Air Quality Specialist - Assistant/Associate

JOB
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Air Quality Specialist for the Engineering and Compliance Division. This position performs a variety of professional and technical work in connection with inspection, investigation, evaluation, control, and assessment of air quality standards, conditions, plans, and strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and performs other related duties as required.Please note: this position supports programs which may occasionally require additional work on weekends or after-hours.This position can be filled at either the assistant or associate level, depending on the qualifications of the candidate. Associate level candidates are expected to have significant experience, education, and/or training in one or more air quality areas related to the position.Performs a variety of professional and technical work in connection with inspection, investigation, evaluation, control, and assessment of air quality standards, conditions, plans, and strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and performs other related duties as required.Distinguishing CharacteristicsAssistant Air Quality Specialist – The entry level class in the air quality specialist series. Incumbents perform field and office assignments of a less complex nature in connection with the inspection, investigation and evaluation of air quality standards and conditions. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency and knowledge during the training period. Incumbents are gradually given less supervision and more difficult and responsible assignments. Incumbents assist experienced staff on more difficult projects.Associate Air Quality Specialist – The fully experienced, journey level class in the air quality specialist series. Incumbents work under general supervision and are responsible for office and/or field assignments of substantial difficulty/complexity and are required to direct them to completion. Associate Air Quality Specialists have no supervisory responsibility but do provide training and technical guidance to others. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower grade of Air Quality Specialist, or when filled from the outside, require prior Air Quality Specialist experience.Assistant Air Quality Specialist Pay Range: $46.24 - $ 56.20/hour with typical starting pay between $46.24 and $50.98/hour*Associate Air Quality Specialist Pay Range: $53.70 - $65.27/hour with typical starting pay between $53.70 and $59.21/hour**If approved by the Board of Directors, ranges will be adjusted by a 2.9% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2026. Placement higher in the range may be considered based on education, prior experience, and internal equity.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.1. Evaluates and audits various complex industrial and commercial facilities with atmospheric emissions to determine compliance with all permit conditions, applicable laws, rules and regulations; investigates problems or concerns to determine if violations exist or if problems need further engineering assessment or source testing.2. Collects, organizes, analyzes, evaluates, and validates an assortment of data, air and soil samples, and other material to determine compliance with air quality standards.3. Issues legal notices for violations of law which have occurred; participates in negotiations with violators for voluntary compliance to laws, rules, policies and regulations; recommends enforcement action.4. Reviews and analyzes air monitoring data; ensures compliance with air monitoring regulations regarding test scheduling, reporting and record maintenance; may act as project leader.5. Reviews and evaluates air quality control permit applications; performs initial and annual inspections; reviews source test protocols; observes source tests; reviews and analyzes test results.6. Consults with management and technical staff of industrial and commercial establishments on solutions to problems arising from mobile source, stationary source and toxic air contamination.7. Participates in specific program activities such as landfill testing, asbestos removal, and soil aeration, including evaluation and review of plans and permits, field-testing and observation, data analysis, and report preparation.8. Researches local air quality; performs necessary studies and analysis of technological feasibility, economic and other impacts of proposed practices and rule changes; writes, analyzes and justifies rule changes and advisories; reviews and comments on legislation and regulations.9. Assists with the application intake process; screens packets for completeness; determines if expedited permitting is applicable; determines fees.10. Represents the District on committees and at public activities, meetings, and before official bodies.11. Maintains records and prepares reports regarding violations, complaints, sources of air pollution and other related information; maintains data base information for a variety of air quality management programs.12. Assists with special projects performed by other work units or divisions.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical DemandsPositions within these classes that perform inspections of air monitoring activities will require the ability to bend, stoop, climb ladders and stairs, crouch, and lift weights up to approximately 25 pounds (weights include briefcase, manuals, testing equipment, etc.). Other positions are essentially desk jobs.Working ConditionsThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.