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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 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 recognizes and values the contributions of every employee and works to sustain an environment where everyone is respected. We incorporate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within our decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives, public outreach, planning, and hiring. 

The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Principal Air Quality Engineer. This is an open recruitment for three (3) full-time, represented positions: one (1) vacancy in the Regulatory Development Division and two (2) vacancy in the Engineering Division. 

Regulatory Development Division
The Regulatory Development Division works with all levels of the Air District, including staff, management, executives, and Board members in developing and modifying Air District rules to provide emissions reductions to improve air quality both regionally and at the neighborhood level and to protect the climate. The Principal Air Quality Engineer for the Regulatory Development Division will:

• work closely with professional and technical staff to perform and lead complex program assignments for developing regulations to control air pollutants (including those contributing to climate change and contributing to localized air quality impacts in overburdened communities);  
• work closely with the California Air Resources Board, other local air districts, community groups, community members, environmental organizations, regulated industries, and other key stakeholders to reduce harmful air pollutants, especially in communities overburdened by air pollution. 
• lead, conduct, and coordinate scientific, economic, and technical research work;  
• review and draft regulatory language, develop and implement cost effectiveness and incremental cost effectiveness calculations for a wide variety of sources in an industry with a variety of control options;  
• analyze emissions inventories to determine baseline emissions and reduction estimates for rules under development;  
• brief Air District executives and present at workshops and board meetings;  
• work closely with the Community Engagement Division staff and other Air District divisions to strengthen partnerships with key community stakeholders;  
• perform related work as assigned

Engineering Division
The Engineering Division evaluates permit applications and reviews permit renewals for equipment and operations that emit air pollutants in the Air District’s jurisdiction. The division provides technical support to other agency programs and assists businesses, trade associations, agencies, environmental groups, and community members with issues related to permitting and compliance. The division is responsible for implementing the Air District’s Facility Risk Reduction Program that focuses on reducing health risks to the community from existing facilities or sources.

The position will be working on the Air District’s Toxic Air Contaminant Control (TAC) Programs. These programs are designed to identify, assess, and reduce public exposure to toxic air contaminants—pollutants known to cause or contribute to adverse health effects, including cancer and other serious illnesses. The programs integrate federal, state, and local regulations to:

• Monitor and evaluate TAC emissions from permitted facilities through annual emissions inventories and health risk assessments
• Implement the Air Toxics New Source Review (NSR) program, requiring preconstruction review and risk assessment for new or modified sources of TACs.
• Operate Facility Risk Reduction Programs, targeting existing facilities to identify, assess, and reduce health risks, especially in communities with disproportionate air quality impacts.
• Engage with community stakeholders and provide transparent access to emissions data and health risk information through annual reports and online tools.

These efforts have led to significant reductions in health risks from toxic air contaminants across the Bay Area.

Beyond specific permitting work, some of the important programs and projects in which the Engineering Division are actively engaged include but are not limited to:

• Dispersion modeling and health risk assessments for toxic emissions
• Verification of emissions inventories
• Database development and data management 
• Development of new regulations or amendments of existing regulations
• Strategic planning of division programs

The Principal Air Quality Engineer for the Engineering Division may perform other complex and highly specialized air quality engineering work such as, but not limited to:

• Processing permit applications for complex facilities
• Analyzing air emissions and other metadata
• Evaluating program effectiveness
• Providing project leadership

This role also involves peer review, staff mentoring, and training. The incumbent may lead or contribute to sensitive, high-profile projects and deliver technical presentations to the Board of Directors, public, industry, and partner agencies. The Principal Air Quality Engineer also represents the Air District in multi-agency working groups.

Definition
Under direction, performs the most complex and highly specialized level of assigned air quality engineering activities and may supervise staff of a project basis or lead project teams; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Under direction, performs the most complex and highly specialized level of assigned air quality engineering activities and may supervise staff of a project basis or lead project teams; performs related work as assigned.

 

Examples of Duties for this Position

(Illustrative only)

Review and participate in toxic screening and assessments, development of emission factors complex facilities.

Provide lead direction and work review to professional, technical and support staff, prioritizes and follows up on work assignments to ensure timely completion.

Represent the Air District in meetings with the public, industry and other agencies. 

Researches and develops new and revised rules and procedures for regulation of air quality; determines emissions and potential emission reductions and cost of controls; establishes control level and technology; writes proposed regulation; prepares technical assessment reports and conducts workshops; makes public presentations.

Coordinates the Air District's response to public and industry inquiries regarding regulation interpretation, permit preparation, various compliance measures and emission calculation methods in person, by telephone and in writing. Participate in the preparation of the goals and objectives of the assigned section.

Participate and supervise staff's review of permit application and recommends permit issuance or denial.

Recommends and implements regulatory changes and systems development to comply with the Federal permitting program.

Participate in the preparation of the budget of the assigned section.Participate and review staff's handling of Hearing Board matters involving variances, Order of Abatement and public nuisances.

Testifies as expert witness before the Hearing Board.

Conduct technical seminars for industry and other agencies.

Develop, participate and review field engineering compliance audits, source testing and sampling, analysis of the results and preparation of reports; observes and audits private contractor tests.

Provide lead direction, review and participate in the study of accidental releases as complex facilities, rule effectiveness and hazardous material storage, transportation and handling.

Provide lead direction, review and participate in community assistance program, hazardous incident investigations, and Technical Review Group.

 

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 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 recognizes and values the contributions of every employee and works to sustain an environment where everyone is respected. We incorporate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within our decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives, public outreach, planning, and hiring.

The Air District is accepting applications for the position of Legal Intern in the Legal Office. This is a temporary, exempt position, not to exceed 10-12 weeks in Summer 2026. There are two (2) vacancies. 

About the Division
The Legal Division provides a wide array of legal services to support the entire Air District, including prosecuting violations of air laws; advising on legal compliance with the Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, AB 617, and other federal, State and local laws; supporting rulemakings by developing regulatory language and advising on compliance with rulemaking requirements; supporting the permitting program; reviewing records under the Public Records Act; researching legal issues; and staying abreast of current legal developments in air quality throughout California and nationwide. The Division utilizes a variety of tools to resolve enforcement actions, such as abatement orders, civil enforcement, and coordinating with other enforcement agencies, like local district attorneys or the state Attorney General. For cases in environmental justice communities, Air District staff can directly engage with community members when determining the appropriate legal remedies, including high enough penalties to reach deterrence-based outcomes and ensure the community benefits from the related funds and measures to bring the facility into long-term compliance and prevent the potential recurrence of violations.

Definition
Under close supervision, the legal intern performs various work related to and in support of legal casework being undertaken by attorneys in the Legal Division. The intern gains practical work experience through assisting the Air District’s attorneys while following guidelines and procedures defined by the Legal Division.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a temporary training position for current law students and recent law school graduates. Interns will apply their legal education to work and gain practical experience assisting experienced attorneys on a variety of cases and projects. Through this work, interns will gain valuable environmental law and regulatory experience.

 

Examples of Duties for this Position

(Illustrative Only)

Conducts legal research and prepares legal memoranda for review by attorneys.

Assists attorneys in the preparation of enforcement cases, often involving a specialized body of law.

Assists attorneys in reviewing air quality regulations and policies.

Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions, evaluates their impacts on Air District operations, and recommends appropriate action.

Attends and takes notes at Air District departmental, board and committee meetings.

Maintains, organizes, and tracks accurate records and compiles reports of work performed.

Provides support for special projects as needed.

Performs related duties as assigned.

 

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Please click here to view our online brochure.

NOTE: This recruitment was amended on March 20, 2025 to update the role of the current vacancy.

San Mateo County Health is seeking a well-qualified individuals for the position of Environmental Health Specialist IV - Consumer Protection Programs. Environmental Health Specialist will receive general supervision and provide lead direction in performing various countywide environmental health inspection and enforcement activities in one of the several specialized technical areas such as consumer protection, food sanitation, recreational water, water, sewage, land use, and cross connection control; vector control; solid waste; medical waste; and housing and institutions.

There is currently one regular vacancy that will function as a Food Plan Check Specialist within the Environmental Health Division Food and Pool Programs, located in San Mateo, but the position will include travel/driving throughout the county to perform duties of the job.

Environmental Health Services ensures a safe and healthful environment in the County's 20 cities and unincorporated areas through education, monitoring and enforcement of a variety of regulatory programs, as well as ongoing services to the community.

Duties within the Consumer Protection Programs include:

• Lead specialized programs within the Food and Pool Programs, such as Food and Pool Facilities Plan Review, Cottage Food Operations, Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO), Temporary Food Events, Mobile Food Facilities, and Certified Farmers Markets.
• Lead quality assurance, quality control and standardization functions.
• Conduct compliance inspections of programs and projects within the Consumer Protection Programs as assigned.
• Lead or provide direction in the investigation of citizen complaints.
• Lead and implement special projects.
• Set program standards, coordinate activities with various County and City Departments, collaborate with California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health ad hoc committees and stakeholders.

Ideal candidateswill possess:

• Forward thinking; use of innovation for program improvement goals and implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication and technical skills in all programs served.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience working with diverse members of the community and other government agencies.
• An understanding of retail food construction design, and facility requirements; inspections of retail food facilities, temporary event/certified farmer's market booths and pools/spas.
• Working knowledge of FDA Standards; California Retail Food Code; California Department of Food Agriculture Guidelines; and Title 22 and 24 of the California Building Code.
• Experience related to performing inspections, investigations and research for an environmental health program or sanitation program in a regulatory agency.
• Ability to travel to different sites in San Mateo County to conduct inspections and investigations; this is critical to the position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Candidates must be a California Department of Public Health, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in good standing. A copy of a current California certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is to be submitted with the application.
 

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
 

Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide lead direction, training and work review to assigned staff; organize and assign work, coordinate complex projects, and follow up to ensure completion of assigned work.
• Provide input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as technical expert and staff consultant in area of specialization.
• Inspect establishments and properties in assigned area for compliance with environmental health laws and regulations.
• Conduct specialized studies, program audits, investigations and inspections and make recommendations; maintain a program of code compliance and implementation in the area of specialization.
• Develop, standardize, and update staff inspection techniques.
• Investigate and resolve citizen complaints, acting as a liaison with community groups, government agencies and private business.
• Compile data, evaluate procedures and draft proposed legislation and guidelines; may review and make recommendations on environmental impact reports.
• Plan and conduct in service and public education training programs.
• Interpret regulations and provide advice relating to area of specialization to city officials, citizen groups, business owners and others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• May act as expert witness in court proceedings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• The area of specialty, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
• Laws, regulations and codes governing the assigned area of specialization.
• Sanitation provisions in the Health and Safety Code.
• Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to environmental health.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, direct and coordinate a program of research, study, investigation and enforcement in the specialized area of responsibility.
• Interpret laws, regulations and data.
• Define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
• Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements in specialized area.
• Enforce local ordinances and state law.
• Work independently.
• Keep complex and accurate records.
• Speak effectively and make public presentations.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Three years of journey level experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, including one year of experience in a regulatory agency in the designated option: Option 1 - Water, Sewage, Land Use and Cross Connection Control Option 2 - Vector Control and Solid/Infectious Waste Option 3 - Housing and Institutions Option 4 - Food Sanitation and Consumer Protection

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a California certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

 

Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score

A copy of a current California certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is to be submitted with the application.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.