Air Quality Technician

County of Mendocino; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Mendocino seeks an environmental specialist to perform technical work related to air pollution control programs. Responsibilities include inspections, data analysis, report preparation, and enforcement actions. Bilingual English/Spanish is encouraged for applicants.

Position requires an Associate's Degree in life or physical science and compliance with licensing requirements. The County emphasizes equal opportunity employment and safety in air quality operations.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Associate's Degree in life or physical science or closely related field.
• Understanding of air quality regulations at state, federal, and local levels.
• Ability to gather information, research data, and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site inspections of industrial and commercial operations for compliance.
• Perform emissions evaluations and analyze test results to ensure standards are met.
• Issue Notices of Violation or Notice to Comply as appropriate.
• Respond to citizen complaints and assist in enforcement activities.

Skills

Air quality principles

Regulatory compliance

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged

Education

Associate's Degree in life or physical science

Tools

Computer applications

Job description

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Under general supervision performs technical work associated with studies, investigations, and analysis related to the implementation of a variety of air pollution control programs which include: develops and prepares various reports by researching and gathering information and/or statistics; conducts on-site inspections of manufacturing, industrial, commercial and agricultural stationary and portable source operations; assesses compliance with district rules; writes citations; responds to citizen complaints to protect the air quality standards; enforces District, State and Federal regulations. May perform related work as assigned.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply.

Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts compliance inspections and testing of various industrial and commercial facilities to include: checking permits; checking for leaks; making sure equipment is in good working order; issuing Notices of Violation or Notices to Comply as appropriate; and scheduling and conducting follow up inspections.
• Conducts inspections related to illegal burning, to include: driving to the site and taking pictures; initiating case; conducting interviews; gathering evidence; completing report; and presenting to the District Attorney or issuing a Notice of Violation.
• Performs and documents visible emissions evaluations and conducts inspections of auto body shops, dry cleaning operations, and other businesses such as aggregate and Hot mix batch plants as needed.
• Backs up the burn program by issuing agricultural burn permits.
• Maintains and calibrates basic test equipment such as: Blockage Tester, Pressure Decay Tester, and Pressure Integrity Tester.
• Performs calculations utilizing formulas to assist in problem solving.
• Assist senior staff in reviewing emission inventory plans.
• Performs special investigations regarding complaints submitted by the public.
• Assists in source testing and toxic inventory programs by collecting and analyzing data and preparing reports.
• Responds to industry and public inquiries regarding District rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Conducts chemical and plume evaluation tests and records findings.
• Uses monitoring equipment and instrumentation to measure and evaluate various emissions and particulates.
• May act as backup receptionist; answers telephones, takes messages, screens calls, provides information to callers, receives citizen complaints, and directs calls and messages to appropriate person.
• Formats and types letters, memos, charts, labels, reports, or other correspondence on a word processor or typewriter.
• Composes correspondence in accordance with standard policies and processes routine and non-routine matters independently.
• Enters and retrieves a variety of information from a computer terminal.
• Coordinates prescribed burns and exemption burns by getting information from the Air Resources Board and Meteorology Department and forwarding to requesting party.
• Reports administrative and/or operational problems to supervisor.
• Maintains a variety of logs that track progress of activities.
• Disseminates a variety of information and/or reports to various agencies, divisions, or departments via telephone, mail, email or fax.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONSREQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Completion of an Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or closely related field, or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Basic Inspectors Academy (within 12 months of hire)
• ARB Fundamentals of Enforcement Certification (within 12 months of hire)
• California driver's license and meet insurability requirements of the Air Quality District.

Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Theories and principals of air pollution control.
• Air pollution control analysis techniques and control methodologies.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• External governmental bodies and agencies related to area of assignment.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Standard business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as knowledge of computer/VDT and other general office equipment.

Skill in:

• Using a word processor or computer to rapidly enter and retrieve data and information and create spreadsheets.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Communicating orally with internal staff, citizens, and other departmental staff in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
• Operating general office machines such as copiers, facsimile machines, telephone systems, and two-way radio base stations.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Ability to obtain a valid California Visible Emissions Evaluation Certificate and other required licenses and certifications.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as regulations, safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to draft and type correspondence.
• Ability to apply basic algebra and math such as add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, common fractions and decimals and manipulate equations.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to work in small enclosed spaces and/or from ladders or scaffolding in high places.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand and walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, to reach with hands and arms, speak and hear, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer