National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS)/NCore Site Operator

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Lawrence, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

MassDEP seeks a NATTS and NCore Site Operator (Environmental Analyst III) within the Bureau of Air and Waste, Division of Air and Climate Programs. The position supports the statewide ambient air monitoring program and operates under the supervision of the Field Supervisor or designee. It is assigned to the Air Assessment Branch at MassDEP’s Wall Experiment Station in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The hybrid work model includes office, field, and remote work, but at least 90% of work time is spent performing field operations at air monitoring sites. The operator runs continuous and non-continuous monitoring equipment and complex samplers used in EPA-sanctioned programs, including NATTS, CSN/STN, and NCore. Duties include calibrating, validating data, troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing equipment, handling and shipping samples, documenting work, and following applicable regulations, guidance, SOPs, and EPA guidelines. The position also supports staff training and technical supervision, coordinates with laboratories and external organizations, prepares reports, operates data and office software, completes scientific calculations and administrative tasks, and assists with other air monitoring and station improvement projects. The role includes transporting and using portable equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, assisting with site moves and modifications, and collecting and installing biological air-monitoring samples at fixed locations in and around Boston for delivery to the Department of Public Health laboratory in Jamaica Plain.

Requirements

At least four years of full-time or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology, or public health, including at least two years in a professional capacity, or an equivalent combination of experience and permitted education substitutions.
An associate’s degree in a qualifying field may substitute for up to one year of the required experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two years; and a graduate degree may substitute for up to three years of the required experience and one year of the professional-capacity experience. Education substitutions are limited to one year of the required professional-capacity experience.
Ability to use hand tools, climb ladders, work on rooftops, move equipment and compressed gas cylinders, and handle equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of air pollution science, regulations, monitoring methods, and quality assurance procedures.
Experience conducting air monitoring operations under an EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan and associated Standard Operating Procedures.
Experience operating EPA reference and equivalent-method air-quality monitors, including gaseous analyzers and particulate samplers.
Experience performing routine field analyzer quality-assurance tasks, including multipoint verifications, calibrations, flow checks, and preventive maintenance.
Experience reviewing large quantities of numerical data to identify and investigate anomalies.
Experience completing minor repairs to gaseous analyzers and particulate samplers.
Ability to assess and repair mechanical malfunctions in support equipment.
Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Ability to express ideas clearly verbally and in writing.
Initiative and ability to work independently while interacting effectively in a team environment.
Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Responsibilities

Operate air monitoring sites with continuous and non-continuous monitoring equipment.
Conduct calibrations, perform QC data validation, troubleshoot problems, and maintain and repair monitoring equipment.
Ensure SOPs and EPA guidelines are followed, electronically transfer data to the main office, and document activities in site logbooks.
Set up, collect, and ship samples from complex samplers used in NATTS, CSN/STN, and NCore monitoring programs.
Coordinate sample delivery with contract laboratories and third-party carriers, replenish supplies, resolve complications, and package and ship samples under required timing, temperature, and documentation conditions.
Exercise technical supervision and schedule duties for personnel assisting with routine and enhanced monitoring projects.
Train other site analysts in ambient air monitoring techniques, including PM2.5 Speciation and NATTS monitoring.
Coordinate with government, academic, and community organizations to facilitate low-cost air sensor collocations and tours at the NATTS and NCore site.
Write reports on air monitoring activities and recommend improvements to operations and procedures.
Operate, develop, and maintain data acquisition software and Microsoft Office programs used for calculations and reporting.
Support other air monitoring projects as assigned.
Perform mathematical and scientific calculations required for ambient air monitoring.
Complete and submit administrative tasks accurately and on schedule.
Transport and use portable equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and assist with site moves and modifications.
Collect and install biological air-monitoring samples at fixed locations in and around Boston and deliver them to the Department of Public Health laboratory in Jamaica Plain.
Assist with installation of health and safety improvements at existing air monitoring stations.
Perform other activities in support of Air Assessment Branch operations as necessary.