Air Quality Engineer / Scientist

TRC Companies, Inc. • Houston, TX

17h

About The Position

TRC, Member of WSP, is seeking an early-career Air Quality Modeling Scientist 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 subject matter experts on projects in power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and energy. Approximately 70–80% of the work is focused on modeling, with permitting and compliance as supporting responsibilities.

The position involves preparing and evaluating modeling inputs, conducting and reviewing air dispersion modeling analyses, supporting PSD and NSR demonstrations, and documenting methodologies, assumptions, and results. It also supports Texas air permit applications, emissions calculations and inventories, Title V permitting and compliance, and research and interpretation of air quality regulations. The successful candidate will contribute to multiple concurrent projects and coordinate with engineers, scientists, meteorologists, and permitting specialists.

The role offers development through collaboration with senior technical specialists, internal modeling training, technical workshops, and exposure to emerging techniques and regulatory guidance. Within the first one to two years, the successful candidate is expected to execute complex AERMOD projects independently, prepare modeling datasets and reports with minimal supervision, support PSD and NSR projects across Texas, and develop toward 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.
• Numerous examples of 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 for air dispersion modeling.
• 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 impacts for criteria pollutants, 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 documenting modeling methodologies, assumptions, and results.
• Assist in preparing Texas 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 with 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 options and company match.
• Paid time off of 15 to 25 days per year, contingent 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 Company's annual discretionary bonus program, contingent on Company, Business Segment, and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

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