JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR
AIR QUALITY SPECIALIST/INSPECTOR I
An Equal Opportunity Employer
JOB TITLE: Air Quality Specialist/Inspector I
SALARY RANGE: $73,022 - $93,171 annual wage
Non-exempt; non-union
WORK WEEK: 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday
TO APPLY: Email a cover letter and your resume to Alicia Huschka at aliciah@nwcleanairwa.gov
POSITION POSTED: 7/1/2024
CLOSING DATE NOTES: Review of applications will begin by July 19, 2024, and continue until position is filled.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
JOB SUMMARY:
This position’s primary focus is to investigate and inspect sources of air pollution for the purpose of determining compliance with federal, state, and local air pollution regulations. This position directly supports the Agency mission by assuring compliance with regulatory requirements thereby minimizing emissions of air pollutants from regulated sources. The Air Quality Specialist/Inspector reports to the Compliance Manager and works under the guidance of higher-level technical staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
As an Air Quality Specialist, day-to-day tasks vary, including about 50% field work (conducting investigations, interviews, and collecting evidence) and 50% deskwork (research, data entry, document processing, and report writing).
Primary “products” and/or priorities:
- Timely, accurate, consistent, and well-documented inspections of registered air pollution sources, such as gasoline dispensing facilities, rock crushing operations, and combustion units (boilers, heaters, engines).
- Evaluating, inspecting, and documenting asbestos project compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Responding to citizen complaints of air pollution through phone interviews and field investigations.
This position will require scheduled training sessions, some of which will require multi-day travel, including by air.
A successful candidate must demonstrate the following personal values and aptitudes:
- Integrity, consistency, and fairness
- Practical communication and implementation of technical concepts and equipment
- Curiosity as to how equipment works
- Emotional intelligence and professionalism
- Conflict tolerance
- Listening skills
- Learning mindset
- Flexibility in changing priorities and adaptability of focus
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field.
- Associates degrees coupled with relevant experience will be considered.
- Additional regulatory compliance experience may substitute for education.
- At least one year of professional-level, in the field experience with regulatory compliance, environmental fields preferred.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Conversational fluency in Spanish
- Previous experience in the air monitoring or regulatory field with direct involvement with the federal Clean Air Act or with the Washington State Clean Air Act.
- Laserfiche database management experience.
- Training(s)/certification(s) with a focus on interpersonal, interviewing, or conflict resolution training.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Washington State driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Key physical aspects of the position include:
- Obtaining and maintaining Visible Emission Evaluation (VEE) Training and Certification.
- Working outdoors and in industrial settings in all weather conditions, on worksites that present potential exposure to dust, noise, and fumes.
- On occasion, wearing an air purifying respirator may be required.
- Repetitive bending, kneeling, and climbing in order to visually inspect equipment.
- On occasion, physically manipulate and/or disassemble/reassemble equipment to assure proper working order.
- On occasion, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and /or move up to 10 pounds.
- This employee will drive an Agency fleet vehicle and must maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
BENEFITS:
The Agency offers a competitive and attractive benefits package including, but not limited to: paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance; and retirement and deferred compensation plans.
OUR ORGANIZATION:
The Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) implements and enforces federal, state and local air pollution regulations in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties located in Northwest Washington. NWCAA is one of seven regional air quality control agencies in Washington State, established in 1967 after passage of the Washington State Clean Air Act (RCW 70A.15).
NWCAA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors comprised of representatives from each of the three county governments, a representative from the largest city in each county, and a member-at-large. The Agency also benefits from the advice and counsel of an Advisory Council comprised of citizenry of the three counties within NWCAA’s jurisdiction.
NWCAA is responsible for regulating more than 500 businesses that emit air pollution, ranging from large refineries to gas stations as well as outdoor burning and asbestos identification, mitigation, and handling. Fees collected from regulated businesses, a local per capita assessment, and state and federal grants provide the Agency’s operational funding.
We take pride in our reputation of professionalism, fairness, and proficiency in air quality regulation.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment. The Northwest Clean Air Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer.