Air Quality Specialist IV
Location: Downtown Houston, TX
Travel: Occasional overnight travel to field operations and agency meetings. Lead Air Quality Compliance for a Growing Upstream Operator Our client is a growing, entrepreneurial upstream energy company headquartered in downtown Houston with operations across East Texas. They are seeking a seasoned Air Quality Specialist to own air permitting, emissions reporting, and compliance across their assets, and to serve as the company's trusted voice with regulatory agencies. Position Summary The Air Quality Specialist IV monitors, analyzes, and manages air quality data to keep the company in compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. You will lead permitting, emissions inventories, and greenhouse gas reporting, and you will recommend controls for emission sources. You will work closely with engineering and operations and represent the company with government agencies. This role suits an experienced air quality professional who works independently and knows the Clean Air Act and Texas and Louisiana rules well.
Essential Responsibilities Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act and EPA requirements
- Prepare permits, technical reports, and regulatory documentation
- Represent the company with government agencies, build strong agency relationships, and keep permitting and compliance correspondence on schedule
- Manage the third-party audit process for air and emissions reporting
- Support non-air compliance with local, state, and federal regulations as needed
Emissions Inventories & Reporting
- Manage emissions inventories and annual greenhouse gas reporting
- Develop emissions calculations using state and federal rules, standard industry practices, and emissions modeling software
- Use air dispersion modeling software to predict air quality impacts
Monitoring, Analysis & Controls
- Conduct air quality monitoring, sampling, and analysis to assess pollution levels
- Develop and implement air quality management plans and strategies
- Evaluate emission sources and recommend pollution control measures
- Investigate air quality complaints and recommend mitigation solutions
Partnership & Continuous Learning
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with engineering and operations teams
- Collaborate with agencies, stakeholders, and internal teams to address air quality concerns
- Stay current on air quality regulations and industry best practices
Supervision & Professional Development
- Serves as the company's air quality subject matter expert and primary agency contact for air permitting
- Works closely with engineering, operations, and regulatory teams
- May need to carry a cell phone and respond outside normal working hours
- Certified Air Quality Professional (CAQP) or similar industry credential preferred
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred
- 8 to 15 years of experience in air quality analysis, environmental compliance, or emissions control
- Working knowledge of the Clean Air Act and state air regulations. Texas and Louisiana experience preferred
- Proven success working with local, state, and federal agency officials on air permitting authorizations
- Knowledge of air monitoring equipment, modeling software, and regulatory frameworks
- Proficiency in emissions modeling software such as GlyCalc and Screen3, and in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Strong analytical, math, and data management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret and apply environmental rules consistently
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently or as part of a team
- Experience with GIS mapping, data visualization, permitting processes, and environmental impact assessments preferred
- Valid driver's license required