Placer County

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.

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.

Receives direction from supervisory or management staff.

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

• 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.

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.

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:

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 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.

Length of Probation:

All permanent appointments to this classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:

Professional

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt