Air Quality Specialist I/II (Engineering)

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 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.

About the Position

The Engineering Division administers the permitting program for equipment and operations that emit air pollutants in the Air District’s jurisdiction and provides technical support to internal and external entities with issues related to permitting and permitted facilities.

Beyond specific permitting work, some of the important programs and projects in which the Engineering Division are actively engaged include but not limited to:

• Verification of emissions inventories
• Database development & testing, including user interfaces
• Data management
• Emissions modeling
• General technical support of Air District programs

Under general supervision, the Air Quality Specialist will perform a variety of duties in support of Engineering Division programs. Duties include but are not limited to processing permit applications, handling permit renewal tasks, data management (extracting, organizing, validating, maintaining), calculating emissions, drafting & updating program documentation (e.g., policies

There are vacant Air Quality Specialist positions in the following areas.

• Two (2) positions would be assigned to the backup generator and remediation (e.g., soil vapor extraction, sub-slab depressurization) programs. 
  • Staff would manage and process permit applications from a high-volume category. The work would involve managing assigned applications, documenting the evaluation following standard procedures, meeting timelines, communicating with applicants, and recommending a permit decision.
  • Other duties include but are not limited to handling permit renewal tasks, maintaining documentation, recommending & implementing program improvements, managing data & documentation, updating templates including emission calculations, providing technical support, participating with rule development efforts, training staff, and performing other specialized work, as assigned.

• One (1) position would be assigned to the Title V program. 
  • Staff may be assigned to process Title V application types such as initial permits, renewals, minor revisions, administrative amendments, closures, and reclassifications. The work would involve managing assigned applications, documenting the basis of the permit, meeting timelines, communicating with applicants, collaborating with Air District staff, and tracking the approval process.
  • Other duties include but are not limited to reporting to government agencies, managing data, tracking program metrics, maintaining documentation, analyzing program data metrics, updating templates, training, contributing to the development of system tools, participating with rule development for Air District’s Title V rule (Regulation 2, Rule 6), and performing other specialized work, as assigned.

 

General duties:

• Develops new and revises existing various air quality programs, rules, regulations, policies, and proceduresto achieve air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and reduce the public exposure to air pollutants; researches technical feasibility and new control proposals for new or revised rules.
• Develops plans and documentation for the measurement, quality control and quality assurance, and analysis of emissions and air quality data. 
• Extracts, analyzes and ensures the quality of dataincluding but not limited to devices/operations that emit air pollution, emissions,   greenhouse gas, facilities, and meteorological data; prepares graphs, charts, statistical summaries, and reports from data; and may assist in more complex studies. 
• Reviews and develops recommendations concerning air quality and greenhouse gas reports, programs, plans, legislation and regulations and prepares related reports and correspondence. 
• Administers air quality programsincluding reviewing plans and recommending resolution of problem situations.
• May calculate emissions reductions and assess emissions inventories,conduct economic impacts analyses, and perform other technical work.
• Confers with industry representatives, Air District staff, the public and other agencies to obtain and disseminate technical and operational information.
• Drafts, reviews and analyzes air quality and greenhouse gas reports and other documents; conducts inquiries, compiles and researches information.
• Reviews and summarizes data, prepares special and periodic reports and monitors effectiveness of Air District programs.
• Researches and studies air quality and climate issues.
• Drafts, implements, recommends and revises forms, webpages, and other program tools.
• Maintains data and data systems supporting Air District programs.
• Responds to oral and written requests for technical, operational and administrative information about air quality programs; explains and interprets technical policies, rules and regulations.
• Prepares and coordinates technical and safety program training for Air District staff; develops and coordinates training aids and materials; may conduct staff training; monitors training needs for staff.
• Interacts and represents the Air District with industry, attorneys, the public and other agencies.
• Organizes and participates in workshops and meetings, and provide consultation and advice to individuals and businesses in matters related to area of expertise. 
• Prepares technical reports and policy documents and gives presentations on Air District projects, including Air District staff, executives, board members, and community groups and other external stakeholders; briefs executives and board members.
• Maintains detailed technical records, standard operating procedures, and logbooks to comply with regulatory guidelines. 
• Administers the records management program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.