Air Quality Specialist IV

State of careers Rhode Island•Providence, RI

3d•$96,726 - $109,617

About The Position

This position involves supervising staff and performing responsible duties in the coordination, management, and administration of a statewide air quality program. It requires complex scientific and/or engineering work. The role operates under the administrative direction of the Administrator of the Office of Air Resources, with significant latitude for independent judgment in technical and administrative matters. Work is reviewed for adherence to professional principles, methods, and techniques, and for compliance with laws, rules, and regulations. The position plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

Requirements

A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices employed to preserve, protect and improve the air resources of the State.
The ability to apply such knowledge in the administration and maintenance of the statewide air quality scientific or engineering programs.
A thorough knowledge of and the enforcement of the state laws and regulations, as they relate to air quality and the ability to interpret and apply such laws.
The ability to read and interpret all types of scientific or engineering plans and specifications, and to approve or reject proposed changes therein.
The ability to plan, organize, review and evaluate the work of a staff of professional, technical, clerical and other personnel.
The ability to prepare reports on and develop plans for air quality programs.
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, federal, State, local agencies, community organizations, private business enterprises and the public.
Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; meteorology; environmental economics; or a closely related field.
A minimum of seven (7) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering with a special emphasis in air quality, including a minimum of two (2) years in a position involving responsibility for the supervision, guidance and direction of subordinates engaged in professional scientific, engineering or planning functions related to community, regional and/or statewide pollution programs.
OR, possession of a Master’s degree from a college of recognized standing in one of the environmental, physical, or biological sciences; chemical, civil or environmental engineering; meteorology; environmental economics; or a closely related field; and a minimum of five (5) years employment in a position in the field of environmental science or engineering with a special emphasis in air quality, including a minimum of two (2) years in a position involving responsibility for the supervision, guidance and direction of subordinates engaged in professional scientific, engineering or planning functions related to community, regional and/or statewide pollution programs.
OR, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Responsibilities

Supervise the work of a staff and perform responsible duties assisting in the coordination, management, and administration within a statewide air quality program involving complex scientific and/or engineering work.
Perform complex scientific and/or engineering work in a statewide air quality program.
Assist in the administration of federal grant programs concerning public air quality standards.
Oversee and/or conduct research on the identification of causes and effects of air pollution.
Oversee staff in estimating emission rates from various sources and source categories and provide information on air quality monitoring network stations and sampling locations.
Supervise staff in data analysis and determine the need for the development of new regulations.
Supervise staff in enforcing state air quality control regulations and statutes.
Review and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
Supervise staff who are charged with the scientific and/or engineering review of detailed plans and specifications for the construction of facilities or air pollution control equipment designed to preserve air quality, and make recommendations for revisions where appropriate.
Assist in and oversee the development and implementation of new air quality programs such as: emission source permitting; revise state air toxic standards; revise State Implementation Plans; develop and sustain the mobile source program; develop and implement climate change policies; develop and sustain other programs mandated by the State legislature and the Federal Clean Air Act and related amendments.
Serve as the Hearing Officer at public hearings.
Represent the department at public meetings and hearings, legislative hearings and scientific conferences as required.
Serve as the liaison between the department and various government agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
Provide program direction, guidance, and assistance to staff.