Air Quality Specialist

Title: Air Quality Specialist

Location: Portland, OR

Job Type: Full-time

What’s the Opportunity?

Support our growing air quality and climate change practice as a key member of project teams by contributing to technical analyses for criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, air dispersion modeling, regulatory compliance, air permitting efforts, and environmental planning (e.g., California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA], Washington State Environmental Policy Act [SEPA], National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA]). Responsibilities include conducting and documenting air dispersion modeling analyses (e.g., AERMOD and related tools) to support environmental planning impact assessments and permitting evaluations, as well as helping to prepare technical reports and modeling protocols. This role also provides opportunities to support task management, contribute to proposal efforts, and grow into broader project management responsibilities over time, including working with clients and regulators.

Responsibilities:

Perform technical analyses and documentation in support of air quality planning, environmental planning (e.g., CEQA/SEPA/NEPA) documentation, and air permitting efforts under the direction of senior air quality specialists. This includes:

• Assisting with preparation of construction and operational emissions inventories using tools such as CalEEMod, EMFAC, MOVES, and similar models
• Developing modeling inputs and adapting standard methodologies to project-specific conditions with some oversight
• Conducting and documenting air dispersion modeling analyses (e.g., AERMOD)
• Supporting preparation of technical reports, environmental document sections, permit applications, and regulatory compliance evaluations
• Interpreting applicable federal, state, and local air quality regulations and evaluating feasible mitigation and control measures
• Coordinating assigned tasks within multidisciplinary teams

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related field, with 5+ years of relevant experience (consulting experience preferred).
• Demonstrated experience preparing air quality and GHG impact assessments in support of broader environmental analyses (e.g., CEQA, SEPA, and/or NEPA).
• Direct hands-on experience with air dispersion modeling (e.g., AERMOD), including model setup, execution, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Experience using emissions models such as CalEEMod, EMFAC, MOVES, or similar tools.
• Demonstrated ability to perform engineering evaluations of air pollution sources and assess control technologies and mitigation measures.
• Experience supporting air permit applications and regulatory compliance analyses, with emphasis on California and Washington; multi-state experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local air quality regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them to project-specific conditions.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions to technical challenges.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, including preparation of clear, defensible reports.
• Attention to detail and strong quality control capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary, client-focused teams.

What Can You Expect?

You can expect:

• Highly supportive environment as part of multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams
• Opportunities to help shape project outcomes through impact-focused roles
• Strong emphasis on professional development for technical and leadership growth
• Opportunities for client and agency interaction, helping to guide key decision makers
• Culture of flexibility and accountability with an emphasis on work-life balance

Who Are We?

Anchor QEA is an environmental science and engineering consulting firm that is focused on improving the environment and our communities by solving challenging problems. We employ more than 400 people in offices around the United States. Our vision is for a growing company that is our clients’ first choice for solving their most challenging problems and our employees’ first choice as a company where they want to work. Learn more about Anchor QEA at www.anchorqea.com

How to Apply?

Apply online through Anchor QEA’s Open Positions page at https://www.anchorqea.com/careers/careers-open-positions/. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Anchor QEA is committed to a diverse, multi-cultural work environment. Anchor QEA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Salary and Other Compensation:

• Salary Range: $89,610 - $100,800
• Annual Bonus
• Other potential bonus types: Billable Time Bonus, Spot Bonus, Milestone Anniversary Bonus, Receiving Professional License/Certification Bonus, Peer-reviewed Publication Bonus, Employee Referral Bonus.

Base Level Benefits for Regular Full-Time Positions:

• Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D insurance
• Paid Company and Floating Holidays: 7 paid company and 2 floating holidays annually
• Vacation: 2 weeks accrued paid vacation based on length of service. Vacation may vary by level.
• Sick and Safe Time: 80 hours annually
• Retirement Plan: 401k plan with an employer match * Further information on benefits: https://anchorqea.com/careers/benefits/