and internal stakeholders
Work well in a hands-on, team-oriented environment
Adapt to a dynamic regulatory landscape while maintaining high-quality work
Mentor others and share technical expertise (Senior/Principal levels)
Hold a Colorado PE license or can obtain one via reciprocity (Senior/Principal preferred)
We value excellence, integrity, inclusion and collaboration, and we're looking for someone who shares these values.
Requirements
Qualifications
Staff Air Quality Compliance Engineer
Knowledge of:
-Principles and practices of environmental and process engineering related to wastewater treatment, solids handling, and conveyance systems, including fluid mechanics, material and energy balances, and process control
-Design and operational characteristics of common process equipment
-Engineering methodologies for evaluating process or equipment modifications, capacity changes, and implications for environmental compliance and facility design
-Federal, state, and local environmental regulatory programs and permit structures applicable to Metro’s facilities and operations
-Methods for identifying, interpreting, and applying environmental regulatory requirements and evaluating their implications for project design, operations, and compliance obligations
-Techniques for performing engineering and regulatory analyses supporting permitting, reporting, and design review
-Methods for evaluating pollutant fate and transport and for assessing environmental releases, including migration and mitigation strategies
-Standard practices in engineering design review, data management, quality assurance, and technical documentation
-Principles of data analysis, regulatory interpretation, and technical writing
Skilled at:
-Performing and supporting engineering and regulatory analyses related to multiple environmental programs
-Applying engineering judgment and regulatory frameworks to evaluate compliance requirements and develop technically defensible recommendations
-Performing engineering calculations involving fluid flow, mass and energy balances, process modeling, and treatment system performance analysis
-Reviewing and interpreting engineering plans, specifications, and processing documentation to identify potential compliance impacts
-Integrating regulatory requirements into project design, construction, and operational activities.
-Preparing clear, complete, and defensible technical and regulatory documentation
-Coordinating with engineers, scientists, and operators to collect, verify, and analyze data supporting compliance evaluations
-Communicating clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
-Using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis or visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Alteryx) to organize, analyze, and present technical information
Ability to:
-Apply engineering and regulatory principles with increasing independence to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory defensibility
-Identify applicable environmental regulatory requirements and evaluate their potential impact on project design, operation, and compliance obligations
-Evaluate and interpret engineering and scientific data to support compliance assessments, permit applications, and regulatory reporting
-Assess proposed process or operational changes for regulatory implications and provide technical recommendations
-Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to resolve technical and regulatory issues
-Communicate engineering and regulatory concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
-Represent Metro effectively and professionally in technical discussions and internal meetings
-Operate Metro vehicles legally, travel to all facilities, and work outside normal business hours as required
-Establish and maintain effective working relationships
-Effective communication and presentation methods for technical and non-technical audiences
-Learn and use common data analytics and visualization software tools (e.g. Alteryx, Microsoft Power BI, etc.)
-Develop specialization in either Water or Air Quality Engineering and Compliance to meet business needs
-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
Education, Licenses, and Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in chemical, environmental, mechanical, civil or other related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university. Enrollment as an Engineer Intern (EI) in the State of Colorado or, if registered in another state, must apply for reciprocity in CO. A valid driver’s license. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Senior Air Quality Compliance Engineer
Knowledge of:
-Principles and practices of environmental and process engineering, including the design, evaluation, and modification of emission monitoring and control systems, air pollution abatement equipment, and process ventilation and exhaust systems
-Advanced knowledge of regulatory and technical requirements of the federal and CAA/CO, including Title V operating permits, construction permitting, New -Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP/MACT), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), -New Source Review (NSR), and Colorado AQCC/APCD rules and policies
-General knowledge of federal and Colorado environmental regulations applicable to industrial or wastewater treatment facilities including Resource -Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and Underground Storage Tank (UST) requirements
-Colorado professional engineering laws and regulations governing the preparation, signing, and sealing of engineering documents
-Best practices in engineering design review, technical quality assurance, and documentation for regulatory defensibility
-Basic project management including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and change management
Skilled at:
-Engineering methodologies for evaluating process and equipment modifications, emission control designs, stack parameters, and applicability under CAA/CO air permitting frameworks
-Conducting emission estimation and analysis of atmospheric fate and transport for evaluating potential air quality impacts and supporting permitting decisions
-Applying engineering judgment to evaluate process or equipment modifications, control device performance, and capital project impacts under CAA/CO air permitting, and related federal and state guidance
-Conducting and interpreting technical and regulatory analyses supporting Title V permit renewals, construction permits, emission inventories, and air dispersion modeling for compliance assurance.
-Preparing or reviewing permit applications and compliance documents
-Writing clear, defensible technical reports and communicating complex engineering and regulatory concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
-Using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to conduct analyses and prepare reports
Ability to:
-Independently implement assigned air compliance program elements in accordance with Metro’s approved compliance strategy
-Assisting with management of consultant work and ensuring technical deliverables meet CAA/CO related regulatory requirements
-Mentoring engineers and providing technical guidance on air quality compliance engineering
-Provide input on air regulatory interpretations, emission control design evaluations, and compliance strategies to management, operational and project teams
-Collaborate effectively across departments and with regulators, as assigned, to resolve technical and compliance challenges
-Develop and maintain a solid understanding of Metro’s facilities, treatment processes and operations
-For environmental program areas outside of assigned focus, accurately identify, read, interpret and understand regulations and policies, and applicability and impacts to Metro. Perform engineering analyses as necessary. Make recommendations regarding compliance approaches and solutions.
-Support the development of technical input for rulemakings, policies, or guidance affecting water permitting or compliance
-Support the integration of technical analyses into Metro’s policy development and rulemaking participation activities and provide input to support defensible positions
-Represent Metro effectively in technical and regulatory discussions with external agencies.
-Operate Metro vehicles legally, travel to all facilities, and work outside normal business hours as required
-Establish and maintain effective working relationships
-Learn and use common data analytics and visualization software tools (e.g. Alteryx, Microsoft Power BI, etc.)
-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
-Effectively plan and manage work
Education, Licenses and Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in chemical, environmental, mechanical, civil or other related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Colorado. If registered as a PE in another state, must apply for PE reciprocity in Colorado. A valid driver’s license. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Principal Air Quality Compliance Engineer
Knowledge of:
-Advanced principles and practices of environmental and process engineering, including the design, evaluation, and modification of emission monitoring and control systems, air pollution abatement equipment, and process ventilation and exhaust systems
-Federal and Colorado environmental regulations applicable to Metro’s operations and facilities
-Comprehensive and expert-level knowledge of the regulatory and technical requirements of CAA/CO, including Title V operating permits, construction permitting, New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP/MACT), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), New Source Review (NSR), and Colorado AQCC/APCD rules and policies
-Federal and Colorado environmental rulemaking and policy-development processes
-Methods for air dispersion modeling, emission estimation, and analysis of atmospheric fate and transport for evaluating potential air quality impacts and supporting permitting decisions
-Best practices in engineering design review, technical quality assurance, and documentation for regulatory defensibility
-Principles of professional engineering judgment and certification as applied to regulatory submittals such as air permit applications, compliance demonstrations and SPCC plans
-Colorado professional engineering laws and regulations governing the preparation, signing, and sealing of engineering documents
-Project and consultant management principles as applied to technical engineering and regulatory work
-Effective technical writing, presentation, and communication strategies for regulatory and technical audiences
Skilled at:
-Leading, performing, and reviewing complex and highly technical engineering and regulatory analyses related to the Clean Air Act establishing analytical approaches and ensuring defensibility of results.
-Applying advanced engineering judgment to evaluate process or equipment modifications, control device performance, and capital project impacts under CAA/CO permitting, and related federal and state guidance
-Conducting and interpreting technical analyses supporting Title V permit renewals, construction permits, emission inventories, and air dispersion modeling for compliance assurance
-Preparing or reviewing permit applications and compliance documents, including emissions calculations and regulatory applicability determinations, to ensure accuracy and defensibility.
-Planning, coordinating and managing complex work assignments
-Leading and performing evaluations of treatment process or facility changes and developing defensible recommendations for maintaining compliance
-Managing consultant work and ensuring technical deliverables meet CAA/CO regulatory requirements
-Mentoring engineers and providing advanced technical guidance on air quality compliance engineering
-Writing clear, defensible technical reports and communicating complex engineering and regulatory concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
-Using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to conduct analyses and prepare reports
-Active and empathic listening skills
-Training and mentoring staff
-Managing disagreements, de-escalating conflict, and negotiating win-win solutions
-Project management including work planning, resource allocation and progress reviews through project completion
Ability to:
-Serve as Metro’s subject-matter expert on CAA/CO compliance engineering and apply that expertise to regulatory, design, and operational decision support
-Develop and maintain a solid understanding of Metro’s facilities, treatment processes and operations
-Develop sufficient knowledge and expertise to review, sign, and stamp Metro’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
-Perform and lead detailed engineering evaluations to ensure compliance with Title V, construction permitting, and other CAA/CO requirements
-Evaluate engineering designs, operational changes, and proposed projects for air permit applicability and compliance implications
-Provide expert advice on air regulatory interpretations, emission control design evaluations, and compliance strategies to management and project teams
-Collaborate effectively across departments and with regulators, as assigned, to resolve technical and compliance challenges
-Integrate technical analyses into Metro’s policy development and rulemaking participation activities and provide expert-level input to support defensible positions
-Represent Metro effectively in technical and regulatory discussions with external agencies
-Operate Metro vehicles legally, travel to all facilities, and work outside normal business hours as required
-Establish and maintain effective working relationships
-Learn and use common data analytics and visualization software tools (e.g. Alteryx, Microsoft Power BI, etc.)
-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
-Implement and enforce policies and procedures fairly and consistently
-Effectively supervise staff
-For environmental program areas outside of assigned focus, accurately identify, read, interpret and understand regulations and policies, and applicability and impacts to Metro. Perform engineering analyses as necessary. Make recommendations regarding compliance approaches and solutions. Coordinate across environmental programs to ensure that permitting, reporting, and compliance decisions under one regulatory framework (e.g., CAA, CWA, RCRA, EPCRA) do not create conflicts or gaps under another
Education, Licenses, and Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in chemical, environmental, mechanical, civil or other related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Colorado. If registered as a PE in another state, must apply for PE reciprocity in Colorado.
A valid driver’s license. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Working Conditions
Typical Work Environment
Variety of floor surfaces including concrete, gravel, asphalt, dirt, tile, loose stones, uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, and wet surfaces; Inside environment; Outside environment all year in all weather conditions and temperatures; Residential and Commercial Wastewater/Biosolids; Chemicals; Lighting conditions including natural light, fluorescent, head lamps, incandescent, and low light; and low light; Vibration; Moving equipment; Work in confined spaces
Body Position Demands
Standing; Walking; Climbing stairs; Climbing ladders; Reaching forward and overhead; Balancing; Object handling; Simple hand/ Firm hand grasping; Operating controls; Sitting; Stooping; Kneeling; Crouching; Crawling; Typing; Fine hand coordination
Physical Demands(max forces are expected to be infrequent)
Max Weight Lifted: 50 lbs
Max Weight Carried: 50 lbs
Max Force Pushed: 94 lbs
Max Force Pulled: 100 lbs
Sensory Requirements
Wide field of view; Perception - Spatial; Olfactory (Smelling); Vision - Near; Depth perception; Color discrimination; Perception - Form; Feeling without seeing; Speaking; Vision - near and far; Hearing
