Principal Air Quality Specialist; Regulatory Development

About the Position

Rules and Strategic Policy Division work with all levels of the Air District, including staff, management, executives, and Board members in developing and modifying Air District rules to provide emissions reductions to improve air quality both regionally and at the neighborhood level and to protect the climate. The Principal Air Quality Specialist for the Rules and Strategic Policy Division will:

• Work closely with professional and technical staff to perform and lead complex program assignments for developing regulations to control air pollutants (including those contributing to climate change and contributing to localize air quality impacts in overburdened communities)
• Work closely with the California Air Resources Board, other local air districts, community groups, community members, environmental organizations, regulated industries, and other key stakeholders to reduce harmful air pollutants, especially in communities overburdened by air pollution.
• Lead, conduct, and coordinate scientific, economic, and technical research work.
• Review and draft regulatory language, develop and implement cost effectiveness and incremental cost effectiveness calculations for a wide variety of sources in an industry with a variety of control options.
• Analyze emissions inventories to determine baseline emissions and reduction estimates for rules under development.
• Brief District executives and present at workshops and board meetings.
• Work closely with the Community Engagement Division staff and other Air District divisions to strengthen partnerships with key community stakeholders.

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.

This class is also distinguished from manager levels in that the latter performs management duties with responsibilities for a program or defined functional area.

The Air District develops regulations based on the measures identified in its Clean Air Plan. Air District staff develop new rules to reduce emissions in order to improve public health, air quality and the global climate.

Rule Development is the process Air District staff uses to write regulations that govern stationary sources of air pollution in the Bay Area. It involves technical research, engagement with affected stakeholders, public meetings to allow input by affected parties such as industries and communities, and the preparation of CEQA and socio economic analyses.

As new rules are adopted by a vote of the Air District’s Board of Directors and are then enforced via Air District Permit and Inspections programs.

Bay Area Air District is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.

At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Additionally, we believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside the workplace.

Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated and your growth is nurtured.

The Air District recognizes and values the contributions of every employee and works to sustain an environment where everyone is respected. We incorporate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within our decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives,…