Placer County

To enforce federal, state, and local air quality laws and regulations through investigation, inspection, monitoring, and follow up activities, including citation issuance; to administer grant and incentive programs; and to communicate with the public regarding compliance and enforcement.

Air Quality Specialist I 
This is the entry level class in the Air Quality Specialist series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Air Quality Specialist II 
This is the full journey level class within the Air Quality Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Air Quality Specialist I by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level. This class is distinguished from the Senior Air Quality Specialist in that the latter performs the most complex and difficult compliance, enforcement, planning, monitoring, and grant and incentive program administration duties related to air quality and may exercise direct supervision over assigned staff.

Air Quality Specialist I
Receives immediate supervision from supervisory or management staff.

Air Quality Specialist II
Receives general supervision from supervisory or management staff.

• Investigate public complaints regarding air quality and concerns; interview complainants; conduct field inspections based on public complaints or potential violations.
• 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.
• 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; 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.
• Review applications for and issue permits, including vapor recovery Authority to Construct (ATC) applications and burn permits.
• Maintain accurate data records and case, program, and project files; prepare documents and correspondence as necessary.
• 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.
• Calculate emissions reductions, analyze cost-effectiveness, and assess emissions inventories.
• Receive, log, review, process, and evaluate grant application submissions in accordance with established procedures, statutory requirements, and program guidelines; determine eligibility and prepare recommendations for grant awards.
• Review contracts, amendments, and related documents for grant-funded projects for accuracy, compliance, and alignment with program objectives; perform inspections to ensure compliance with program and grant requirements.
• 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.
• Prepare technical reports and studies.
• 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.

Air Quality Specialist I

Experience and Training
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: No professional experience is required.

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.

Air Quality Specialist II

Experience and Training
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 experience performing duties similar to an Air Quality Specialist I 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.

Air Quality Specialist I

Knowledge of:

• 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.
• 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.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, identify, interpret, understand, analyze, apply, recall, and explain policies and procedures, technical and numerical information, work papers, reports, special projects, and pertinent air quality laws, rules, and regulations; observe and problem-solve operational and technical policies and procedures; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action; maintain awareness of safety at all times; observe safety rules and identify safety hazards.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk or in vehicle for long periods of time. Intermittently walk, stand, balance, climb, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, twist, reach, and bend to reach equipment surrounding desk and to perform field work; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, use a telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see, hear, and smell with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift heavy weight.
• Operate various surveillance and recording equipment, hand tools, compressed gas bottles, pressure regulators, and flow meters.
• Accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.
• Compile, analyze, and evaluate technical information and prepare recommendations regarding further action. 
• Prepare and present materials related to air quality rules, regulations, and programs.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interview and interact fairly and courteously with the public.
• Use a computer and standard office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Air Quality Specialist II

In addition to the qualifications for Air Quality Specialist I:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to air quality.
• Operations, policies, and procedures of the Air Pollution Control District.

Ability to:

• Independently interpret and enforce air quality statutes and regulations. 
• Perform difficult or sensitive investigations and inspections and prepare findings and recommendations for action by higher authority.