Air Dispersion Modeler (Air Quality Program Specialist)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking an Air Quality Specialist (Air Dispersion Modeler) to analyze emissions data, review inputs, and support permitting and planning efforts across the state. You will perform model maintenance, technical reviews of permit-related modeling, and communicate findings to agencies and stakeholders.

The role emphasizes applying federal/state regulations, conducting data evaluations, and contributing to SIP development.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as an Air Quality Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience as an Air Monitoring Program Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional work in the control and abatement of air pollution and a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or an environmental field closely related to Air Quality Management; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

Responsibilities

• Model Maintenance: Manage air dispersion models, associated programs, and input data for statewide use
• Technical Review: Analyze and interpret modeling for criteria and toxic pollutants submitted with permit applications
• Planning Support: Conduct modeling to support air quality planning, NAAQS implementation, and SIP development
• Data Evaluation: Assess pollutant transport, air quality trends, and emission control strategies using modeling outputs
• Regulatory Application: Apply federal and state regulations, policies, and guidance related to air dispersion modeling
• Communication Duties: Prepare technical documents and explain modeling results to agencies, industry, and the public

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or an environmental field closely related to Air Quality Management

Job description

Would you enjoy a career where you could utilize advanced scientific tools to understand how pollutants move through the atmosphere? As an Air Quality Specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will have the opportunity to help ensure clean and healthy air for communities across Pennsylvania. This role serves as an Air Dispersion Modeler and allows you to apply advanced modeling tools and scientific methods as you analyze emissions data, review modeling inputs, and help strengthen programs that limit harmful pollutants.

This role supports statewide permitting and planning by conducting and reviewing air dispersion modeling that helps assess pollutant behavior and compliance with environmental laws. The work applies scientific tools, regulatory requirements, and technical judgment to guide decisions that protect air quality. As an Air Dispersion Modeler, you will perform the following duties:

• Model Maintenance: Manage air dispersion models, associated programs, and input data for statewide use
• Technical Review: Analyze and interpret modeling for criteria and toxic pollutants submitted with permit applications
• Planning Support: Conduct modeling to support air quality planning, National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) implementation, and State Implementation Plan (SIP) development
• Data Evaluation: Assess pollutant transport, air quality trends, and emission control strategies using modeling outputs
• Regulatory Application: Apply federal and state regulations, policies, and guidance related to air dispersion modeling
• Communication Duties: Prepare technical documents and explain modeling results to agencies, industry, and the public

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,086.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience as an Air Quality Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience as an Air Monitoring Program Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional work in the control and abatement of air pollution and a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or an environmental field closely related to Air Quality Management; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.