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Job Description
SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation, serving a four-county region that includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the Coachella Valley. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 Freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, an annual budget of $216.5 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air a n d a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!
South Coast AQMD is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique backgrounds, skills, and experiences of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
We are recruiting for one Air Quality Specialist position in the Meteorology/Air Quality Assessment unit of our Planning, Rule Development, and Implementation (PRDI) division, a major branch of South Coast AQMD. The most competitive candidate will have a strong background in air quality science along with expertise in computer programming and software development.An eligible list of candidates established with this recruitment can be used to fill a current and future Air Quality Specialist vacancies in the PRDI division.
One of the main goals of the Meteorology/Air Quality Assessment unit is to help the public reduce their exposure to poor air quality by disseminating air quality science in an easy-to-understand way to facilitate health-protective decision making. The Meteorology/Air Quality Assessment unit is on the cutting edge of both air quality science and the information technology needed to disseminate air quality data and guidance most effectively.
Activities within the Meteorology/Air Quality Assessment unit include:- Performing complex analyses of large measured meteorological and air quality data sets from ground- and satellite-based measurement platforms
- Air quality forecasting and developing air quality forecast models
- Issuing predictive air quality advisories during extreme events such as wildfires and dust storms
- Developing and maintaining the South Coast AQMD real-time air quality index map
- Conducting technical analyses to support rule-making
- Addressing air quality related inquiries from the public and the media
- Conducting media interviews
- Analyzing ambient air quality data and regulatory implications
- Preparing reports and presentations related to air quality and meteorological analysis
- Geographic analysis using GIS software
- Disseminating graphical and tabular air quality data to the public
- Conducting air quality dispersion modeling
- Conducting air quality research that has a direct impact on public health
- Developing software to analyze data
- Developing interactive websites to display and access data for use by the general public and technical users
The Meteorology/Air Quality Assessment unit is composed of four Air Quality Specialist positions, a Senior Meteorologist, and a Program Supervisor. The group is extremely collaborative as most projects require contributions from multiple group members and often works with other groups within and outside the agency.
Please note: This job posting will close on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Example of Duties for this position:- Technical analysis of historical air pollution events using statistical and geospatial software to analyze surface air quality/meteorological measurements, satellite-measurements, and air quality/meteorological model data.
- Conduct applied air quality research projects independently or collaboratively to answer policy-relevant questions and guide policy development.
- Develop exceptional event demonstrations for air pollution events that influence attainment of federal air quality standards.
- Conduct the daily air quality forecast to provide guidance to over 17 million residents in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
- Develop, train, test, and implement air quality forecast models.
- Analyze and forecast extreme air quality events such as wildfires, dust storms, and prolonged air quality episodes.
- Generate publicly accessible advisories to help residents reduce their exposure to poor air quality.
- Develop and implement new publicly accessible mobile apps and websites to show forecasted air quality, real-time air quality index readings, and advisories.
- Design of interactive tools to visualize or analyze air quality data, mostly using MATLAB App Designer, ESRI ArcGIS and R Shiny.
- Analyze air quality trend data including regulatory statistics such as design values, which are used to determine whether an air basin attains federal standards.
- Statistical and geospatial analysis of community level data and develop interactive maps to support Community Air Programs.
- Analyze regulatory monitoring, low-cost sensor, air toxics, satellite, and meteorological data to evaluate emission source contributions and air quality impacts
- Address science-related air quality questions from the public via email or phone.
- Prepare and perform presentations to convey complex air quality concepts to technical and/or general-public audiences.
- Contribute to technical and policy reports on various air quality analyses and modeling exercises.
- Collaborate with other government agencies, academic institutions, and other professional communities on air quality projects.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The general Example of Duties for this classification are highlighted below, for full description of duties please refer to this link here .
Works with engineers, planners, other environmental professionals, Information Management staff, and other personnel to develop and implement methods and techniques for the analysis and evaluation of air quality studies and plans.
Applies mathematical, statistical, and engineering modeling and analytical techniques to the analysis of research and survey data; prepares graphs, charts, and statistical summaries from derived data; determines appropriate data collection methods for use in research projects; and may assist in determining methods for more complex studies.
Assists in developing or develops recommendations concerning air quality management programs, plans, and rules and prepares related reports and correspondence.
Assists in preparing technical analyses and recommended positions on proposed and pending legislation relating to air quality management.
MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to the Minimum Qualifications , which follow in the next section, the most competitively qualified candidates will possess:- An advanced degree in atmospheric science, environmental/chemical/mechanical engineering, meteorology, environmental science, environmental geoscience, public health, computer science, data science, software engineering, mathematics, atmospheric chemistry or a related technical field.
- A proven record of successful collaborations with internal or external colleagues
- Strong computer programming skills in MATLAB, Python, R, or another modern computer language
- Extensive experience visualizing, presenting, and publishing statistical/geographic data for technical and/or non-technical audiences
- Experience preparing interactive maps, reports, publications, recommendations, technical papers, presentations, talking points, and correspondence for technical and/or general-public audiences
- Experience in reviewing complex technical documents, making related recommendations, and communicating key issues, orally and in writing, to superiors, teammates, special interest groups, the public, and other audiences
In addition to the desirable qualifications above, the most competitively qualified candidates will possess skills from the two subsets below:
Air Quality Science Skills Subset- Experience conducting research on atmospheric particulate matter, ozone, and/or meteorology
- Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of air quality and meteorological instrumentation
- Experience building, improving, training, evaluating and deploying air quality models
Advanced Computer Programming and Software Development Skills Subset- Experience building interactive software and websites for the display and analysis of technical data
- Experience using large language models to generate code, programming collaboration tools like git, or other tools to assist with program development
- Expertise with machine learning techniques.
- Fluency with geospatial mapping and analysis software
- Extensive expertise with multiple programming languages
- Experience administering databases
- Experience using SQL and databases in applications and data analysis
- Experience using Linux, such as installing and updating packages and compiling applications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, planning, or the physical, social, or biological sciences, depending upon the functions of the assigned unit.
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of technical air quality or professional analytical experience that would demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position to which assigned
KNOWLEDGE OF:
One or more professional disciplines, such as chemistry, toxics, statistics, economics, environmental planning, or engineering, with emphasis on its relationship to planning, rule development, or engineering activities; principles, methods, and procedures of environmental review, planning, rule development, or air quality monitoring, including related instrumentation; air quality regulations and review process; air quality modeling; emissions calculations; PC software applications commonly used in the field; research methods and techniques, including statistical and computer applications for data analysis; professional report writing; and State, federal, and local programs, guidelines, and code regulations related to air quality management.
SKILL OR ABILITY TO:
Compile, analyze, and interpret technical air quality data; learn and apply District air quality regulations to stationary and mobile source monitoring; monitor and evaluate the performance of consultants; oversee stationary and mobile source monitoring projects under minimum supervision; maintain accurate records of air quality planning, research, monitoring, or rule development projects and prepare clear and persuasive reports and recommendations; represent South Coast AQMD interests at public, professional, and internal meetings and communicate with a variety of technical and professional air quality and legal staff; maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, State, and local regulations and technical or scientific developments; provide expert testimony, advice, and counsel in a specialized field; apply appropriate computer-based analytical techniques to complex air pollution control problems; develop new techniques and approaches to the solution of complex air pollution control problems; proficiently use PC and mainframe software applications common to the field and to the general business environment of the South Coast AQMD; read, understand, and follow verbal and written directions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective relationships with all those contacted in the course of work.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:
A completed employment application covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience), and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are a South Coast AQMD employee.Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question. Up to four references which include the names and phone numbers of your present and past supervisors or managers, and/or college professors or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers .
At a later date, candidates under final consideration will be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD, documenting all education claimed on their application.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Application packets, including responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, will first be screened, and the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to a multiple-choice examination, to be rated on a pass/fail basis. Candidates who pass the exam will advance to the next step in the process, which may include a panel interview. (Please note that all assessments will be conducted remotely).
Following the assessment process, a ranked eligible list is expected to be created, from which the current vacancy may be filled, during the 6-12-month life of the list. Only those who demonstrate at each successive step of the selection process that they are among the most competitively qualified will be advanced to the next step. (Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.)
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, please be aware that decisions regarding sponsorship for maintaining a right to work in the United States are made on a case-by-case basis. You are welcome to participate in this recruitment process, but there is no guarantee that a job offer with the requested sponsorship will be made to you.
South Coast AQMD reserves the right to add, delete, and modify any elements of the selection process as deemed appropriate, based on the number and quality of applicants at each step.
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must call the Human Resources Department at least one week prior to any test dates.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources Department at (909) 396-2800.
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OVERVIEW
BENEFIT
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Benefit Allotment
$1,912, to purchase medical, dental, and life insurance, with unused portion paid to you as cash. Your insurance coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following completion of 30 days of continuous service. Dependent children may be covered to age 26 on medical, dental and vision plans.
Medical Health Plans
Blue Shield PPO
Blue Shield PPO Savings Plus 2250 (High Deductible Plan)
Blue Shield HMO
Kaiser HMO
Kaiser HSA HMO 1500 (High Deductible Plan)
Dental Plans
Delta Dental PPO (without orthodontic benefits)
Delta Dental PPO (with orthodontic benefits for children only)
DeltaCare (PMI) Dental
Vision Plan
EyeMed - Optional
Life Insurance
$10,000 Term Life Insurance
(Optional additional life insurance, paid by you, at 1X, 2X, or 3X your salary)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Claremont EAP, powered by Uprise Health. EAP is available to all employees and their familiels at no cost. EAP offers confidential advice, support and practical solutions to real-life issues.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Optional
Section 125
Optional Plans (Medical Reimbursement; Dependent Care)
Work Schedule
Four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday
Vacation
80 hours per year, increasing to 120 after five years
Holidays
13 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave
100 hours per year
Other Leaves
Bereavement; Jury Duty; Military; Witness
Tuition Reimbursement
Reimbursed up to $5,000 per year
Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
Optional (Employee may contribute up to the IRS maximum). South Coast AQMD matches, dollar for dollar up to $300 per year for the regular plan.
Retirement
2.5% @ 67 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who, at time of hire, were not members of the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
2.0% @ 55 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees who, prior to January 1, 2013, were active members of SBCERA or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
Employees pay only the Medicare portion of Social Security.
03/01/2024
Closing Date/Time: 9/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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South Coast Air Quality Management District
Show moreSouth Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation. We serve a four-county region that includes all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 750 employees, an annual budget of $170.9 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthful environment.
Mission
To clean the air and protect the health of all residents in the South Coast Air District through practical and innovative strategies.
What is the South Coast AQMD?
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. The region is home to more than 17 million people–about half the population of the entire state of California.
Despite significant improvements to air quality, more work needs to be done to protect public health through innovative and practical strategies. Air pollution can cause or worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, certain types of cancers and premature death. South Coast AQMD has been at the forefront of the nation’s air pollution reduction efforts for more than eight decades.
What South Coast AQMD Does
South Coast AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution. These can include anything from large power plants and refineries to the corner gas station. There are about 28,400 such businesses operating under South Coast AQMD permits. Many consumer products are also considered stationary sources; these include house paint, furniture varnish, and thousands of products containing solvents that evaporate into the air. About 25% of this area's ozone-forming air pollution comes from stationary sources, both businesses and residences. The other 80% comes from mobile sources–mainly cars, trucks and buses, but also construction equipment, ships, trains and airplanes. Emission standards for mobile sources are established by state or federal agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than by local agencies such as the South Coast AQMD.
How South Coast AQMD Controls Pollution
South Coast AQMD develops and adopts an Air Quality Management Plan, which serves as the blueprint to bring this area into compliance with federal and state clean air standards. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. South Coast AQMD staff conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with these requirements.
The test of whether these efforts are working is the quality of the air we breathe. South Coast AQMD continuously monitors air quality at 38 locations throughout the four-county area. This also allows South Coast AQMD to notify the public whenever air quality is unhealthful.
South Coast AQMD’s Sources of Revenue
To meet its financial need, the South Coast AQMD utilizes a system of evaluation fees, annual operating fees, emission fees, Hearing Board fees, penalties/ settlements and investments that generate approximately 73% of South Coast AQMD’s revenue. The remaining 27% of its revenue is from federal grants, California Air Resources (CARB) subvention funds, and California Clean Air Act Motor Vehicle fees.
Progress So Far
Air quality in this area has continually improved despite an enormous increase in population and cars. For example, maximum levels of ozone, one of our worst smog problems, have been cut to less than one quarter of what they were in the 1950s, even though today we have nearly three times as many people and four times as many vehicles.
In recent decades, we have eliminated Stage I smog alerts, which used to occur 100-120 times a year. We have not reached Stage II levels since the 1980s.
The Job Ahead
The clean air effort still has a long way to go. In 2005, the federal 1-hour standard was replaced by a stricter 8-hours standard that was further strengthened in 2008. Even though recent years have been the cleanest on record, our air in the South Coast Air Basin still exceeded the federal health 8-hour standard for ozone on 113 days in 2009. Maximum levels are almost twice as high as the federal standard for clean air.
State and federal law requires this area to meet existing clean air standards by the year 2015 for annual PM 2.5; and by 2023 for the 8-hour average ozone standard. However, tougher federal air quality standards for particulates and ozone issued in 2006 and 2008 require reductions above and beyond those already planned. South Coast AQMD estimates it will take until at least 2020 to meet the new 24-hour average particulate standard, and until 2030 to meet the new ozone standard. This may seem like a long time to continue to live with smog. But the cleanup effort is enormous. Even though we already have the strictest pollution control requirements in the nation, we still have to reduce some types of pollution by up to 90% if we are to rid the area of smog.
The war on smog began in this region more than a half century ago. With continued commitment and sensitivity to the impacts of efforts to control smog, residents can be assured that public health standards for air quality will be achieved.
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