Principal Air Quality Specialist

About the Position

The primary objective of the Ambient Air Quality Analysis (AAQA) section of the Meteorology and Measurement Division is to improve the understanding of air quality in the Bay Area using air monitoring and meteorological data. This goal is accomplished by designing air monitoring studies to collect actionable community‑scale air quality data; analyzing, interpreting, and communicating the results of air monitoring studies, and supporting the use of air monitoring data in other Air District programs.

In addition to supporting our air monitoring efforts, this section also supports community organizations in developing or implementing air monitoring projects, using existing data, or seeking funding for new air monitoring projects.

This Principal Air Quality Specialist in AAQA will specialize in air monitoring study design and data analysis for criteria pollutants and air toxics, support Strategic Plan and AB 617 CERP implementation, conduct local‑scale and source‑oriented air quality assessments, and will collaborate with community members with their air quality projects. The Principal in this group performs complex assignments in support of the District's goals and objectives, providing project leadership for coordinating and developing programs.

Under direction, performs the most complex and highly specialized level of program assignments 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; may provide project supervision or team leadership on a project specific basis; performs related work as assigned.

This class provides the most complex and specialized program assignments in support of the Air District's goals and objectives. Incumbents are responsible for providing project leadership for coordinating and developing programs that require considerable technical knowledge and use of independent judgment. This class is distinguished from Supervising Air Quality Specialist, in that the latter assigns, supervises, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff on a continuing basis and conducts performance appraisals.

Coordinates and carries out the most complex assignments relating to the development, review and approval processes for the Air District's new or revised rules and regulations; equipment operation and maintenance; data collection and analysis; technical review; the development of technological justifications; and/or other special projects as assigned.

Develops, recommends and implements Air District policies and programs to enforce statutory and regulatory requirements for enforcement; develops and recommends the Air District's position on various enforcement matters such as hearing board actions and settlement conferences.

Provides input into hiring selection decisions and performance evaluations.

Provides technical development and training.

Develops and implements policies, procedures, and manuals.

Develops, implements, recommends and revises forms, webpages, and other program tools.

Advises staff on technical, regulatory and programmatic issues.

Reviews and summarizes data, prepares special and periodic reports, and ensures program effectiveness.

Conducts and participates in meetings and workshops with a variety of legal, public and private agency officials to explain and interpret technical policies, data rules and regulations regarding programs.

Participates in meetings, conferences, hearing boards and workshops with public and private agencies; serves on special committees and task forces relating to air quality program activities.

Interacts and represents the Air District with industry, attorneys, the public and other agencies; provides technical expertise to Air District staff, to counsel, to industry, the public and other agencies.

Provides lead direction, training and work review to technical and support staff, prioritizes and follows up on work assignments to ensure timely completion.

May provide technical training and participate in program and staff…