Air Quality Specialist I​/II - Field Inspector

Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate!

The Bay Area Air District is seeking a detail-oriented and field-ready Air Quality Specialist I/II to help protect public health and the environment. This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy working independently in the field, conducting inspections, and ensuring regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries.

In this position, you’ll spend most of your time in the field conducting inspections, investigations, and compliance assessments at commercial, industrial, and residential sites across the Bay Area.

• Hands‑on, field‑based work environment (Position is not eligible for remote work from home)
• Company vehicle provided, including fuel and maintenance
• Direct impact on environmental protection and community health

• Field‑oriented and self‑sufficient – comfortable working independently in varied environments
• Observant and detail‑driven – able to identify compliance issues and document findings accurately
• Professional communicator – able to interact with the public, businesses, and technical staff
• Technically capable – comfortable using monitoring equipment, tools, and data systems
• Adaptable problem solver – able to make decisions with limited information in the field

• Conduct on‑site inspections at industrial, commercial, and residential locations
• Evaluate compliance with federal, state, and local air quality regulations
• Verify permits, operational conditions, and emission controls
• Perform routine and complaint‑driven inspections

• Respond to public air quality complaints and nuisance reports
• Investigate excess emissions, breakdowns, and potential violations
• Collect samples, take photographs, and document evidence

• Determine compliance status and issue Notices of Violation when necessary
• Clearly explain requirements and compliance options to regulated entities
• Support enforcement actions through accurate documentation

• Use monitoring instruments to measure emissions and air quality conditions
• Maintain and calibrate inspection equipment
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, case summaries, and technical documentation

• Communicate with facility representatives, contractors, and the public
• Provide guidance on regulations, permits, and compliance expectations
• Coordinate with internal teams and external agencies

Under direction, performs a variety of professional level technical and administrative duties in the areas of inspection, investigation, air monitoring instrument and equipment operation, air quality planning, rule development, enforcement and compliance operations, and other air quality program areas; performs related work as assigned.

Air Quality Specialist I is the journey‑level class in the Air Quality Specialist series. Incumbents are fully proficient to perform the full range of activities, with assignments of moderate difficulty. This class is alternately staffed with Air Quality Specialist II and incumbents may advance to the higher‑level classification after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher‑level class.

Air Quality Specialist II is the advanced journey‑level class of this series. Incumbents are expected to exercise more independent judgment, initiative and decision making, and are responsible for assignments requiring a higher degree of working knowledge, ability and initiative with minimal day‑to‑day supervision. Incumbents may provide training and technical guidance to staff.

Education: 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.

Air Quality Specialist I: Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to the Air District’s Assistant Air…