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. The role is ideal for professionals who enjoy working independently in the field, conducting inspections, and ensuring regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries.

• 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 and operational conditions, and monitor emission controls.
• Respond to public air quality complaints and investigate excess emissions, breakdowns, or potential violations, collecting samples, photographs and documenting evidence.
• Determine compliance status and issue Notices of Violation when necessary, while clearly explaining requirements and compliance options to regulated entities.
• Use monitoring instruments to measure emissions and air quality conditions, maintain and calibrate inspection equipment, and prepare detailed inspection reports and case summaries.
• Communicate with facility representatives, contractors, the public, internal teams and external agencies to provide guidance on regulations and coordinate enforcement actions.

The role is full‑time, represented, and not eligible for remote work. A company vehicle (including fuel and maintenance) is provided. This position will have a career path from Air Quality Specialist I to II based on experience and proficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, computer science, electronics, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, physical sciences, physics, or a closely related field.

• Air Quality Specialist I: 2 years performing duties equivalent to Assistant Air Quality Specialist II, including inspections, monitoring, and program administration.
• Air Quality Specialist II: 4 years performing inspections and monitoring, with at least 2 years equivalent to Specialist I.
• Substitutions:
  Relevant training and work experience may substitute for education on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Must obtain a California Air Resources Board Visible Emissions Evaluation Certification within 6 months of employment.
• Pass a physical exam and meet lift test requirements for occasional physical duties.
• Must reside in California or relocate to California before the start date; relocation expenses are not covered.

The Air District does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, genetic information, medical condition, or mental or physical disability, or any other attribute or belief protected by law. It is the Air District's policy to provide fair and equal access to the benefits of the programs or activities it administers.