Principal Air Quality Specialist

Bay Area Air District•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) is seeking a Principal Air Quality Specialist for the Ambient Air Quality Analysis section of the Meteorology and Measurements Division. This role focuses on improving the understanding of air quality in the Bay Area through air monitoring and meteorological data. The position involves designing air monitoring studies, analyzing and interpreting data, and supporting community organizations with their air quality projects. The Principal Air Quality Specialist will specialize in air monitoring study design and data analysis for criteria pollutants and air toxics, support Strategic Plan and AB 617 CERP implementation, conduct local-scale and source-oriented air quality assessments, and collaborate with community members on their air quality projects. This role performs complex assignments and provides project leadership for coordinating and developing programs.

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.
Five (5) 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.
At least two (2) years included performing lead or supervisory responsibilities equivalent to the Air District’s Senior Air Quality Specialist.
Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of air quality measurements or inspection and enforcement, including environmental research and analysis.
Knowledge of applicable Air District, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of basic legal principles of civil prosecution, particularly as they relate to environmental enforcement.
Knowledge of basic principles of engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology as they relate to air quality programs.
Knowledge of industrial processes and equipment used in air pollution control.
Knowledge of common biological, chemical, and physical processes that cause air pollution and their long and short-term impacts and effects.
Knowledge of general principles of data quality and control.
Knowledge of industrial practices and techniques to modify production processes and equipment to reduce emissions.
Knowledge of record-keeping and reporting principles and practices.
Knowledge of general principles of records management.
Skill in planning, assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of others.
Skill in training others in work procedures.
Skill in directing, developing, and administering effective air quality programs.
Skill in analyzing technical air pollution problems, evaluating alternative solutions, and developing effective recommendations.
Skill in analyzing and interpreting technical and legal rules, policies, and procedures.
Skill in reading and understanding technical engineering diagrams and processes.
Skill in preparing clear and concise technical reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written materials.
Skill in negotiating settlements tactfully and effectively.
Skill in communicating technical and non-technical information orally and in writing to various audiences.
Skill in exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Nice To Haves

Experience troubleshooting and working with meteorological and ambient air monitoring data, including concentrations of criteria air pollutants and air toxics from fixed sites and/or mobile air monitoring studies.
Experience using various environmental statistical data methods, including approaches for source apportionment of ambient concentrations.
Experience with air toxics and particle speciation air monitoring and laboratory analysis methods.
Fundamental atmospheric chemistry knowledge.
Experience working with people in areas experiencing disproportionate cumulative impacts, designing and performing technical work aligned with environmental justice principles and centering racial equity.
A valid California driver's license.
A California Air Resources Board Visible Emissions Evaluation Certification obtained within 6 months of employment.
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.

Responsibilities

Performs the most complex and highly specialized level of program assignments in areas such as inspection, investigation, air monitoring instrument and equipment operation, air quality planning, rule development, enforcement, and compliance operations.
Provides project supervision or team leadership on a project-specific basis.
Coordinates and carries out complex assignments related to the development, review, and approval processes for new or revised rules and regulations.
Develops, recommends, and implements Air District policies and programs for enforcement.
Provides input into hiring selection decisions and performance evaluations.
Provides technical development and training.
Develops and implements policies, procedures, and manuals.
Advises staff on technical, regulatory, and programmatic issues.
Reviews and summarizes data, prepares reports, and ensures program effectiveness.
Conducts and participates in meetings and workshops with various agency officials to explain technical policies, data, rules, and regulations.
Interacts with and represents the Air District with industry, attorneys, the public, and other agencies.
Provides lead direction, training, and work review to technical and support staff.
Maintains data and data systems supporting Air District programs.
Maintains detailed technical records, standard operating procedures, and logbooks.
Researches and analyzes new technology, procedures, and regulations relevant to air monitoring and source testing.
Leads the procurement, testing, and implementation of new technology and develops operating procedures.
Leads the development of special study designs by providing input on technical implementation details.
Develops study-specific procedures for field staff and provides training.
Advises on testing, diagnosis, and repair of non-routine equipment problems.
Works with instrument manufacturers to solve instrument problems.
Evaluates data to ensure quality control standards are met.
Performs complex duties involving installation, operation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of air monitoring, meteorological, and source test equipment.
Evaluates and makes recommendations to ensure programs follow applicable regulations.
Works with outside contractors to provide specialized air quality and source test measurements.
Works with the data management team to ensure data systems meet Air District needs.
Advises on the development, implementation, and evaluation of new air monitoring and source test programs.
Conducts mobile, portable, or stationary source-oriented monitoring.
Prepares and collects various samples of ambient air and source test pollutants.
Maintains detailed technical records and logbooks.