Air Quality Program Specialist

Full Job Description

The Department of Environmental Protection is actively looking to hire an Air Quality Program Specialist for a position based in Dauphin County. This role is integral to the Mobile Sources Section within the Bureau of Air Quality’s Division of Air Resources Management (ARM). The selected candidate will be responsible for developing revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) and implementing effective strategies aimed at reducing air pollution from various mobile sources, including vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses, as well as aircraft, ships, trains, and even construction and lawn equipment. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with both Federal and State environmental laws and regulations. If you are passionate about improving air quality and making a positive impact on the environment, we encourage you to apply today!

Requirements

This role involves providing recommendations aimed at minimizing air pollutant emissions from mobile sources, alongside the execution of both mandatory and voluntary initiatives.

The position collaborates with national and regional air quality organizations to address federal air quality concerns related to mobile source emissions, representing the Bureau and the Air Resource Management Division.

This collaboration encompasses active participation in standing committees focused on mobile sources, which are organized through entities such as the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association (MARAMA), and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA).

Additionally, the role requires the analysis of current mobile source and air pollution emissions data, utilizing various databases, spreadsheets, and computational models to inform State Implementation Plan revisions, regulatory assessments, and program development.

The findings must be presented in a manner that is accessible to the target audience.

Furthermore, the position necessitates the development of technical proficiency in mobile source emissions models that are widely used by the Commonwealth and other state and federal agencies.

Collaboration with Department contractors is also essential, as they provide data and analytical services that aid in the formulation of SIP revisions, regulatory evaluations, and mobile source emissions studies.

Lastly, the role includes the analysis of proposed transportation conformity determinations from transportation planning and general conformity assessments for various federal projects, ensuring compliance with both federal and state regulations, as well as Pennsylvania’s SIP.

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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

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.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.