Senior Air Quality Specialist

Overview The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The 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 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. We also believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work‑life balance, we support 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. Position Overview Senior Air Quality Specialist – Meteorology Measurement Division (open recruitment, one full‑time position). This role is part of the newly formed Monitoring Data Systems (MDS) Section, which partners with IT to architect, secure and modernize the mission‑critical systems that acquire environmental data from the BAAQMD network of 28+ monitoring stations. The position requires occasional travel to monitoring sites across the nine Bay Area counties, and a valid California driver’s license is required. Key Responsibilities Physical installation and precise calibration of field instruments (sensors, data loggers) and configuration of a central data acquisition system. Advanced troubleshooting and servicing of data acquisition hardware and software to maximize data quality and uptime across the network. Proactive testing and validation of all equipment and configurations before deployment to prevent field failures. Cross‑training team members and shaping the technical direction of systems architecture. Providing technical development and training to staff. Managing data systems that support Air District programs, including maintaining detailed technical records and standard operating procedures. Using meteorological and air quality measurement data in regulatory decisions, public information and scientific research. Coordinating and participating in the development and revision of new and existing programs and policies. Drafting, implementing and recommending program tools such as forms and webpages. Conducting meetings and workshops with agencies, attorneys, the public and industry representatives. Representing the Air District in public workshops and board meetings and briefing executives. Maintaining participation in special committees and task forces, and interacting closely with community stakeholders. 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. Meteorology and Measurement Evaluating performance of analytical instrumentation to ensure compliance with District, state and federal standards. Installing, operating, maintaining, calibrating and repairing air monitoring and meteorological instrumentation. Operating field computers, hardware/software, databases and data devices in stand‑alone and networked data acquisition systems. Overseeing data evaluation, entering data into the computerized database and responding to technical data requests. Developing and implementing operational, analytical and technical methods and procedures. Performing acceptance testing and quality control functions on monitoring equipment and calibrations. Coordinating and tracking certification of reference standards used in the section. Improving sampling techniques and modifying equipment as needed. Supporting the development and construction of monitoring platforms. Coordinating safety programs and overseeing safety procedures. Managing purchasing, replenishment and inventory tracking of spare components and consumables. Ensuring data systems comply with local, state and federal regulations for storage, processing and transmission. Conducting mobile, portable or stationary source‑oriented monitoring and collecting samples of ambient air or source test pollutants. Education and Experience 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 and four (4) 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. At least two (2) years of that experience must be equivalent to the Air District’s Air Quality Specialist II. Combination of relevant training and work experience may substitute for the education criteria on a year‑for‑year basis. Knowledge of Theories, principles and practices of air quality measurements, 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 short and long‑term impacts. 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. Skills and Abilities Planning, assigning and directing 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 recommendations. 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 to various audiences. Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders. Equal Opportunity Employer 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 Bay Area Air Quality Management District