| Location | Denver, CO |
OMI Pipeline Safety Inspector (Environmental Prot. Spec. II): DORA/Public Utilities Commission
Salary
$76,860.00 - $92,220.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
SGA-5148-10/26
Department
Department of Regulatory Agencies
Division
Public Utilities Commission
Opening Date
11/02/2026
Closing Date
11/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
1560 N Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
Department Contact Information
Gregory Washington: Gregory.Washington@state.co.us
Hiring Pay Rate
The salary range posted for this position is $6,405 - $7,685/monthly; although a salary range is listed, hiring salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidates qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
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
Hybrid Workplace Arrangement:
Although this position will be designated under the department's hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business need.
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.
Consumer protection is our mission.
DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission.
Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail.
Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more!
Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.
Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.
Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.
Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.
Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Tuition assistance program.
Check out our excellent benefits package!
Description of Job
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state.
The purpose of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) Pipeline Safety Program (PSP) is to administer a statewide hazardous gas pipeline safety program certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (U.S. DOT; PHMSA) through the enforcement of federal and state rules and regulations. The program exists to protect the health and safety of Colorado citizens' life, property, and the environment from the risks of hazardous materials transportation via pipeline. The PSP program supports the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies' mission of consumer protection and endeavours to ensure the safe operation of all jurisdictional pipelines by verifying that operators are complying with state and federal pipeline safety regulations. The PSP acts as the PUC's expert in developing, recommending, and maintaining appropriate pipeline safety regulations focused on the goal of minimizing the risks to public health, safety, and the environment that may be posed by hazardous materials pipeline operations.
The PSP performs comprehensive and detailed safety audits and investigations of jurisdictional hazardous gas pipeline operators to identify violations of pipeline safety regulations. The primary process for these audits is the risk-based inspection of the programs, procedures, processes, records, and facilities of jurisdictional intrastate hazardous gas pipelines. These include natural gas transmission, distribution, gathering, petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and master metered pipeline systems. The PSP ensures minimum compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations, minimizes the public safety impact of any violation of these regulations, and prevents recurrence of any violation of these regulations through: 1) educating jurisdictional pipeline operators on pipeline safety regulations, standards, and best practices. 2) Interacting with and exchanging information with other safety and environmental agencies in Colorado, e.g., PHMSA Western Region, COGCC, and CDPHE. 3) Issuing appropriate compliance actions against violators, including developing action plans and metrics to remedy the violation and/or recommending that the Commission issue a Civil Penalty against the operator.
Position: SGA 5148
The OMI (Operations, Maintenance, and Inspection) Pipeline Safety Inspector position exists to conduct inspections of pipeline compliance through standard and field inspections, participate in and share lessons learned in damage prevention discussions in areas of higher pipeline damage, participate in regional Damage Prevention Councils, review excavation damage metrics from available Colorado 811 and PUC data, perform public awareness program evaluations, and assist staff in presentations to the affected stakeholders through operator training. In addition, this position has administrative responsibilities involving auditable documentation required by the work unit to determine the compliance or non-compliance of the operators/contractors assigned to this position and work group guidelines.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Inspecting pipeline operator facilities (e.g., pipelines, pressure control facilities, compressor stations, etc.) and observing field operations, maintenance, and construction activities to verify compliance with applicable pipeline safety regulations;
Reviewing operator procedural manuals and operator performance records of tasks listed in the procedures;
Auditing jurisdictional pipeline operators' procedures, processes, and records to verify compliance with applicable pipeline safety regulations (known in the work unit as a "Standard Inspection");
Training or facilitating training of pipeline operators on applicable pipeline safety regulations, industry standards, and industry best practices to foster collaborative and consistent approaches to regulatory compliance;
Identifying areas of non-compliance/deficiency and initiating appropriate course of remedy: Operator training, Request for Information and/or follow-up in-depth inspection, compliance action (Warning, Notice of Probable Violation, Corrective Action Order);
Reviewing operator procedures for completeness to perform, record, and verify safety compliance activities in accordance with Colorado pipeline safety regulations and/or established industry practices.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):
There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience
Option 1: Experience
Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience
Associate's Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in applied science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental policy, environmental studies, mathematics, or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
Four (4) years of relevant full-time professional* work experience in oil and gas inspection, safety compliance industry, public sector, and/or in a government agency, including experience with auditing, quality control, and/or investigating transit-related work (i.e accidents, incidents, occurrences, and hazards).
OR
Bachelor's Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in applied science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental policy, environmental studies, mathematics, or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
Two (2) years of relevant full-time professional* work experience in oil and gas inspection, safety compliance industry, public sector, and/or in a government agency, including experience with auditing, quality control, and/or investigating transit-related work (i.e accidents, incidents, occurrences, and hazards).
Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part-time experience will be prorated.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Partial credit toward the degree requirement will be given for completed college/university coursework that did not result in a degree. A masters or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for the bachelors degree requirement.
Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelors or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and applications and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications, and methods.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience working in a state government position working to support a public safety program by ensuring compliance with program safety standards;
Demonstrated professional* experience in reading, understanding, interpreting, applying, and explaining laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
Experience working with and knowledge of the industries and entities regulated by the PUC (i.e., energy and water utilities and facilities, gas pipeline safety, etc.);
Completion of U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) training, Qualification (TQ) certification, and/or computer-based training (CBT) through the federal pipeline safety program;
Demonstrated experience conducting audits of written programs to ensure compliance with regulations;
Pipeline compliance experience, including completing compliance follow-up as necessary to achieve operator compliance with pipeline safety regulations;
Demonstrated experience documenting operator and system parameters affecting compliance and risk (e.g., maps, operating pressures, pipeline vintage, operating characteristics, state of compliance programs, etc.);
Demonstrated experience performing field verification inspections on units based on GPS and section identification of areas of concern/increased risk/emerging issues;
Master's degree in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, or public health.
Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):
Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;
Demonstrated attention to detail;
Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
Demonstrated experience conducting research and gathering pertinent information;
Demonstrated prioritization skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and managing work assignments;
Interpersonal Skills, including working as part of a team;
Demonstrated ability to demonstrate technical expertise in front of authorities;
Demonstrated time management skills, including the ability to multi-task to effectively manage competing and constantly changing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;
Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;
Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor;
Integrity and high ethical standards;
Accountability, reliability, including attendance;
Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;
Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
Demonstrated professional demeanor;
Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).
Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.
The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, a review of job-related public information, etc.
The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor.
This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including staying over weekends when required, and the ability to transport equipment, including, but not limited to, laptop computers, printers, manuals, and supplies.
Supplemental Information
PLEASE READ - Required Application Materials
Interested individuals must submit the following online:
A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.
A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com and '@state.co.us' addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.
A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.
Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review
Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
Part of the comparative analysis process and/or the interview process may be conducted through remote video conferencing (i.e., Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)
Veterans' Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.
PLEASE NOTE: Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness. Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates.
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.
ADAAA Accommodations: DORA 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 dora_adacoordinator@state.co.us.
Check out our excellent benefits package!
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES
While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.
Appeal Rights:
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 acknowledgment 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 Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
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 agencys 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.
01
DORA Q1: Please provide your Social Security Number. NOTE: This information will be kept strictly confidential and is only accessible to Human Resources Personnel.
02
DORA Q2: Are you a current or previous State of Colorado employee? Enter "yes" or "no" in the space provided. If "yes", enter 1) the State agency name, 2) dates of employment, and 3) your official classification title.
03
DORA Q3: If you are a current or former State of Colorado classified employee, have you ever been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation)? NOTE: Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-6, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application. Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.
04
DORA Q4: Current or Former Classified Employees: Are you a transfer, non-disciplinary (voluntary) demotion, or reinstatement applicant?
05
DORA Q5: VETERANS PREFERENCE NOTE: If you are not eligible for/seeking Veterans Preference, please skip down to the bottom and select option "N/A". REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 reflecting dates of service, type of discharge, and, if appropriate, a campaign badge or service medal. If information regarding a campaign badge or service medal is necessary to award preference points and is not reflected on the DD214, other documents reflecting the grade or medal must be provided. Other types of documentation may be required for ten point preference. Note 1: For a complete list of service dates and campaigns used in awarding preference points visit: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm Note 2: Medal holders and Gulf War veterans who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty on or after October 14, 1982, without having previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty; must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. Note 3: Effective October 1, 1980, military retirees at or above the rank of major or equivalent, are not entitled to preference unless they qualify as disabled veterans. Reservists who are retired from the Reserves but are not receiving retirement pay are not considered "retired military" for purposes of veterans preference. REMINDER: Proof of eligibility must be provided before points are allowed. Please attach documentation to your application. If you have not done so, please go back and do so now. Veterans Preference points WILL NOT be applied without the appropriate documentation. PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
06
DORA Q6: Part of the required application materials includes a detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this. Q: Have you included this cover letter as an attachment to your application? (If not, you may go back and do so now). Yes, I have attached the required cover letter explaining how I meet the required competencies and how my accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make me a good fit for this position; I may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this. No, I have not attached the required cover letter to my application. Note: I understand that failure to include this information and follow instructions may prevent me from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
07
DORA Q7: Do you currently possess an associates or bachelors degree in applied science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental policy, environmental studies, mathematics, or a field of study directly related to the work assignment? If so, please list the type of degree below.
08
DORA Q8: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following minimum qualifications: Six (6) years of relevant full-time professional* work experience in oil and gas inspection, safety compliance industry, public sector, and/or in a government agency, including experience with auditing, quality control, and/or investigating transit-related work (i.e accidents, incidents, occurrences, and hazards). Note: If you answered yes to DORA Q7 with a completed associates degree, the experience requirement is four (4) years. If you answered yes to DORA Q7 with a completed bachelors degree, the experience requirement is two (2) years.
09
DORA Q9: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Demonstrated experience working in a state government position working to support a public safety program by ensuring compliance with program safety standards.
10
DORA Q10: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Demonstrated professional* experience in reading, understanding, interpreting, applying, and explaining laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
11
DORA Q11: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Experience working with and knowledge of the industries and entities regulated by the PUC (i.e., energy and water utilities and facilities, gas pipeline safety, etc.).
12
DORA Q12: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Completion of U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) training, Qualification (TQ) certification, and/or computer-based training (CBT) through the federal pipeline safety program.
13
DORA Q13: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Demonstrated experience conducting audits of written programs to ensure compliance with regulations.
14
DORA Q14: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Pipeline compliance experience, including completing compliance follow-up as necessary to achieve operator compliance with pipeline safety regulations.
15
DORA Q15: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Demonstrated experience documenting operator and system parameters affecting compliance and risk (e.g., maps, operating pressures, pipeline vintage, operating characteristics, state of compliance programs, etc.).
16
DORA Q16: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Demonstrated experience performing field verification inspections on units based on GPS and section identification of areas of concern/increased risk/emerging issues.
17
DORA Q17: Please explain IN DETAIL how you meet the following preferred qualifications: Master's degree in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, or public health.
18
DORA Q18: Eventually, this position may work in an office environment full-time, but currently, because of the pandemic and our emergency procedures, this position works both from home and on-site throughout the week (as needed or required by the division/department). Would you be able to do this?
19
DORA Q19: The salary range posted for this position is $76,860 - $92,220 annually ($6,405 - $7,685/monthly); while appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum, the salary will be set based on the qualifications of the candidate appointed and relevant factors. Please share your salary expectations below.
Required Question
Employer State of Colorado
Address See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website https://careers.colorado.gov/