Emission Analyst

Emissions Compliance Technician

Primary purpose

Perform emissions compliance testing, analysis, documentation, and reporting for Tallgrass equipment in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations and air permits. Provide equipment performance evaluation, troubleshooting, modeling, and tuning necessary to achieve and sustain compliant operation. This role is assigned to the Air Compliance organization and partners closely with Field Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and third-party vendors.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities

Emissions Compliance Testing, Documentation & Reporting

• Perform emissions testing and monitoring to support required engine/turbine testing programs using specialized instruments and software.
• Set up, operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment such as electronic manometers, exhaust gas analyzers, portable emissions analyzers, and other sampling/testing equipment.
• Record, validate, and document emissions levels for applicable criteria pollutants.
• Schedule, coordinate, track, and document required emissions testing to meet permit and regulatory deadlines.
• Coordinate with Field Operations and Air Compliance to set test dates/times within required timelines.
• Utilize tracking systems to monitor runtime and testing frequency for permit-required emission sources.
• Prepare, maintain, and distribute emissions monitoring reports and other regulatory-required records used to demonstrate compliance.
• Interpret air quality permit requirements for each assigned facility; maintain advanced knowledge of state and federal testing regulatory requirements and protocols (including NSPS Subparts IIII, JJJJ, KKKK; NESHAP Subparts ZZZZ and HH; EPA Reference Methods; and state air permitting requirements.
• Notify Air Compliance leadership in a timely manner of emissions exceedances or compliance risks; support internal/external reporting and regulatory interactions as directed.
• Assist with inspections and information requests from state/local/federal agencies as directed by Air Compliance.

Mechanical Performance & Diagnostics

• Perform routine performance evaluation and troubleshooting of engines, turbines, motors, compressors, pumps, and drivers to support compliant operation and valid emissions test results.
• Conduct exhaust analysis and reporting; provide technical recommendations to improve emissions performance and operational stability.
• Tune engines (including Caterpillar, Waukesha, and Superior where applicable) to achieve required emissions levels; document settings/results and required follow-up actions.
• Apply engine and compressor modeling to establish, validate, or correct performance and control system accuracy impacting emissions outcomes.
• Perform problem determination and resolution through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical reporting, including recommended corrective actions (repairs, adjustments, component replacement, controls changes, operational changes, and/or re-testing).
• Use diagnostic/predictive tools as needed to support mechanical health evaluation and compliance outcomes (e.g., vibration testing/data analysis, ultrasonic leak detection and quantification, portable emissions testing and modeling).
• Communicate equipment mechanical health and compliance-impacting conditions to Field Operations, Air Compliance, and local/regional management.

Vendor Oversight, Commissioning Support & General Requirements

• Coordinate and oversee third-party emissions testing/analysis/reporting; review deliverables for completeness, quality, and alignment with permit/testing requirements.
• Coordinate needed adjustments, repairs, replacements, or re-testing of emissions sources or control equipment with Field Operations, Maintenance, and vendors.
• Support commissioning/start-up of new, modified, or replacement equipment to ensure proper setup, controls accuracy, and compliant operation.
• Perform internal facility assessments as needed to verify compliance with air permitting requirements.
• Perform all work in compliance with company standards, procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory/tariff requirements.
• Maintain dependable attendance; work non-traditional hours and travel (including overnight) as required.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Two (2) year degree in Applied Science or an engineering-related field from an accredited college, or
• A minimum of two (2) years direct work experience may be considered as a substitute for a degree.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office applications (e.g., Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Working knowledge and experience with:
  • Electronic equipment; high pressure gas and processing equipment
  • Reciprocating two- and four-cycle integral/separable engines and/or gas turbine engines
  • Electric motors; reciprocating and centrifugal compressors; liquid pumps
  • Engine and compressor performance and maintenance analysis
  • Portable emissions testing
  • Vibration testing and other predictive technologies
  • PLC and microprocessor-based control systems

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate clearly in person and by telephone; active listening.
• Equipment performance analysis: ability to evaluate and trend engine/compressor/pump performance and identify conditions impacting emissions compliance and test validity.
• Reliability/condition monitoring capability using diagnostic tools (e.g., vibration, ultrasonic, performance data) and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Root cause analysis & technical reporting: ability to diagnose issues across mechanical/controls/operational contributors and produce clear documentation.
• Controls/data interpretation: ability to interpret PLC/microprocessor-based data and understand impacts of sensor accuracy/control logic on performance and emissions outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly in person and by telephone; active listening.
• Strong interpersonal skills with professionalism, tact, courtesy, and a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, document, and complete work with minimal supervision; self-motivated with independent scheduling ability.
• Ability to work effectively with remote pipeline systems and personnel.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required schedules, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Good math skills (fractions/decimals and basic arithmetic).
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal job functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions:

• Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions and travel significant distances by vehicle.
• Some job functions require working in buildings that require hearing protection.
• Overnight travel may be required (may include up to 25% overnight travel).
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and complete a background check (including credit report for certain positions) after an offer has been extended and prior to employment.
• Living environs may be negotiable and will be relevant to the work location.
• Position may be filled in an alternate location at management's discretion.

Supervisory Responsibility

• No

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Above the minimum requirements, not required but advantageous in this position:

• 10+ years technical experience in crude oil and/or natural gas pipeline system operations, including strong technical knowledge of:
  • Instrumentation, electronics, and control systems equipment
  • Reciproc