Air Quality Specialist - Senior

Job Description:

Air Quality Specialist - Senior

Description

Introduction

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

POSITION INFORMATION

There are two Senior Air Quality Specialist (SAQS) vacancies within the Placer County Air Pollution Control District:

The District’s Grant and Incentive (G&I) Section is recruiting a permanent/full-time SAQS, located in Auburn, CA. The SAQS will supervise the G&I Section. The G&I Section is responsible for implementing local, state, and federal agency grants programs to improve air quality in Placer County.  This includes grant program administration, project implementation, interagency coordination, and community outreach. The SAQS will also lead the District’s public outreach efforts and serve as the District Point of Contact (POC). The ideal candidate has strong communication (oral and written) and technical skills, and the desire and ability to lead and motivate multiple interdisciplinary staff.

The District’s Compliance and Enforcement (C&E) Section is recruiting a permanent/full-time SAQS, located in Auburn, CA. The SAQS will supervise the C&E Section. The C&E Section is responsible for compliance inspections of stationary permitted sources of air pollution, investigation and resolution of public complaints, field patrol and surveillance for unpermitted equipment, settlement of violations of air pollution rules, burn program operations, and public outreach and education. The ideal candidate has experience with sources of air pollution in the District and enforcement case development and settlement.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To perform the most specialized, complex, and responsible functions related to the enforcement of federal, state, and local air quality laws and regulations through investigation, inspection, monitoring, and follow up activities, including citation issuance; to participate in activities related to grant and incentive programs; and to serve as a resource to assigned staff and the public regarding the more complex areas of assignment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Air Quality Specialist series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, and independence of action taken. Employees in this classification perform the most difficult and responsible duties within the series requiring specialized knowledge and abilities, which may include direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff as assigned. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to air quality.

This class is distinguished from the Air Quality Specialist I/II in that it performs the most complex and difficult compliance, enforcement, planning, monitoring, and grant and incentive program administration duties related to air quality.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from supervisory or management staff.

May exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead, perform, and supervise the most complex or difficult compliance, enforcement, planning, monitoring, and grant and incentive program activities related to air quality.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in assigned air quality activities.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Conduct the most complex investigations of public complaints regarding air quality and concerns; interview complainants; conduct field inspections based on public complaints or potential violations.
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and monitor transportation and indirect source emissions control strategies and plans; review, evaluate, and comment upon the impact and effects of proposed land use and transportation alternatives; plan, develop, and implement the means of achieving emissions reductions and mitigation strategies; review and evaluate Environmental Impact Reports, legislation, and land and transportation studies; work with other government agencies and community groups to coordinate, promote, and monitor the progress of air pollution reduction measures.
• Interpret data and analyze findings from a variety of sources, including complex computer models, air emission inventories, reports, documents, and statistics.
• Analyze and prepare technical reports and studies.
• Maintain accurate data records and case, program, and project files; prepare documents and correspondence as necessary.
• Coordinate the receipt, logging, review, processing, evaluation, and eligibility determination of grant application submissions in accordance with established procedures, statutory requirements, and program guidelines; prepare recommendations for grant awards.
• Review contracts, amendments, and related documents for grant-funded projects for accuracy, compliance, and alignment with program objectives; coordinate and perform inspections to ensure compliance with program and grant requirements.
• Review air quality impacts of indirect and area source projects and assist with the implementation of incentive programs to reduce emissions from these sources.
• Calculate emissions reductions, analyze cost-effectiveness, and assess emissions inventories.
• Review applications for and issue permits, including vapor recovery Authority to Construct (ATC) applications and burn permits.
• Seek compliance from permitted and non-permitted sources with federal, state, or local air quality laws, rules, and regulations; issue warning notices and citations; conduct follow up inspections.
• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, and operate air monitoring equipment; monitor, collect, and analyze air monitoring emission data from a variety of sources; investigate equipment breakdown reports.
• Inspect non-permitted sources to determine if a permit is required; educate facility owner(s) on permit application process, as needed.
• Monitor annual source tests; monitor and document underground fuel storage tank installation and removal; perform annual inspection of underground storage tanks known to be in operation; conduct tests to detect possible leakage.
• Perform visible emissions evaluations to determine compliance with air quality standards.
• Develop and prepare marketing materials, conduct outreach activities, deliver presentations, and engage with businesses, community groups, and the public to promote grant opportunities and air quality programs.
• Represent the District to other agencies, organizations, businesses, and the public; respond to requests for information; promote the District’s mission and goals.
• Explain air quality statutes, regulations, incentive programs, and general information to the public, businesses, and media.
• Coordinate with other County departments and outside agencies as needed.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions and in the field requiring travel to various locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties similar to an Air Quality Specialist II with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in any of the biological or physical sciences, environmental health science, engineering, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a California Air Resources Board Visible Emission Evaluation (VEE) Certificate within six (6) months of employment, as required by the position.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to air quality.
• Operations, policies, and procedures of the Air Pollution Control District.
• Principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and the physical sciences.
• Principles and practices of research and statistical methodology.
• Principles and practices of air quality planning as necessary for the position assigned.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer hardware and software applications.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, identify, interpret, understand, analyze, apply, recall, and explain policies and procedures, technical and numerical information, work papers, reports, special projects, and pertinent air quality laws, rules, and regulations; observe and problem-solve operational and technical policies and procedures; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action; maintain awareness of safety at all times; observe safety rules and identify safety hazards.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk or in vehicle for long periods of time. Intermittently walk, stand, balance, climb, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, twist, reach, and bend to reach equipment surrounding desk and to perform field work; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, use a telephone, write, and use keyboard to communicate; see, hear, and smell with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift heavy weight.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Independently interpret and enforce air quality statutes and regulations.
• Perform complex, difficult, or sensitive investigations and inspections, and prepare findings and recommendations for action by higher authority.
• Operate various surveillance and recording equipment, hand tools, compressed gas bottles, pressure regulators, and flow meters.
• Accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.
• Compile, analyze, and evaluate technical information and prepare recommendations regarding further action.
• Develop, prepare, and present materials related to air quality rules, regulations, and programs.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interview and interact fairly and courteously with the public.
• Use a computer and standard office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Bethany Clinkenbeard, Administrative Technician, at [email protected] or (530) 886-4669.

Closing Date/Time: 7/10/2026 5:00:00 PM

Salary:

$46.18 - $57.66/hour; $8,004.53 - $9,994.40/month; $96,054.40 - $119,932.80/year