Dispersion Modeling Lead

SLR Consulting • Portland, OR

3d

About The Position

SLR is seeking an experienced Senior Permitting and Regulatory Dispersion Modeling Lead to support the continued growth of our Air Quality team. This position is a senior technical and strategic role with a strong emphasis on major source permitting, regulatory strategy development, and agency engagement, supported by advanced dispersion modeling expertise. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert and permitting strategist for complex air quality projects, including PSD, Title V, NSR, state construction permits, and non-attainment permitting programs. You will lead regulatory analyses, shape permitting pathways, guide modeling protocols, and serve as a primary interface with regulatory agencies. We are SLR Consulting (US), a 500+ coast-to-coast team of advisory, environmental/engineering, and regulatory professionals. We deliver environmental and sustainability services to our clients through the integration of over 30 advisory, technical environmental, and engineering disciplines to help clients address some of their most complex challenges around sustainability. We are Making Sustainability Happen. As our new Regulatory Dispersion Modeling Lead, you will play an important role on a team whose work is essential to achieving this goal.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Atmospheric Science, Environmental Engineering, Meteorology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in air quality consulting with significant experience in regulatory air permitting.
• Demonstrated experience leading PSD, NSR, Title V, or state air permitting efforts.
• Deep expertise with regulatory dispersion models (e.g., AERMOD) and familiarity with EPA and state-specific permitting guidance.
• Experience serving as technical lead during agency review processes.
• Proven ability to manage projects, mentor staff, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead air permitting strategy and execution for major industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects, including PSD, Nonattainment NSR, Title V, and state construction permits.
• Develop and implement permitting roadmaps, including applicability analyses, control technology evaluations, and impact assessments.
• Prepare and oversee preparation of air permit applications, modeling protocols, and supporting technical documentation.
• Serve as primary technical liaison with regulatory agencies, participating in pre-application meetings and responding to technical comments.
• Interpret evolving federal and state regulatory guidance and advise clients on compliance risk, permitting pathways, and schedule implications.
• Support public notice and hearing processes, including preparation of technical responses and expert-level communication of modeling results.
• Direct advanced air dispersion modeling analyses using regulatory models such as AERMOD and other applicable tools.
• Oversee emissions inventory development, meteorological data processing, receptor grid design, terrain evaluation, and cumulative impact assessments.
• Provide senior-level technical review of modeling analyses, environmental impact assessments, and permitting deliverables.
• Ensure modeling approaches align with current EPA and state-specific guidance and are defensible during regulatory review.
• Identify and pursue permitting and regulatory consulting opportunities.
• Lead or support proposal development for complex air permitting engagements.
• Strengthen client relationships through strategic regulatory advisory services.
• Contribute to the expansion of regional and national air permitting capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package including medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, FSA/HSA, generous PTO accrual, 10 paid holidays, 401(k) retirement account with company matching program, company paid life insurance, short & long term disability insurance, and employee assistance program.
• The salary range for this position is $105k - $120k.
• Final agreed upon compensation will be commensurate with individual education, professional designation, experience, internal parity, and location.
• Full-time, permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

What This Job Offers

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