Air Quality Specialist I/II - Field Inspector

Bay Area Air District•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bay Area Air District is seeking a detail-oriented and field-ready Air Quality Specialist I/II to help protect public health and the environment. This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy working independently in the field, conducting inspections, and ensuring regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries. In this position, you’ll spend most of your time in the field conducting inspections, investigations, and compliance assessments at commercial, industrial, and residential sites across the Bay Area. This is a field-based work environment and is not eligible for remote work from home. A company vehicle is provided, including fuel and maintenance. This role has a direct impact on environmental protection and community health.

Requirements

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major coursework in chemistry, computer science, electronics, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, physical sciences, physics, or a closely related field.
Air Quality Specialist I: Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to the Air District’s Assistant Air Quality Specialist II, including performing air quality inspections; installing, operating and maintaining air monitoring and quality assessment instruments and equipment; or developing and administering air quality programs.
Air Quality Specialist II: Four (4) years of experience performing air quality inspections; installing, operating and maintaining air monitoring and quality assessment instruments and equipment, or developing and administering air quality programs, of which at least two (2) years included performing work equivalent to the Air District’s Air Quality Specialist I.
Any combination of relevant training and work experience in the listed or related fields may substitute for the education criteria on a year for year basis.
Must pass a physical exam and be able to meet the requirements of a lift test for occasional physical duties.
Candidate must reside in California or relocate to California prior to start date.
Must possess a valid California driver's license.
Will require a California Air Resources Board Visible Emissions Evaluation Certification obtained within 6 months of employment.
Will require the physical ability to work near and in the presence of hazardous and toxic materials, climb high structures to evaluate processes in operation, lift heavy safety and test equipment, and to use self-contained breathing apparatus.

Nice To Haves

Field-oriented and self-sufficient — comfortable working independently in varied environments
Observant and detail-driven — able to identify compliance issues and document findings accurately
Professional communicator — able to interact with the public, businesses, and technical staff
Technically capable — comfortable using monitoring equipment, tools, and data systems
Adaptable problem solver — able to make decisions with limited information in the field

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site inspections at industrial, commercial, and residential locations.
Evaluate compliance with federal, state, and local air quality regulations.
Verify permits, operational conditions, and emission controls.
Perform routine and complaint-driven inspections.
Respond to public air quality complaints and nuisance reports.
Investigate excess emissions, breakdowns, and potential violations.
Collect samples, take photographs, and document evidence.
Determine compliance status and issue Notices of Violation when necessary.
Clearly explain requirements and compliance options to regulated entities.
Support enforcement actions through accurate documentation.
Use monitoring instruments to measure emissions and air quality conditions.
Maintain and calibrate inspection equipment.
Prepare detailed inspection reports, case summaries, and technical documentation.
Communicate with facility representatives, contractors, and the public.
Provide guidance on regulations, permits, and compliance expectations.
Coordinate with internal teams and external agencies.
Conduct commercial and industrial inspections and investigations such as, but not limited to, petroleum refineries, power plants, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, toxic and hazardous materials operations and complicated industrial operations.
Conduct compliance inspections on facilities designated as sources of air pollution within an assigned geographical area within established and time frames; makes determinations of compliance with applicable regulations; verifies permit status.
Conducts on-site inspections of manufacturing, industrial, commercial and agricultural operations and their compliance to ensure adherence to air quality standards and regulations; may call for laboratory tests of site emissions.
Reviews and coordinates inspections to determine and ensure the consistent technical application and interpretation of new and revised rules and regulations; participates in developing and testing new inspection and complaint investigation methods and techniques.
Monitors inspection generated enforcement data for accuracy and validity and coordinates emission data audits.
Uses a variety of monitoring equipment and instrumentation to measure and evaluate various emissions and particulates; maintains and calibrates these devices for integrity and consistency of inspection.
Responds and investigates complaints by citizens of air pollution problems; determines nature and extent of problem; takes representative samples of various materials for laboratory analysis; prepares documentation of findings; consults with citizens on status of complaint.
Conducts grid surveillance to detect permit and emissions violations; ensures that all potential air pollution sources are identified for future monitoring and abatement.
Conducts chemical and plume evaluation tests and record findings; takes photographs for documentation at inspection sites.
Issues notices of violation to sources found in violation of compliance; prepares necessary documentation for violation notice reports.
Interfaces with technical personnel at facilities regarding plant source emissions, solvent usage, permit status, and compliance status with Air District rules and regulations; explains compliance options to industry when a violation occurs.
Provides information and assistance to businesses and the public regarding Air District regulations and authority, permit policies and procedures.
Coordinates with other governmental agencies regarding the investigation of complex community air pollution exposures, such as highly toxic spills.
Prepares a variety of written communications, including detailed technical reports, compliance guidance memoranda and case summaries used for office conferences and hearing board sessions; completes inspections forms on all inspections completed.
Interacts with laboratory staff regarding the analysis of samples taken in the field.
Represents the Air District before the Hearing Board or courts regarding violations of applicable regulations; represents the Air District with technical personnel, other governmental agencies and the public.