Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate!
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.
At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Additionally, we believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside the workplace. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated, and your growth is nurtured.
The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Principal Staff Specialist in the Strategic Incentives Division (SI) Division. This is an open recruitment for one (1) full-time, represented position.
The Strategic Incentives Division supports the Air District’s mission by implementing incentive programs (grant programs) that achieve voluntary reductions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, primarily from on- and off-road vehicles and equipment that operate in the Air District’s jurisdiction. In 2023-2024, the SI Division is administering more than $90 million in new revenue to fund programs and projects that replace older diesel-fueled vehicles and equipment such as school and transit buses, marine vessels, locomotives, trucks, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and other mobile equipment, with newer, cleaner alternatives, including zero-emission technologies, and install refueling/charging infrastructure that supports the accelerated adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and equipment. Other programs administered support the reduction of single-occupancy vehicle, provide cash and mobility options to residents for turning in their older vehicles, and provide grants to reduce pollution from woodburning devices. The Division develops programs to meet community identified strategies for reducing air quality disparities and that benefit the Bay Area’s most overburdened communities.
About you in the position
The Principal Staff Specialist (AB 617 role) in the SI Division will coordinate the division's efforts in bringing greater equity to grant programs through program development, collaboration with other divisions, and engagement with communities under the AB 617 program. With your in-depth knowledge of the Air District’s emission reduction grant programs, you will lead the division's participation in internal and external AB 617 engagement, including communicating the role of the division; analyzing, reporting, and presenting information about air quality improvement incentive programs and mobile sources, participating in community meetings, proposing and guiding discussions on incentive-related emission reduction strategies and actions, developing plans/programs to implement action, and soliciting feedback on strategy implementation. Examples of other tasks include preparing written materials related to grant programs, reports and plans; proposing recommendations for updates to current incentive programs; developing and supporting the development of new programs; assessing impacts of regulatory actions on mobile source categories; presenting to the Board of Directors and other stakeholders; and leading and training staff. This position will require working nights and weekends on occasion to attend community meetings and public events. Your work will empower our team to make informed decisions that will benefit communities, meet our requirements, and advance our mission.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills is:
Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and four years of professional analytical experience, including developing and administering programs. Some positions may require more specialized education, training, and experience. A graduate degree may substitute up to two years of the required experience. Desirable qualifications/skills Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt to the audience. Professionalism and good judgement in representing an agency/company with external stakeholders including the public, businesses, and other agencies. Training or experience working with and for the public and community groups to advance equity and environmental justice. Competency in managing time and responsibilities with little oversight and working efficiently. Reading and interpreting laws, policies, procedures, regulations, guidelines, maps, specifications, and other data. Bilingual proficiency in one or more languages commonly spoken in the San Francisco Bay Area. Interdisciplinary knowledge and/or learning agility with respect to state or other incentive programs, mobile sources of air pollution, zero-emission technology and infrastructure, heavy-duty equipment operations at Bay Area ports and other industrial hubs, and/or impacts of air quality regulatory actions on industry.
Other desired experience includes grant program development, project supervision, team leadership, developing RFP/RFQs, contracts, budgeting, grants management, community organizing, and report writing.
How to Apply & Selection Criteria
Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application, chronological resume, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024. Applications are accepted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply.