Governmentjobs.com
Air Quality Chemist I/II
Governmentjobs.com, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate!Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Additionally, we believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside the workplace. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated, and your growth is nurtured.The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Air Quality Chemist I/II in the Laboratory section of the Meteorology and Measurement Division. This is an open recruitment for one (1) full-time, represented position. This is a laboratory position based in San Francisco, CA.About the Position
The Laboratory is a section in the
Meteorology and Measurement Division.
The team focuses on analyses and sample preparation related to ambient air monitoring but also provides analytical and technical advice support for multiple Air District sections and divisions.Air Quality Chemists on our team receive and log in samples; perform routine analyses across multiple programs which may include gravimetry, gas chromatography, ion chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, organic carbon/elemental carbon analysis, X-ray fluorescence; perform quality control and quality assurance activities; perform routine laboratory maintenance; and perform routine laboratory safety activities.This position will primarily report onsite at 375 Beale Street in San Francisco, with limited opportunities for remote work as duties allow.DEFINITION
Under direction, performs a variety of complex and difficult laboratory analyses of environmental contaminants; performs related work as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Air Quality Chemist I is the entry level in this professional chemist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform sample analyses utilizing less sophisticated instrumentation while learning the more technical complex air quality analysis techniques and methods. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed with greater independence of action within established laboratory testing guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Air Quality Chemist II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.Air Quality Chemist II is the journey level class in this series, fully competent to independently perform a wide range of complex chemical analyses. It is distinguished from Senior Air Quality Chemist in that the latter is the working lead class, providing direction to laboratory staff as well as performing complex and specialized chemical analyses requiring considerable scientific knowledge and the use of significant independent judgment.EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Performs quantitative and qualitative analyses of organic and inorganic samples related to air contaminants utilizing wet, chemical, physical, morphological, analytical, and electronic instrumentation, applying such techniques as gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, atomic absorption, distillation, solvent extraction, acid and wet digestion, ashing and aeration.Conducts analyses to separate, identify and determine the concentrations of contaminants for air quality evaluation, such as concentration of volatile organic contaminants in coatings, resins, inks and gelcoats.Interprets and evaluates analytical results, recognizing problems which may occur during process; determines rationale for problem and implements corrective measures.Sets up, calibrates, operates and makes minor repairs and adjustments to a variety of complex laboratory instruments and equipment.Prepares liquid and gas calibration standards; compares new standards with existing standards; analyzes samples from other air quality laboratories to assist in quality assurance program.Prepares and maintains records and documentation of samples, tests and procedures; prepares technical reports and analyses as required.Discusses analytical principles with engineers and inspectors involved in source testing; recommends applicable regulation for such analysis.May direct and review the work of technicians and assist in training less experienced laboratory staff.Confers with District employees, representatives of other government and private agencies involved in environmental health and other related work.Orders and maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies according to predetermined levels.Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents; cleans sampling canisters and other specialized containers and glassware before releasing for use in the field.Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills is:Air Quality Chemist I:
Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in analytical and/or organic chemistry or a closely related field and two years of professional level experience in performing laboratory chemical analysis, and instrumentation analysis such as gas chromatography.Air Quality Chemist II:
In addition to the above, two years of experience performing chemical analysis of environmental contaminants in an air quality testing laboratory.How to Apply
Interested individuals must submit a completed BAAQMD application, chronological resume, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by
5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6.
Applications are accepted online only. Please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Resumes must be included, and not in lieu of the required application materials. Postmarks, faxes, and E-mailed applications will not be accepted.Except as requested in this announcement, do not include any additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc. They will not be considered or returned. Postmarks, faxes, and e-mails will not be accepted.Supplemental Questions Instructions
Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the required supplemental questions. Applications must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than the time and date specified in this vacancy announcement. The responses to the supplemental application questions will be used in accordance with the procedures indicated under the Selection Criteria section.Please limit your responses to no more than one half page (250 words) per question. Do not combine your responses or reference your application, resume, or any other requested documentation that you have included with your application packet to answer a question. This information will be evaluated as is and may be used to determine those applicants with the most directly related experience, education, and training to continue in the selection process. It is very important to provide a concise, clear, legible, complete response to each question.Selection Criteria
Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or combination of the two. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, an application screening and/or panel interview may be used to determine the most qualified applicants.The District may hire from this recruitment process to fill future vacancies occurring within the next 18 months.Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Office at (415) 749-4980.The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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The Laboratory is a section in the
Meteorology and Measurement Division.
The team focuses on analyses and sample preparation related to ambient air monitoring but also provides analytical and technical advice support for multiple Air District sections and divisions.Air Quality Chemists on our team receive and log in samples; perform routine analyses across multiple programs which may include gravimetry, gas chromatography, ion chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, organic carbon/elemental carbon analysis, X-ray fluorescence; perform quality control and quality assurance activities; perform routine laboratory maintenance; and perform routine laboratory safety activities.This position will primarily report onsite at 375 Beale Street in San Francisco, with limited opportunities for remote work as duties allow.DEFINITION
Under direction, performs a variety of complex and difficult laboratory analyses of environmental contaminants; performs related work as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Air Quality Chemist I is the entry level in this professional chemist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform sample analyses utilizing less sophisticated instrumentation while learning the more technical complex air quality analysis techniques and methods. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed with greater independence of action within established laboratory testing guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Air Quality Chemist II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.Air Quality Chemist II is the journey level class in this series, fully competent to independently perform a wide range of complex chemical analyses. It is distinguished from Senior Air Quality Chemist in that the latter is the working lead class, providing direction to laboratory staff as well as performing complex and specialized chemical analyses requiring considerable scientific knowledge and the use of significant independent judgment.EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Performs quantitative and qualitative analyses of organic and inorganic samples related to air contaminants utilizing wet, chemical, physical, morphological, analytical, and electronic instrumentation, applying such techniques as gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, atomic absorption, distillation, solvent extraction, acid and wet digestion, ashing and aeration.Conducts analyses to separate, identify and determine the concentrations of contaminants for air quality evaluation, such as concentration of volatile organic contaminants in coatings, resins, inks and gelcoats.Interprets and evaluates analytical results, recognizing problems which may occur during process; determines rationale for problem and implements corrective measures.Sets up, calibrates, operates and makes minor repairs and adjustments to a variety of complex laboratory instruments and equipment.Prepares liquid and gas calibration standards; compares new standards with existing standards; analyzes samples from other air quality laboratories to assist in quality assurance program.Prepares and maintains records and documentation of samples, tests and procedures; prepares technical reports and analyses as required.Discusses analytical principles with engineers and inspectors involved in source testing; recommends applicable regulation for such analysis.May direct and review the work of technicians and assist in training less experienced laboratory staff.Confers with District employees, representatives of other government and private agencies involved in environmental health and other related work.Orders and maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies according to predetermined levels.Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents; cleans sampling canisters and other specialized containers and glassware before releasing for use in the field.Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills is:Air Quality Chemist I:
Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in analytical and/or organic chemistry or a closely related field and two years of professional level experience in performing laboratory chemical analysis, and instrumentation analysis such as gas chromatography.Air Quality Chemist II:
In addition to the above, two years of experience performing chemical analysis of environmental contaminants in an air quality testing laboratory.How to Apply
Interested individuals must submit a completed BAAQMD application, chronological resume, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by
5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6.
Applications are accepted online only. Please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Resumes must be included, and not in lieu of the required application materials. Postmarks, faxes, and E-mailed applications will not be accepted.Except as requested in this announcement, do not include any additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc. They will not be considered or returned. Postmarks, faxes, and e-mails will not be accepted.Supplemental Questions Instructions
Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the required supplemental questions. Applications must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than the time and date specified in this vacancy announcement. The responses to the supplemental application questions will be used in accordance with the procedures indicated under the Selection Criteria section.Please limit your responses to no more than one half page (250 words) per question. Do not combine your responses or reference your application, resume, or any other requested documentation that you have included with your application packet to answer a question. This information will be evaluated as is and may be used to determine those applicants with the most directly related experience, education, and training to continue in the selection process. It is very important to provide a concise, clear, legible, complete response to each question.Selection Criteria
Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or combination of the two. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, an application screening and/or panel interview may be used to determine the most qualified applicants.The District may hire from this recruitment process to fill future vacancies occurring within the next 18 months.Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Office at (415) 749-4980.The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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