PRINCIPAL AIR QUALITY SPECIALIST

Agency & Position Overview The 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. Through regulation of industrial facilities and a variety of outreach and incentive programs, the Air District works to encourage clean air choices across seven counties – Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Napa – and portions of southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma. The Air District is accepting applications for the position of Principal Air Quality Specialist in the Ambient Air Quality Analysis (AAQA) section of the Meteorology and Measurement Division. This is an open recruitment for one full‑time, represented position. About the Position The AAQA section’s primary objective is to improve the understanding of air quality in the Bay Area using air monitoring and meteorological data. The section designs air monitoring studies, analyzes and interprets results, and communicates findings to support other Air District programs and community organizations. The Principal Air Quality Specialist will specialize in air monitoring study design and data analysis for criteria pollutants and air toxics, support Strategic Plan and AB 617 CERP implementation, conduct local‑scale and source‑oriented air quality assessments, and collaborate with community members on their air quality projects. This role performs complex assignments and provides project leadership for coordinating and developing programs. Definition Under direction, performs the most complex and highly specialized level of program assignments in the areas of inspection, investigation, air monitoring instrument and equipment operation, air quality planning, rule development, enforcement and compliance operations, and other air quality program areas; may provide project supervision or team leadership on a project‑specific basis and performs related work as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics This class provides the most complex and specialized program assignments in support of the Air District’s goals and objectives. Incumbents provide project leadership for coordinating and developing programs that require considerable technical knowledge and independent judgment. The class is distinct from supervising specialists and manager levels, which focus on staff supervision and program management respectively. Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only) General Duties: Coordinates and carries out the most complex assignments relating to the development, review and approval processes for the Air District’s new or revised rules and regulations; equipment operation and maintenance; data collection and analysis; technical review; the development of technological justifications; and/or other special projects as assigned. Develops, recommends and implements Air District policies and programs to enforce statutory and regulatory requirements for enforcement; develops and recommends the Air District's position on various enforcement matters such as hearing board actions and settlement conferences. Provides input into hiring selection decisions and performance evaluations. Provides technical development and training. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and manuals. Develops, implements, recommends and revises forms, webpages, and other program tools. Advises staff on technical, regulatory and programmatic issues. Reviews and summarizes data, prepares special and periodic reports, and ensures program effectiveness. Conducts and participates in meetings and workshops with a variety of legal, public and private agency officials to explain and interpret technical policies, data rules and regulations regarding programs. Participates in meetings, conferences, hearing boards and workshops with public and private agencies; serves on special committees and task forces relating to air quality program activities. Interacts and represents the Air District with industry, attorneys, the public and other agencies; provides technical expertise to Air District staff, counsel, industry, the public and other agencies. Provides lead direction, training and work review to technical and support staff, prioritizes and follows up on work assignments to ensure timely completion. May provide technical training and participate in program and staff development. Maintains data and data systems supporting Air District programs. May provide input to air quality program budgetary needs. Maintains detailed technical records, standard operating procedures, and logbooks to comply with regulatory guidelines. Performs other related duties as assigned. Representative Duties (by program area) Some positions in this classification may be assigned to one or several program areas; an exhaustive list of program‑area specific duties is not provided. In addition to the duties listed above, the following duties (illustrative only) may be performed for positions in the select program areas: Meteorology and Measurement Researches and analyzes new technology, procedures, and regulations relevant to air monitoring and source testing, and makes recommendations to management regarding the implementation process. Leads the procurement, testing, and implementation of new technology and develops operating procedures for new and existing technology. Leads the development of special study designs by providing input on technical implementation details. Develops study‑specific procedures for field staff and provides training as needed. Advises on testing, diagnosis, and repair of non‑routine equipment problems. Works with instrument manufacturers to solve instrument problems caused by design, supply, or implementation issues. Evaluates data to ensure that quality control standards are met, and quality control systems are functioning appropriately to ensure robust data is being produced. Suggests changes to the quality system necessary to correct or prevent data quality issues. Performs complex duties involving installation, operation, maintenance, calibration and repair of air monitoring, meteorological, and source test equipment and instrumentation. Evaluates and makes recommendations to ensure that all programs are following applicable regulations in support of Air District goals and objectives. Works with outside contractors to provide specialized air quality and source test measurements. Works with the data management team to ensure that data systems meet the needs of the Air District in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for the storage, processing, and transmittal of regulatory data. Advises on the development, implementation, and evaluation of new air monitoring and source test programs and makes recommendations to ensure that existing programs continue to comply with federal requirements. Conducts mobile, portable, or stationary source‑oriented monitoring. Prepares and collects various samples of ambient air and source test pollutants at air monitoring sites and stationary sources. Maintains detailed technical records and logbooks. Minimum Qualifications Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in chemistry, computer science, electronics, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, physical sciences, physics, or a closely related field. Experience: Five (5) years of experience performing air quality inspections; installing, operating and maintaining air monitoring and quality assessment instruments and equipment, or developing and administering air quality programs, of which at least two (2) years included performing lead or supervisory responsibilities equivalent to the Air District’s Senior Air Quality Specialist. Substitution: Any combination of relevant training and work experience in the listed or related fields may substitute for the education criteria on a year for year basis. Experience troubleshooting and working with meteorological and ambient air monitoring data, including concentrations of criteria air pollutants and air toxics from fixed sites and/or mobile air monitoring studies. Experience using various environmental statistical data methods, including approaches for source apportionment of ambient concentrations. Experience with air toxics and particle speciation air monitoring and laboratory analysis methods. Fundamental atmospheric chemistry knowledge. Experience working with people in areas experiencing disproportionate cumulative impacts, designing and performing technical work aligned with environmental justice principles and centering racial equity. Other Requirements: Some positions may require a valid California driver’s license, California Air Resources Board Visible Emissions Evaluation Certification obtained within 6 months, and physical ability to work near and in the presence of hazardous and toxic materials, climb high structures, lift heavy safety and test equipment, and use self‑contained breathing apparatus. Qualifications Knowledge of: Theories, principles and practices of air quality measurements or inspection and enforcement, including environmental research and analysis. Applicable Air District, state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Basic legal principles of civil prosecution, particularly as they relate to environmental enforcement. Basic principles of engineering, chemistry, physics and biology as they relate to air quality programs. Industrial processes and equipment used in air pollution control. Common biological, chemical and physical processes that cause air pollution and their long and short‑term impacts and effects. General principles of data quality and control. Industrial practices and techniques to modify production processes and equipment to reduce emissions. Record‑keeping and reporting principles and practices. General principles of records management. Skill in: Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others. Training others in work procedures. Directing, developing and administering effective air quality programs. Analyzing technical air pollution problems, evaluating alternative solutions and developing effective recommendations. Analyzing and interpreting technical and legal rules, policies and procedures. Reading and understanding technical engineering diagrams and processes. Preparing clear and concise technical reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written materials. Negotiating settlements tactfully and effectively. Communicating technical and non‑technical information orally and in writing. Exercising sound independent judgement within established guidelines. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. How to Apply & Selection Criteria Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application, along with a chronological resume and the answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, July 27th, 2026. Applications are accepted online; please visit to apply. Resumes must be attached to the application and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Postmarks, faxes, and e‑mailed applications will not be accepted. Supplemental Questions Instructions: Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the required supplemental questions. The responses will be evaluated as is and may be used to determine the most qualified applicants. Please limit your responses to no more than 500 words per question. You must provide the following for each question regarding experience: The name of the employer where you gained your experience, your job title, length of time in years/months performing the specific function, and detailed examples that illustrate your duties and responsibilities. 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. Equality Statement: The Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Bay Area Air Quality Management District