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Posted: March 6, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Director, Air Quality Planning Division

Environmental Protection Agency

Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Fresh

Location

Salary

$197,201 - $228,000

per year

Closes

March 23, 2026More EPA jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team at the EPA to guide state, local, and tribal governments in improving air quality through programs under the Clean Air Act.

The director coordinates national efforts to set standards and develop policies that reduce pollution and protect public health.

It's ideal for experienced leaders with a strong background in environmental management and a passion for public service who can inspire teams and work with diverse stakeholders.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience in air quality management or closely related field at a senior level
  • Progressively responsible leadership experience demonstrating senior management capability
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to the Constitution, and rule of law (ECQ 1)
  • Proven ability to manage resources efficiently, budget effectively, and implement process improvements (ECQ 2)
  • Technical expertise in administering Clean Air Act programs, including policy development and stakeholder collaboration (TQ 1)
  • Experience leading and inspiring teams to achieve organizational goals and foster high-performance cultures (ECQ 4)
  • Ability to deliver high-quality results aligned with agency objectives (ECQ 5)

Full Job Description

This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is in the Office of Air and Radiation, Office of State Air Programs, Air Quality Planning Division. About the Office of Air and Radiation.

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

The work of this position is classified in the Program Management, 0340 series where the qualifications include both general management skills and characteristics that are applicable to all SES positions and technical or program responsibilities specific to this position.

Applicants must have substantive general experience which provides a good basic or general knowledge of the principles of organization, management and administration; and substantive specialized (operating administrative or managerial) experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to this position.

All applicants must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this job that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform in this role.

Typically this experience can be found in work within this field or a field that is closely related.

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service, applicants must also provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications listed below.

A.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) - Mandatory for competitive applicants - Failure to address these factors within the required 2-page resume will result in your application being disqualified, unless you are a noncompetitive eligible applicant.

ECQ 1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING.

Involves demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY.

Involves demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ 3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE. Involves demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4 - LEADING PEOPLE.

Involves demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS.

Involves demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Your responses should be clear and concise and show a level of accomplishment and a degree of responsibility. Leadership competencies for each ECQ can be found in OPM's Guide to SES Qualifications.

B. Technical Qualifications (TQs) - Mandatory for all applicants - Failure to address these factors within the required 2-page resume will result in your application being disqualified.

TQ 1 - Demonstrated experience administering, and leading broad stakeholder collaboration on, programs and policies authorized under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including the development of policies and guidance for state, tribal, and/or local air agencies to direct improvements to air quality.

Major Duties:

The Air Quality Planning Division (AQPD), is located in the Office of State Air Partnerships (OSAP).

AQPD coordinates, directs, and supports State/local/Tribal governments' efforts to implement Clean Air Act (CAA) air quality management programs.

The Division serves as the national program manager for national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) attainment and maintenance through developing regulations, policies and strategies that are targeted, as appropriate, to local, State, regional, national, and multi-national scale air quality issues.

The Division supports a cooperative federalism approach to air quality management, assisting air agencies and other stakeholders on their plans to implement statutory obligations.

Specific duties of this position may include, but are not limited to: - Serving as the principal advisor to the Director of the Office of State Air Partnerships for all assigned work areas; - Developing and establishing the overall policies, priorities, and procedures for the Air Quality Planning Division; - Coordinating the development of air quality management strategies with other EPA offices and Federal agencies and collaborating with State/local/Tribal agencies and other key stakeholders in developing successful approaches; - Overseeing the development, assessment, and improvement of management control systems in order to safeguard programs and achieve results while adhering to the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act; - Ensuring that procurements, contracts, grants, and assistance are managed in accordance with Agency and office policies, regulatory requirements, and budgetary constraints; - Performing the full range of supervisory human resources functions for the Division and subordinate employees.

Grow your career for the good of our planet The environmental challenges we face today are urgent.

At the Environmental Protection Agency, we need professionals like you to join our team dedicated to safe, clean, and healthy communities.

Our agency is built upon a commitment to protect human health and the environment. The work we do here changes the world.

That's why there has never been a more crucial moment to be one of the scientists, engineers, community leaders, IT specialists, communicators, administrative professionals, technicians, problem solvers, and innovators united in our mission to protect our land, air, water, and people.

Join us. Be EPA. Discover how you can apply your skills to make an impact. Explore careers and learn more about EPA at epa.gov/careers.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/7/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: EPA-SES-2026-0012