Clean Air Act Engineer

Eastern Research Group, Inc.; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Educational benefits

401k plan

Profit sharing

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Paid vacation days

Job summary

Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG) is seeking an experienced candidate with a strong background in Clean Air Act permitting and air dispersion modeling.

You will perform and review analyses using AERMOD/AERSCREEN, establish meteorological data, source parameters, and emission rates, and evaluate NO to NO2 conversions and PSD increments. The role involves drafting Clean Air permits (minor source, Title V, PSD, major nonattainment), ensuring compliance with EPA regulations, mentoring junior staff,

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Chemical/Environmental).
• Five years of experience in air dispersion modeling (completion/review/evaluation).
• Proficiency in AERMOD, AERSCREEN, AERMET, AERSURFACE; familiar with EPA 40 CFR Part 51 Appendix W.
• Experience with VISCREEN, CALPUFF or similar visibility models preferred.
• Five years of experience implementing Clean Air Act regulations, including drafting/reviewing permits.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong writing and communication skills; ability to present findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Excellent time management; ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Perform, review, and evaluate air dispersion modeling analyses using AERSCREEN/AERMOD and related tools.
• Draft and review Clean Air permits (minor source, Title V, PSD, major nonattainment).
• Ensure permits comply with SIP rules, EPA regulations, and applicable statutes.
• Review draft regulations for conformity with EPA requirements; propose compliance approaches.
• Mentor and guide less experienced staff; manage multiple projects and teams.
• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders; prepare clear technical documents and reports.

Skills

Air dispersion modeling

Strong writing and communication

Time management

Project coordination

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Chemical/Environmental)

Tools

AERMOD

AERSCREEN

AERMET

AERSURFACE

VISCREEN

CALPUFF

Excel

Word

Job description

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG is seeking a highly qualified candidate who possesses exceptional management, organizational, and communication skills, with a strong background in Clean Air Act statutes, regulations, and policy-particularly in permitting and enforcement.

Job Description

• Perform, review, and evaluate air dispersion modeling analyses using tools such as AERSCREEN, AERMOD, including:
  • Performing modeling applicability determinations consistent with federal, state, and local guidance
  • Identifying representative meteorological data
  • Establishing representative source parameters and potential emissions rates
  • Establishing background concentrations and identifying nearby sources to be explicitly modeled consistent with applicable federal and state guidelines
  • Evaluating NO to NO2 conversion and secondary pollutant formation consistent with applicable federal and state guidelines
  • Evaluating compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), significant impact levels (SILs), and PSD increments
• Perform toxic air pollutant evaluations consistent with federal, state, local, and Tribal agency air toxics programs using AERSCREEN and other screening tools
• Draft Clean Air permits, including minor source, Title V, PSD, and major nonattainment permits
• Ensure drafted permits comply with SIP-approved rules, EPA regulations and policies, and applicable statutes
• Review proposed permits from State and local agencies for conformity with regulations and policy, including applicability determinations, potential to emit, monitoring requirements, and control technologies
• Draft and review control technology determinations, including BACT and LAER analyses
• Review draft regulations to ensure conformance with EPA requirements
• Research alternative approaches to compliance with EPA regulations based on similar State rules
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced staff
• Manage multiple projects and small project teams simultaneously
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with clients and internal stakeholders
• Prepare clear, thorough technical documents and reports

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, preferably Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental
• Solid knowledge of Clean Air Act laws and regulations as they pertain to permitting
• Minimum of five years of experience completing, reviewing, and/or evaluating air dispersion modeling analyses
• Proficiency in AERMOD, AERSCREEN, AERMET, AERSURFACE, and AERMET, and familiarity with EPA's Guideline on Air Quality Models (40 CFR Part 51, Appendix W)
• Experience with VISCREEN, CALPUFF, and/or other visibility models preferred
• Minimum of five years of experience implementing Clean Air Act regulations, including drafting and/or reviewing permits or permit applications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to present project findings effectively to a variety of stakeholders, both orally and in writing
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality, client-ready work

ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401k plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11-20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro-rated for part-time) and more.

The salary range for all positions depends on the years and type of experience.

ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com. ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.

If you're a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG's online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at [e-mail] or call [phone].

ERG fosters a friendly, flexible work environment. ERGers are dedicated to serving clients who are committed to making the world a better place. We promote and recognize principles of fairness and respect in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.