CO - P0885 - Air Quality Scientist

Hiring Range: $65,000 - $103,500

Full Time or Part Time: FULL TIME

This position primarily conducts and reviews air quality analyses to assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and other regulatory requirements.

This is a restricted position. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of grant or non-general funds.

Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia.

Position performs air quality forecasting, dispersion modeling, and photochemical modeling in accordance with Federal and State guidance. Works with federal and state representatives to prepare air quality forecasts and develop modeling platforms. Provides timely and accurate information on modeling, forecasting and other air quality issues to Federal and State agencies, consultants, and the public according to program policies.

• Knowledge of principles of meteorology (atmospheric science) and environmental science.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Air Pollution regulations pertaining to air quality modeling and air quality forecasting.
• Understanding of the relationship between meteorological conditions, air pollution data and air quality models that can be applied to evaluating air quality impacts on the environment.
• Demonstrates general understanding of photochemical and dispersion models used for State Implementation Plans and air permitting.
• Ability to install and maintain air quality models on Linux and Windows operating systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical analyses required to evaluate air quality modeling results, and the capability to run software scripts in R and Python program languages is preferred.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection. Through the dedication and work of over 800 employees across six regional offices and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law.