Air Quality Inspector (Air Quality Specialist I/II)  

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Salary                                     $4,805 – $7,865 Monthly; $57,667- $94,382 Annually

Opening Date                        April 9, 2024

Closing Date                          Continuous, with the first screening of applicants on May 6, 2024

Location                                 Springfield, Oregon

Position                                 One full-time Air Quality Inspector (Air Quality Specialist I/II)

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To apply

Please email your application (downloadable above), resume, and cover letter to Jobs@lrapa.org.

The Position

The Air Quality Specialist I/II (AQS I/II) serves as an air quality inspector for the agency and works with regulated industries to resolve air contaminant emission problems.
AQS I is an entry level position working under the direction of the LRAPA Technical Services Manager. AQS II works under the general direction of the LRAPA Technical Services Manager. Qualifications for the AQS 1/AQSII include one to two years of work experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.

Typical air quality inspector duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Review engineering plans and specifications of proposed new and modified Title V and Air Contaminant Discharge Permit (ACDP) industrial sources of air contaminants and make findings of compliance with permit conditions.
• Review draft ACDPs and Title V permits for industrial sources. Make comments and recommend revisions assuring permit conditions are enforceable and meet all applicable requirements, as well as understood by permittee; review permit with permittee.
• Schedule and conduct compliance investigations of ACDP and Title V permit holders; inspect and monitor existing permitted industrial sources of air contaminants for continued compliance with air quality permits, rules, and regulations.
• Provide technical assistance interpreting rules for sources, recommend process & operation of control equipment to maintain compliance.
• Collect evidence during investigations and determine if a violation exists. Compare facts to standards in rules or permit conditions. Determine compliance or non-compliance.
• Respond to outdoor burning complaints, determine compliance, and provide technical assistance. Investigate, gather evidence, and prepare possible enforcement actions. Inspect outdoor burning sites, and coordinate burning permits with fire suppression agencies.
• Respond to asbestos removal complaints, provide technical assistance, and determine compliance with requirements. Inspect asbestos abatement projects, and coordinate methods of abatement. Investigate, gather evidence, and prepare possible enforcement actions.
• Inspect home wood heating complaints, provide technical assistance, and determine compliance. Investigate, gather evidence, and prepare possible enforcement actions.
• Participate in training to maintain EPA Method 9 visible emissions certification and proficiency in federal, state, and local air quality rules and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of inspections, complaints, and enforcement actions; prepare clear, concise, and timely reports on findings and recommendations; and ensure proper data management and reporting.
• Collaborate closely across LRAPA’s departments to share information, provide insights from field inspections, and ensure consistent enforcement of air quality regulations.

Minimum required qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in civil, chemical, mechanical, or closely related engineering and/or natural or physical sciences OR Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Studies, Justice Studies, Environmental Studies.

At least 1 years’ experience as an air quality permit writer, or inspector. Experience in civil, administrative, or criminal investigations is desirable. Other media including relevant experience in environmental compliance, management, or engineering within the regulated community, may substitute for the minimum requirements on a year for year basis.

Preferred experience

At least 4 years’ of progressively responsible work experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position. Preference may be given to candidates with knowledge of federal, state and local air quality rules and regulations pertaining to permitted facilities, gained through work in regulatory agencies or industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will have skills to convey complex or technical information to facilities and public; knowledge of a variety of industrial and commercial processes and appropriate air pollution control technologies; computer skills including the use of databases and Microsoft Office 365; ability to interpret and apply laws, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the source of air contaminants being reviewed; excellent organizational and personal skills.

• Knowledge of a variety of industrial and commercial processes, and appropriate air pollution control technologies.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering as they apply to industrial processes and control systems.
• Knowledge of designs of a variety of air contaminant control systems.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Proficiency in utilizing Generative AI tools to enhance research, analysis, and communication skills is highly desirable.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, procedures, and regulations pertinent to the source of air contaminants being reviewed.
• Ability to gather, assemble, consolidate, and analyze facts and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to determine sufficiency, reliability and relevance of the data collected.
• Ability to investigate, gather evidence, and provide expert testimony in contested cases.
• Ability to explain applicable rules and regulations to the public and facilities.
• Preference may be given to bilingual candidates.

Working Conditions

The Air Quality Specialist I/II spends significant time in the field, sometimes during inclement weather, but includes office work for preparing inspection reports and performing permit review. Field visits involve observing and evaluating facilities and individual activities to assess compliance with the air quality regulations. Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, and vapors is possible at industrial sites and incumbents may be required to wear protective clothing and breathing equipment while working around air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires climbing ladders, and driving motorized vehicles.

Compensation

Placement within the range will be based upon the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

• • $4,644 – $7,319 per month
  • Comprehensive benefit package which includes:
    • Retirement plan administered by Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
    • Deferred compensation plan (457 plan).
    • 10 paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
    • Personal Time Off (PTO) starting at 28 days/year.
    • Health insurance program (medical, dental, vision) including a Flexible Spending Account.
    • Agency provided Long-term disability insurance program.
    • Agency provided life insurance policy.

To apply

Please email your application (downloadable above), resume, and cover letter to Jobs@lrapa.org.

Application deadline: Continuous, with the first screening of applicants on May 6, 2024.