Principal Air Quality Chemist

Salary : $117,094.95 - $166,105.90 Annually
Location : 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26:32:EV
Department: Monitoring & Analysis Division
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW
ABOUT SOUTH COAST AQMD

South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation, serving a four-county region that includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the Coachella Valley. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 Freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 870 employees, an annual budget of $225.2 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!

South Coast AQMD is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique backgrounds, skills, and experiences of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT OUR LABORATORY

South Coast AQMD's laboratory employs over 40 staff in a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to air quality sample analysis. It provides a broad array of services generating actionable data that is used for strategic planning, investigating complaints from the community, evaluating new products and processes, supporting incident responses and determining compliance with regulations. We also provide data to the California Air Resources Board, US EPA, law enforcement agencies, and universities. Results generated by the laboratory have been the catalyst for agency-wide policy decisions, special studies, and technology development. We analyze over 60,000 samples per year using various analytical laboratory techniques; including GC, IC, LC, GC-MS, XRF, XRD, FTIR, microscopic analysis, ICP-MS, and PTR-MS to generate detailed information on the types and amount of pollutants in ambient air. The South Coast AQMD laboratory is at the forefront of method development for ambient air analyses and obtains national recognition in the field of air quality analytical chemistry.
ABOUT THIS POSITION

The South Coast AQMD is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Principal Air Quality Chemist vacancy. From this recruitment process, we expect to establish an eligible list from which current and future vacancies may be filled, during the 6-12-month life of the list.
Principal Chemists are expected to have expertise in many analytical techniques, data analysis, and to supervise the work of staff in their respective group. Therefore, the most competitive candidates for this position will bring a strong combination of education, atmospheric and analytical chemistry training and experience, broad knowledge of QA/QC procedures, and supervisory skills and readiness. This position will be responsible for oversight of the South Coast AQMD laboratory's Advanced Spectrometry and Microscopy groups. The primary role of the Advanced Spectrometry Principal Chemist is to help with community monitoring needs under several South Coast AQMD programs, including AB 617 (Community Air Toxics Monitoring), incident response, rule development and support, and special monitoring projects using a mobile Proton-Transfer-Reaction-Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) and other advanced instrumentation.

The Principal Air Quality Chemist is a supervisory position reporting to the Laboratory Manager. This vacant position is one of four Principal positions making up the laboratory supervisory team; each team consists of eight to sixteen chemists, technicians, and support staff. Teams are aligned by function, including compliance analysis, ambient VOC/toxics analysis, aerosol analysis, and advanced spectrometry/microscopy.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The general Example of Duties for this classification are highlighted below, for full description of duties please refer to this link here.

• Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of staff assigned to a laboratory section involved in qualitative and quantitative analyses to isolate, identify, and quantify air contaminants; reviews requests for analyses, determines the level of difficulty, and assigns work; and provides technical and administrative guidance to professional and technical staff and evaluates performance.
• Develops, supervises, prioritizes, and evaluates programs and projects; maintains workload statistics on unit activities; prepares program- and activity-related reports and analyses; reviews and edits technical reports prepared by laboratory staff to ensure accuracy of data, appropriateness of methodologies, and soundness of findings and conclusions; and identifies and maintains data quality objectives on a program basis.
• Serves as a technical expert and resource for South Coast AQMD staff regarding chemistry-related air quality matters and on a variety of technical advisory committees; maintains a broad understanding of current research into causes, sources, and chemical reactions contributing to air quality problems; and consults with outside experts regarding air quality issues relevant to laboratory programs and projects.
• Applies professional training and experience and keeps abreast of updated and new chemical laboratory methods, instrumentation, protocols, and practices through review of professional literature and other research resources and evaluates staff recommendations to ensure the laboratory uses the most effective and up-to-date techniques in analyzing air contaminants, accomplishing the work of the unit, and meeting new or changing South Coast AQMD rules.
• Reviews and approves test methods used by private laboratories for compliance with South Coast AQMD rules.
• Represents South Coast AQMD at scientific conferences and prepares for publication and presents research reports and papers on methods, procedures, results, and conclusions relating to laboratory analyses.
• Testifies in court and before public bodies and hearing boards.
• Prepares annual budget request for the section and submits written justification for budget items requested; and is responsible for the preparation of grant proposals for federal government or other funding.
• Acts for the laboratory services manager, as needed.

MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the Minimum Qualifications which follow, the most competitive candidates will also possess:

• Experience with the measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in ambient air, and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of resultant data sets.
• Experience with mobile measurements and/or field studies using research grade instrumentation, particularly mass spectrometry techniques such as PTR-MS and spectroscopic methods such as CRDS and TILDAS; along with other analytical techniques for the measurement of ambient gases and particles.
• Experience with microscopic analysis for asbestos and other ambient particulate matter using polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy with EDS, XRD, FTIR, and other techniques.
• Knowledge of QA/QC procedures and guidelines to ensure data is accurate and representative of the samples being collected following proper documentation procedures.
• Detailed knowledge of matters directly related to ambient air analysis, laboratory instrumentation and data management.
• Exceptional leadership, oral presentation, and written communication skills.
• Experience overseeing the work of laboratory professionals and support staff.
• Ability to identify and resolve complex programmatic and administrative challenges in a fair, impartial, and professional manner.
• Ability to implement and track the progress of programs and innovative solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Ability to conceptualize mobile monitoring and field data using GIS based visualizations.
• Ability to manage workloads to ensure timely turnaround of sample analysis and data collected during field measurements.
• Ability to lead teams operating field instrumentation, both stationary and mobile, that is used extensively for monitoring pollutants near facilities and in nearby communities as well as for incident response.
• Ability to oversee contracts for monitoring studies along with collaborating with researchers at universities and other agencies.
• Ability to present technical data to various stakeholders having a wide range of scientific and professional backgrounds.
• Strong computer and data review skills for large complex datasets that harmonize data from several instruments often with different time resolutions.
• Flexibility, dependability, and a positive, can-do attitude.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, preferably with an emphasis in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year as a Senior Air Quality Chemist or equivalent (One year working as a Manager, Supervisor, Senior Chemist, or similar leadership position that oversees a group of chemists focused on air quality measurements and/or research)

OR

Three (3) years as an Air Quality Chemist or equivalent (Three years working as a Chemist conducting air quality analysis).
KNOWLEDGE OF: Current methods, procedures, protocols, and instrumentation relating to organic, inorganic, and physical qualitative and quantitative analysis; operational principles of relevant chemical laboratory instrumentation and techniques; principles and practices of project management, supervision, training, and budgeting; relevant professional research literature and resources; principles and methods of statistical analysis; working knowledge of database design, information management, and computer programming, as they relate to laboratory analysis of air contaminants; safety procedures and practices relating to laboratory work; PC software applications common to the field and to the general business environment of South Coast AQMD; professional report writing; South Coast AQMD rules and federal and State laws related to chemical analysis of air contaminants; and protocols and standards for laboratory analysis of air quality samples.

SKILL OR ABILITY TO: Supervise, evaluate, train, and assign work to professional and technical staff involved in routine and complex qualitative and quantitative organic, inorganic and physical analysis of air quality samples; effectively use available resources in planning and organizing programs and projects; evaluate the effectiveness of programs and projects in meeting laboratory and overall South Coast AQMD objectives; oversee the development and implementation of new laboratory methods, procedures, and protocols, the adaptation of existing instrumentation and methods for new purposes, and the evaluation of new instrumentation; understand and interpret applicable laws, rules, and regulations; edit and write detailed, accurate reports on laboratory projects, analyses, methodologies, findings, and conclusions; prepare funding proposals; read, understand, and follow verbal and written directions; proficiently use PC software applications common to the field and to the general business environment of South Coast AQMD; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective relationships with all those contacted in the course of work.

LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a good driving record may be required.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE

1. A completed employment application covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience), and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are a South Coast AQMD employee.
2. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question.
3. Up to four references which include the names and phone numbers of your present and past supervisors or managers, and/or college professors or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers.
4. An unofficial copy of your transcripts (or equivalency evaluation if your education was obtained outside the U.S.), documenting all qualifying education claimed, submitted as an attachment to your online application*.

*You MUST submit acceptable documentation for all education claimed on your application. Acceptable documentation consists of an unofficial copy of your transcripts/equivalency evaluation attached to your application. At a later date , candidates under final consideration will be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD, documenting all education claimed on their application.

Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Application packets, including responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, will first be screened, and the most competitively qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the process, which is expected to be a qualifying interview. (Please note that some assessments may be conducted remotely).

Following the assessment process, a ranked eligible list is expected to be created, from which current and future vacancies may be filled, during the 6-12-month life of the list. Only those who demonstrate they are among the most competitively qualified, at each successive step of the selection process, will be advanced to the next step. (Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to the next step.)

Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, you are welcome to participate in this recruitment process, but there is no guarantee that a job offer with the requested sponsorship will be made to you.

South Coast AQMD reserves the right to add, delete, and modify any elements of the selection process as deemed appropriate, based on the number and quality of applicants at each step.

Please call Human Resources at least one week in advance if you might need an accommodation at any step during the selection process. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources Department at View phone number on us.fitly.work.
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OVERVIEW
BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

Monthly Benefit Allotment

$1,912, to purchase medical, dental, and life insurance, with unused portion paid to you as cash. Your insurance coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following completion of 30 days of continuous service. Dependent children may be covered to age 26 on medical, dental and vision plans.

Medical Health Plans

Blue Shield PPO

Blue Shield PPO Savings Plus 2250 (High Deductible Plan)

Blue Shield HMO

Kaiser HMO

Kaiser HSA HMO 1500 (High Deductible Plan)

Dental Plans

Delta Dental PPO (without orthodontic benefits)

Delta Dental PPO (with orthodontic benefits for children only)

DeltaCare (PMI) Dental

Vision Plan

EyeMed - Optional

Life Insurance

$10,000 Term Life Insurance

(Optional additional life insurance, paid by you, at 1X, 2X, or 3X your salary)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Claremont EAP, powered by Uprise Health. EAP is available to all employees and their familiels at no cost. EAP offers confidential advice, support and practical solutions to real-life issues.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Optional

Section 125

Optional Plans (Medical Reimbursement; Dependent Care)

Work Schedule

Four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday

Vacation

80 hours per year, increasing to 120 after five years

Holidays

13 paid holidays per year

Sick Leave

100 hours per year

Other Leaves

Bereavement; Jury Duty; Military; Witness

Tuition Reimbursement

Reimbursed up to $5,000 per year

Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)

Optional (Employee may contribute up to the IRS maximum). South Coast AQMD matches, dollar for dollar up to $300 per year for the regular plan.

Retirement

2.5% @ 67 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who, at time of hire, were not members of the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
2.0% @ 55 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees who, prior to January 1, 2013, were active members of SBCERA or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.

Employees pay only the Medicare portion of Social Security.

03/01/2024
01

Based on the Minimum Qualifications for Education listed in the job flyer, please indicate how you meet the qualifications. (Examples of Chemistry-related fields of study include Biochemistry, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Earth Systems Science, and Chemical Engineering.) Check all that apply.

• I have a doctorate degree in Chemistry or a related field.
• I have a Master of Science (MS) degree in Chemistry or a related field.
• I have a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry or a related field.
• I do not meet the Minimum Qualifications for education.

02

From your response to Question #1, please provide the Degree earned and Major/field of study. If answered I do not meet the Minimum Qualifications for Education, please type N/A.
03

Based on the Minimum Qualifications for Experience listed in job posting, please indicate how you meet the qualifications for this position.

• I have at least one (1) year as a Senior Air Quality Chemist or equivalent (One year working as a Manager, Supervisor, Senior Chemist, or similar leadership position that oversees a group of chemists focused on air quality measurements and/or research)
• I have at least three (3) years as an Air Quality Chemist or equivalent (Three years working as a Chemist conducting air quality analysis).
• I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

04

Describe in detail your experience in scientific project management and staff oversight in a laboratory. Your response should include the types of projects, their duration, number of staff involved and your specific responsibilities.
05

Describe your experience in writing and reviewing laboratory reports, work plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Your response should include the type of report, work plan or SOP, its intended audience, and your role in its preparation. Also include a description of any detailed data analysis you performed in preparing each.
06

Describe your experience presenting scientific findings to non-technical audiences. Include any challenges or obstacles you had to overcome to be successful in your efforts.
Required Question