Senior Water Quality Manager Job Denver area,Colorado USA,Science

Lead the science. Shape water quality policy. Protect Colorado's water resources.

Metro is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Senior Water Quality Manager to lead our Water Quality team and advance critical environmental monitoring, research, and regulatory initiatives.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence water quality policy, guide complex scientific investigations, and lead a team of environmental professionals whose work supports the protection of the South Platte River watershed and surrounding aquatic ecosystems.

Reporting to the Director of Environmental Services, the Senior Water Quality Manager will provide technical and strategic leadership in water quality assessment, aquatic biology, environmental monitoring, regulatory analysis, and scientific research.

The ideal candidate combines strong scientific expertise with effective people leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to translate complex environmental information into actionable recommendations.

What Success Looks Like:

In this role, you will help ensure that Metro's environmental programs produce credible, decision-ready science; regulatory positions are supported by sound technical analysis; and Water Quality staff have the direction, resources, and development opportunities necessary to succeed. You will effectively communicate and translate complex scientific findings, water quality issues, and regulatory requirement into clear, meaningful, and actionable information for audiences with varying levels of technical understanding.

You will be a trusted scientific advisor, a collaborative partner across the organization, and a leader who balances environmental stewardship, regulatory obligations, and operational realities.

Help lead the science and decisions that shape the future of water quality in Colorado.

Position Overview:

Plans, leads, directs, and oversees all core work, programs, and project-based activities related to the Water Quality division. Performs professional-level regulatory, technical, and administrative activities in the day-to-day implementation of operations. Provides technical expertise concerning water quality, aquatic life, and other environmental issues. Works under the direction of the Director of Environmental Services. Supervises Water Quality Staff.

Oversees Metro’s water quality research activities to ensure such activities support the development of sound scientific water quality policy decisions. Manages contracts and budgets associated with the South Platte Water Quality Model and other related water quality and aquatic life issues.

Manages the evaluation of data and information pertaining to water quality and other environmental issues and applicable regulatory standards. Interprets their significance for Metro, recommends Metro action, and develops data to pursue the action. Coordinates with External Affairs staff to develop regulatory proposals for consideration by the Water Quality Control Commission. Assist other departments to implement action when needed.

Represents Metro on several issues including emerging contaminants (organic wastewater contaminants and endocrine disrupters), nutrient criteria, biological criteria, aquatic life use classifications and other issues of critical importance to Metro. Participates in Water Quality Forum work groups on issues related to water quality and aquatic life

Direct, schedule, support, and evaluate the work of water quality staff in accordance with Metro policies and procedures. Provide ongoing training and opportunities to nurture the knowledge, skills, and abilities of staff.

Provide support and perform activities as necessary for the Water Quality team. May perform job duties of subordinate positions as needed to support workload and as required during staff vacancies or short-term absences.

Perform focus area leadership and project management duties related to Water Quality initiatives and programs, including work planning, process and procedural development, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Manages Water Quality staff to ensure Metro’s Water Quality and Environmental Assessment programs, such as the South Platte River Stream Monitoring and Groundwater Assessment Program, South Platte CURE Monitoring Program, and the Barr/Milton Reservoir Watershed Monitoring Program are appropriate and meet the needs of Metro.

Communicates and provides scientific expertise to national and local governmental agencies, trade…