Air Quality Engineer / Scientist

TRC Companies • TX-Houston, TX

6d

About The Position

TRC, Member of WSP, is hiring an early-career air quality professional to support air dispersion modeling, permitting, and regulatory compliance projects for industrial clients in Texas and neighboring states. The role works closely with senior air quality consultants and modeling specialists on complex projects across power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Approximately 70–80% of the work is focused on modeling, with permitting and compliance as supporting responsibilities. The position is suited to atmospheric scientists, meteorologists, and environmental engineers who have basic air dispersion modeling experience and want to specialize further.

The successful candidate will prepare and evaluate modeling inputs, conduct dispersion modeling and quality reviews, support regulatory modeling demonstrations, and document methodologies and results. They will also assist with Texas air permit applications, emissions calculations and inventories, Title V work, and regulatory research. The role provides opportunities to develop advanced modeling and permitting skills through collaboration with senior specialists, training, and technical workshops. The company describes a path toward more advanced modeling, permitting, and project management responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 2–5 years of experience in air quality permitting, air dispersion modeling, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with AERMOD, AERMET, BPIPPRM, and AERMAP.
• Direct experience with Texas air dispersion modeling projects.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience with Texas air permitting regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with CALPUFF.
• Completion of PSD modeling projects.
• Strong knowledge of TCEQ permitting programs.
• Experience with power generation modeling and permitting.
• Experience with oil and gas, LNG, chemical manufacturing, or industrial permitting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and evaluate emissions inventories, meteorological data, terrain and receptor data, and building downwash analyses.
• Conduct air dispersion modeling using AERMOD, CALPUFF, screening models, and related regulatory tools.
• Perform model performance evaluations and quality assurance reviews.
• Support PSD, NSR, and other modeling demonstrations.
• Evaluate criteria pollutant impacts, including PM2.5, SO₂, NO₂, and CO, as well as hazardous or toxic air pollutants.
• Assist senior modelers with complex regulatory modeling issues and agency comments.
• Prepare technical reports describing modeling methodologies, assumptions, and results.
• Assist with Texas air permit applications, including NSR permits, PSD permits, Permit by Rule authorizations, and Standard Permits.
• Develop emissions calculations and emissions inventories.
• Support Title V permitting and compliance projects.
• Research and interpret federal, state, and local air quality regulations.
• Participate in regulatory strategy discussions for industrial facilities.
• Work with senior technical specialists and modeling subject matter experts to develop modeling and permitting skills.
• Participate in internal modeling training programs and technical workshops.
• Learn emerging modeling techniques, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to modeling templates, QA/QC procedures, and technical tools.
• Support multiple concurrent client projects and coordinate with engineers, scientists, meteorologists, and permitting specialists.
• Assist in preparing technical memoranda, permit applications, and other client deliverables.
• Participate in client meetings, agency discussions, and project planning activities as experience grows.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) package with traditional and Roth IRA options and company match.
• Paid time off ranging from 15 to 25 days per year, depending on full-time or part-time status and seniority.
• At least 8 paid holidays per year for full-time employees.
• Paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of the employee’s state of residence.
• Potential eligibility for the annual discretionary bonus program, contingent on company, business segment, and individual performance.
• Training and development of new skills and certifications.

What This Job Offers

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