Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
Air Quality Specialist - Assistant/Associate
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, San Francisco, CA, United States
Salary: $45.11 - $63.68 Hourly
Location : CA, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 1903-O
Department: Monitoring, Planning and Rules
Division: Monitoring, Planning and Rules
Opening Date: 11/06/2024
Closing Date: 12/6/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
Sac Metro Air District is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Air Quality Specialist for the Monitoring, Planning and Rules Division. This position will focus on the District's Community Air Protection (AB 617) Program, an environmental justice (EJ) program, although the position's focus may change over time based on the needs of the District. In conjunction with the typical duties listed below, the work includes, but is not limited to, planning AB 617 meeting agendas and logistics (i.e., coordinating translation services, updating webpage information, developing flyers and social media posts, drafting public notices, coordinating refreshments, etc.), developing materials for community outreach events, coordinating the scheduling of meetings with internal and external stakeholders, attending community meetings, developing community friendly technical materials and reports, financial grant reporting, and attending outreach events. The position may also perform air quality validation, data analysis, and write plans and/or reports. Familiarity with EJ concepts, communication and experience is desired.
This position supports programs that may require occasional evening and weekend work.
This position performs a variety of professional and technical work in connection with inspection, investigation, evaluation, control, and assessment of air quality standards, conditions, plans, and strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and performs other related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Assistant Air Quality Specialist - The entry level class in the air quality specialist series. Incumbents perform field and office assignments of a less complex nature in connection with the inspection, investigation and evaluation of air quality standards and conditions. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency and knowledge during the training period. Incumbents are gradually given less supervision and more difficult and responsible assignments. Incumbents assist experienced staff on more difficult projects.
Associate Air Quality Specialist - The fully experienced, journey level class in the air quality specialist series. Incumbents work under general supervision and are responsible for office and/or field assignments of substantial difficulty/complexity and are required to direct them to completion. Associate Air Quality Specialists have no supervisory responsibility but do provide training and technical guidance to others.
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower grade of Air Quality Specialist, or when filled from the outside, require prior Air Quality Specialist experience.
Typical Duties
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.
1. Evaluates and audits various complex industrial and commercial facilities with atmospheric emissions to determine compliance with all permit conditions, applicable laws, rules and regulations; investigates problems or concerns to determine if violations exist or if problems need further engineering assessment or source testing.
2. Collects, organizes, analyzes, evaluates, and validates an assortment of data, air and soil samples, and other material to determine compliance with air quality standards.
3. Issues legal notices for violations of law which have occurred; participates in negotiations with violators for voluntary compliance to laws, rules, policies and regulations; recommends enforcement action.
4. Reviews and analyzes air monitoring data; ensures compliance with air monitoring regulations regarding test scheduling, reporting and record maintenance; may act as project leader.
5. Reviews and evaluates air quality control permit applications; performs initial and annual inspections; reviews source test protocols; observes source tests; reviews and analyzes test results.
6. Consults with management and technical staff of industrial and commercial establishments on solutions to problems arising from mobile source, stationary source and toxic air contamination.
7. Participates in specific program activities such as landfill testing, asbestos removal, and soil aeration, including evaluation and review of plans and permits, field-testing and observation, data analysis, and report preparation.
8. Researches local air quality; performs necessary studies and analysis of technological feasibility, economic and other impacts of proposed practices and rule changes; writes, analyzes and justifies rule changes and advisories; reviews and comments on legislation and regulations.
9. Assists with the application intake process; screens packets for completeness; determines if expedited permitting is applicable; determines fees.
10. Represents the District on committees and at public activities, meetings, and before official bodies.
11. Maintains records and prepares reports regarding violations, complaints, sources of air pollution and other related information; maintains data base information for a variety of air quality management programs.
12. Assists with special projects performed by other work units or divisions.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Assistant Air Quality Specialist - Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Associate Air Quality Specialist - Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program and two years of full time experience as an Assistant Air Quality Specialist or two years of full time experience performing duties in the areas of inspection, investigation, evaluation, monitoring, or rule development for stationary or mobile sources of air contaminants or clean fuels; or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of:
Both Classes - Principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and natural science related to determining, evaluating, monitoring, and controlling air quality; principles and methods of measuring atmospheric conditions and air quality; statistical analysis; basic computer principles and applications.
Associate Air Quality Specialist -- The design and use of air quality control devices, instruments, equipment and various types of industrial processes; major types and sources of air pollution; purposes and procedures of various public and private agencies involved in air quality; criteria and procedures for siting air monitoring stations, air monitoring telemetry system operation, and quality assurance procedures for air monitoring and meteorological data; concepts, methods, and practices of vehicle fleet operation; manufacturing techniques and design concepts of vehicle technology; clean fuels technology and associated products; model concepts of emission inventory.
Ability to:
Both Classes - Analyze, interpret, and apply legislation, laws, regulations, and technical publications related to air quality management; apply scientific methods and principles to recognize and investigate air pollution problems; analyze technical problems and propose effective solutions; prepare technical reports; interpret and explain Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, and laws; make written and verbal presentations to professional and civic groups; deal with a variety of different personalities and situations; communicate in public and in private meetings, group discussions and interviews with people of varying technical skills and personalities.
Special Requirements:
Both Classes - Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required for air monitoring positions and positions performing inspections.
Both Classes - Possession of California Air Resources Board visible emissions evaluation certification within the first six months of appointment for positions performing inspections.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Physical Demands
Positions within these classes that perform inspections of air monitoring activities will require the ability to bend, stoop, climb ladders and stairs, crouch, and lift weights up to approximately 25 pounds (weights include briefcase, manuals, testing equipment, etc.). Other positions are essentially desk jobs.
Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The Air District offers a robust benefits package under the current resolutions and contracts including the following:
Health & Wellness
COLAs & Incentives
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities?
02
Describe your education and/or experience with outreach, report writing and presenting technical information to the general public, technical audiences, elected officials, and community-based organizations.
03
Describe your experience, if applicable, and the most important considerations when working with environmental justice communities?
04
Describe your experience communicating and coordinating with internal departments and external stakeholders, e.g. community groups, elected officials and other agency partners.
Required Question
Location : CA, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 1903-O
Department: Monitoring, Planning and Rules
Division: Monitoring, Planning and Rules
Opening Date: 11/06/2024
Closing Date: 12/6/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
Sac Metro Air District is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Air Quality Specialist for the Monitoring, Planning and Rules Division. This position will focus on the District's Community Air Protection (AB 617) Program, an environmental justice (EJ) program, although the position's focus may change over time based on the needs of the District. In conjunction with the typical duties listed below, the work includes, but is not limited to, planning AB 617 meeting agendas and logistics (i.e., coordinating translation services, updating webpage information, developing flyers and social media posts, drafting public notices, coordinating refreshments, etc.), developing materials for community outreach events, coordinating the scheduling of meetings with internal and external stakeholders, attending community meetings, developing community friendly technical materials and reports, financial grant reporting, and attending outreach events. The position may also perform air quality validation, data analysis, and write plans and/or reports. Familiarity with EJ concepts, communication and experience is desired.
This position supports programs that may require occasional evening and weekend work.
This position performs a variety of professional and technical work in connection with inspection, investigation, evaluation, control, and assessment of air quality standards, conditions, plans, and strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and performs other related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Assistant Air Quality Specialist - The entry level class in the air quality specialist series. Incumbents perform field and office assignments of a less complex nature in connection with the inspection, investigation and evaluation of air quality standards and conditions. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency and knowledge during the training period. Incumbents are gradually given less supervision and more difficult and responsible assignments. Incumbents assist experienced staff on more difficult projects.
Associate Air Quality Specialist - The fully experienced, journey level class in the air quality specialist series. Incumbents work under general supervision and are responsible for office and/or field assignments of substantial difficulty/complexity and are required to direct them to completion. Associate Air Quality Specialists have no supervisory responsibility but do provide training and technical guidance to others.
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower grade of Air Quality Specialist, or when filled from the outside, require prior Air Quality Specialist experience.
Typical Duties
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.
1. Evaluates and audits various complex industrial and commercial facilities with atmospheric emissions to determine compliance with all permit conditions, applicable laws, rules and regulations; investigates problems or concerns to determine if violations exist or if problems need further engineering assessment or source testing.
2. Collects, organizes, analyzes, evaluates, and validates an assortment of data, air and soil samples, and other material to determine compliance with air quality standards.
3. Issues legal notices for violations of law which have occurred; participates in negotiations with violators for voluntary compliance to laws, rules, policies and regulations; recommends enforcement action.
4. Reviews and analyzes air monitoring data; ensures compliance with air monitoring regulations regarding test scheduling, reporting and record maintenance; may act as project leader.
5. Reviews and evaluates air quality control permit applications; performs initial and annual inspections; reviews source test protocols; observes source tests; reviews and analyzes test results.
6. Consults with management and technical staff of industrial and commercial establishments on solutions to problems arising from mobile source, stationary source and toxic air contamination.
7. Participates in specific program activities such as landfill testing, asbestos removal, and soil aeration, including evaluation and review of plans and permits, field-testing and observation, data analysis, and report preparation.
8. Researches local air quality; performs necessary studies and analysis of technological feasibility, economic and other impacts of proposed practices and rule changes; writes, analyzes and justifies rule changes and advisories; reviews and comments on legislation and regulations.
9. Assists with the application intake process; screens packets for completeness; determines if expedited permitting is applicable; determines fees.
10. Represents the District on committees and at public activities, meetings, and before official bodies.
11. Maintains records and prepares reports regarding violations, complaints, sources of air pollution and other related information; maintains data base information for a variety of air quality management programs.
12. Assists with special projects performed by other work units or divisions.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Assistant Air Quality Specialist - Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Associate Air Quality Specialist - Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program and two years of full time experience as an Assistant Air Quality Specialist or two years of full time experience performing duties in the areas of inspection, investigation, evaluation, monitoring, or rule development for stationary or mobile sources of air contaminants or clean fuels; or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of:
Both Classes - Principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and natural science related to determining, evaluating, monitoring, and controlling air quality; principles and methods of measuring atmospheric conditions and air quality; statistical analysis; basic computer principles and applications.
Associate Air Quality Specialist -- The design and use of air quality control devices, instruments, equipment and various types of industrial processes; major types and sources of air pollution; purposes and procedures of various public and private agencies involved in air quality; criteria and procedures for siting air monitoring stations, air monitoring telemetry system operation, and quality assurance procedures for air monitoring and meteorological data; concepts, methods, and practices of vehicle fleet operation; manufacturing techniques and design concepts of vehicle technology; clean fuels technology and associated products; model concepts of emission inventory.
Ability to:
Both Classes - Analyze, interpret, and apply legislation, laws, regulations, and technical publications related to air quality management; apply scientific methods and principles to recognize and investigate air pollution problems; analyze technical problems and propose effective solutions; prepare technical reports; interpret and explain Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, and laws; make written and verbal presentations to professional and civic groups; deal with a variety of different personalities and situations; communicate in public and in private meetings, group discussions and interviews with people of varying technical skills and personalities.
Special Requirements:
Both Classes - Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required for air monitoring positions and positions performing inspections.
Both Classes - Possession of California Air Resources Board visible emissions evaluation certification within the first six months of appointment for positions performing inspections.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Physical Demands
Positions within these classes that perform inspections of air monitoring activities will require the ability to bend, stoop, climb ladders and stairs, crouch, and lift weights up to approximately 25 pounds (weights include briefcase, manuals, testing equipment, etc.). Other positions are essentially desk jobs.
Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The Air District offers a robust benefits package under the current resolutions and contracts including the following:
Health & Wellness
- Cafeteria Plan - The District provides funding of up to 80% of the current Kaiser Family plan premium (up to $2,124/month in 2024).
- Medical Insurance - The District offers a wide range of HMO and PPO health plans through CalPERS.
- Dental Insurance - Basic Plan: 100% District paid for employees and their dependents. Enhanced Plan: Employee pays the difference in premium from the Basic plan.
- Vision Insurance - District-paid coverage for employees.
- Flexible Spending Accounts - Health and dependent care plans allowing employee pre-tax contributions of up to $3,050 and $5,000 per plan year, respectively.
- Life Insurance - District provides $50,000 in coverage for employees. Voluntary plans are available for employee and family coverage.
- Long-Term Disability - District-paid coverage, up to $9,000 per month, based on pre-disability earnings.
- Aflac - Voluntary plans for cancer, accident, & specified health event.
- Retirement - Employees contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) defined benefit plan. The benefit formula is 2% @ 55 for classic members and 2% @ 62 new members (membership began after 01/01/2013).
- 457 Plan - Voluntary tax-deferred retirement savings plan with a District match of up to $35 per pay period.
- Retiree Medical Insurance - District retirees may be eligible to enroll in a CalPERS health plan with a District contribution.
COLAs & Incentives
- Annual Cost of Living Adjustments - 2% to 4% per year based on changes in the consumer price index.
- Commute Allowance - up to $110 per month for use of approved alternate means of commuting to work, e.g., Regional Transit, carpool, bicycle, walking, zero-emission vehicle.
- Education Allowance - up to $2,400 per year.
- Employee Assistance Plan - available for employees and members of their household.
- Uniform Allowance - Up to $180 every 2 years for safety shoes for eligible employees.
- Management Differential - A 5% salary differential is provided to management employees.
- 9/80 Schedule Option - Employees have the option to work a standard schedule of 8 hours a day 5 days a week, or a 9/80 working mostly 9-hour days with a day off every other week.
- Flexible Schedules - Employees may be allowed a work schedule that provides for starting and quitting times other than the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Opportunity to Telework - Flexible telework schedules are available.
- Vacation - 12 days per year for the first 3 years, then 20 days to 27 days per year based on years of service.
- Sick Leave - 15 days per year.
- Holidays - 11 days per year.
- Administrative Leave - 10 days per year.
- Management Sick Leave Payout - Sick leave may be accumulated without limitation and management employees will be paid one-half of accrued sick leave upon retirement unless such payment is waived. Sick leave is convertible to PERS retirement service credits.
- Vacation Leave Payout - Unrepresented supervisors and managers may cash out vacation for the equivalent cash compensation each fiscal year in an amount not to exceed the cap or hours used during the year.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities?
- Yes
- No
02
Describe your education and/or experience with outreach, report writing and presenting technical information to the general public, technical audiences, elected officials, and community-based organizations.
03
Describe your experience, if applicable, and the most important considerations when working with environmental justice communities?
04
Describe your experience communicating and coordinating with internal departments and external stakeholders, e.g. community groups, elected officials and other agency partners.
Required Question