Dust Scientist

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Salt Lake City, UT

4d • $35 - $53 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Utah Division of Air Quality is looking for an Environmental Scientist III to serve as our Dust Scientist. In this role, you will be the division's definitive subject matter expert and regional point of contact for all dust-related concerns. You will analyze historic Utah observations and benchmark ongoing research from other terminal lakes—like Owens Lake and the Salton Sea—to identify emerging environmental risks. By transforming data into actionable insights, you will advise the expansion of our monitoring network and shape the agency’s policy and modeling goals. If you are ready to bridge the gap between complex science, cross-agency collaboration, and public outreach, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• Scientific background, preferably strong in meteorology, particulate matter, data analysis, and transport modeling.
• Strong data analysis and data visualization skills.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with DAQ stakeholders.
• Experience using particulate matter (PM) instrumentation or working with data from PM instrumentation.
• Strong background in scientific research, technical writing, and communicating science to the public.
• Experience working with and evaluating complex datasets using programming languages and statistics.
• Demonstrated record of assimilating information from multiple sources to guide field sampling and data analysis.
• Experience designing and executing field campaigns.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in geology, meteorology, atmospheric science, earth science, or at least five years’ experience of self-directed work in a similar field.
• Record of peer reviewed publications, white papers, technical documents, and/or project plans and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes historic monitoring data, evaluating long-term trends, selecting filters for further analysis.
• Oversees Utah Dust Observation & Research Network (UDORN) monitoring network development, status, and challenges.
• Writes and presents reports, speaking with stakeholders and the media, distilling scientific findings for non-scientific audiences, and adding project updates and messaging to communication platforms.
• Collaborates with staff and management in the air monitoring section, policy section, and technical analysis section to keep track of project goals and progress, communicate findings, and adjust project goals and timelines.
• Assimilates current and past dust-related research and emerging concerns to guide monitoring, modeling, research, and policy.
• Self-directed but works closely with internal and external collaborators to conduct data analysis and promote the utility and integrity of UDAQ-collected dust data.
• Analyzes dust-relevant data from DAQ and other sources to have a complete data-backed understanding of dust impacts.
• Organizes dust-related meetings for DAQ. Attends external dust related meetings and acts as the UDAQ spokesperson for dust-related inquiries.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree