Air Quality Assurance Officer

State of Montana • Helena, MT

5d

About The Position

We are looking for a Quality Assurance (QA) Officer to join the Air Quality Bureau within the Air, Energy, Mining Division. This position serves as the independent quality assurance management function for Montana's Ambient Air Monitoring Program and is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the federally required ambient air monitoring quality system. The QA Officer provides independent oversight of the program to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations as well as DEQ quality management policies. The position requires sufficient technical expertise and management authority to assess, evaluate, and report on the implementation of the monitoring program’s quality system.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, biology, atmospheric science or physics, or a related field.
• Five years of job-related experience in atmospheric chemistry or physics, quality assurance and quality control, field sampling, and/or meteorology.
• Current valid Driver's License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve the statewide quality system for Montana's Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program.
• Develop, evaluate, and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other quality assurance documentation for ambient air monitoring activities.
• Conduct independent system audits through on-site inspections and comprehensive evaluations of monitoring measurement systems to assess compliance with established regulations.
• Perform scientific and statistical evaluations of monitoring data to assess data quality and determine whether data are of sufficient type, quality, and quantity to support data quality objectives.
• Prepare technical reports, audit findings, corrective action recommendations, and quality assurance assessments.
• Serve as the principal investigator and primary author of the Annual Monitoring Network Plan and Data Certification.
• Collaborate with monitoring staff, program managers, and regulatory agencies while maintaining the independence required to objectively evaluate program performance and data quality.

Benefits

• career ladder for professional development and pay progression
• Effective July 1st, 2026, all employees will receive a $1/hour increase or an increase of 2.5%, whichever is greater.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level