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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.
  
The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Senior Rule Development Engineer (Senior Air Quality Engineer) in the Rules & Strategic Policy Division. This is an open recruitment for one (1) full-time, represented positions.
 

About the Position

The Rules and Strategic Policy 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 protect the climate. The Senior Rule Development Engineer (Senior Air Quality Engineer) will: 

• Work closely with professional and technical staff and perform complex scientific research and economic analyses and engineering work for developing regulations to control air pollutants (including those contributing to climate change and contributing to localize air quality impacts in overburdened communities).
• Review and draft regulatory language, develop and implement cost effectiveness and incremental cost effectiveness calculations for a wide variety of sources in an industrial sector with a variety of control options.
• Analyze emissions inventories to determine baseline emissions and reduction estimates for rules under development. 
• Review environmental and socioeconomic analyses required by statute.
• Develop testing and verification procedures. 
• Advise Air District managers, brief executives, and present at workshops, committee meetings and board hearings.
• Work closely with the Community Engagement Section staff and other Air District divisions to strengthen partnerships with key community stakeholders.
• Manage external work duties and efforts of various contractors.
• Perform related work as assigned.

DEFINITION

Under direction, provides lead direction to engineering staff and performs the more difficult and complex professional engineering work in a variety of areas such as permit application evaluation, toxic risk screening and assessment evaluations, compliance audits and source testing; modeling and source inventory; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the specialist level class in this series. In addition to performing the more difficult and complex engineering work, responsibilities include functioning as the project leader for a variety of engineering projects, providing training to other District staff and coordinating technical data gathering and compilation and the preparation of special and technical reports. This class is distinguished from Supervising Air Quality Engineer in that the latter supervises the staff and participates in the activities of assigned air quality engineering responsibilities.

This is the advanced lead level in the professional engineering series. Incumbents provide lead direction to air quality engineers and performs highly specialized and difficult engineering projects. Incumbents are assigned to design and implement programs that require considerable professional knowledge and the use of independent judgement. This class is distinguished from the Principal Air Quality Engineer in that the latter has the responsibility for developing new programs and handling the most difficult, sensitive, or critical projects.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Executive Officer. There is one (1) vacant full-time position. This at-will position is appointed by the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer and serves a term of three (3) years which may be extended.  This position will be responsible for overseeing multiple functions either in Engineering & Compliance OR Science & Policy.

Under direction of the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer, the Deputy Executive Officer provides high-level technical, policy, and strategic direction in the management of the Air District's programs and activities.  

The Deputy Executive Officer of Engineering & Compliance oversees the following functions:

Engineering:

Engineering primarily reviews and processes new permit applications and renewals. There are about 10,000 facilities with about 26,000 devices and operations that have Air District permits. Engineering also processes, reviews, issues, and renews Title V (Major Facility Review) permits for about 79 facilities. In addition to processing permits, Engineering manages programs to assess and reduce risks from toxic air contaminants through implementation of: (1) Regulation 11, Rule 18, Reduction of Risk from Air Toxic Emissions at Existing Facilities, (2) the State Air Toxics Hot Spots Program, and (3) Regulation 2, Rule 5, New Source Review of Toxic Air Contaminants. Engineering provides technical support to rule development, emissions inventory, compliance and enforcement, planning, monitoring and measurement, and technology implementation programs as well as the Air District’s Regional Climate Action Plan.

Compliance & Enforcement:

Compliance and Enforcement ensures the Air District will achieve the emission reductions through the air quality regulations adopted by the Board of Directors, and permit conditions issued by the Executive Officer/APCO. Compliance with Air District, state, and federal regulations is achieved through a robust Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Program. The program includes comprehensive inspections and investigations and a complementary Compliance Assistance Program that supports compliance objectives by maintaining operations and assisting industry with air quality regulations and requirements.

Source Test

Source Test conducts analytical source tests and performance audits, reviews third party source tests, researches and develops new analytical source test procedures, and oversees refinery fence-line monitoring programs. These data are used to produce engineering studies to determine compliance status for specific source categories, determine whether to issue Permits to Operate, update the emissions inventory, determine actual abatement control effectiveness, provide data & technical assistance for Air District studies including AB 617, and develop applicable standards and produce emissions data for new or revised regulations.

The Deputy Executive Officer of Science & Policy oversees the following functions:

Assessment, Inventory & Modeling

Assessment, Inventory, and Modeling (AIM) prepares comprehensive inventories of air pollution emissions and conducts air quality modeling at both regional and community scales. AIM prepares technical assessments that evaluate equity in air pollution exposures and health impacts in support of Air District programs. AIM coordinates and implements programs to improve and report estimates of emissions of criteria pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and climate forcing pollutants. AIM assess emissions, concentrations, and exposures to toxic air contaminants, particulate matter, ozone, and their precursors, to support targeted strategies that reduce impacts of air pollution both regionally and within communities.

Planning & Climate Protection

Planning and Climate Protection prepares plans to meet state and federal air quality standards, leads and implements climate protection activities, and develops and implements local community emissions reduction plans per AB 617. Planning and Climate Protection advances local and regional environmental justice initiatives by providing support for General Plan Environmental Justice Element development and implementation (per SB 1000) centering equity in climate action planning and developing and delivering plan and policy resources such as model ordinances, technical resources, and best practices to accelerate action. Planning and Climate Protection supports local lead agencies, regional agencies, and others in applying the Air District CEQA thresholds and using guidelines to ensure plans and projects are protective of local health and reduce climate impacts.

Meteorology & Measurements

Meteorology and Measurements (M&M) provides emissions, air quality, and meteorological data chemical analysis and forecasting to support the enforcement, permitting, rule development, communications, and environmental justice programs of the Air District. In addition to operating monitoring instruments and conducting testing and analysis, M&M develops rigorous monitoring and testing plans, develops and maintains instruments and systems, conducts quality assurance and quality control, and analyzes and communicates data.

Rules & Strategic Policy

Rules and Strategic Policy is responsible for the development of regulations to implement Air District plans to attain federal and state air quality standards and to protect public health. In addition to the development of rules derived from planning documents, Rules and Strategic Policy assists with the preparation of air quality plans. Other measures are developed to further protect public health and safety and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Rules and Strategic Policy reviews existing regulations and develop amendments to improve clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Public Health

Public Health leads the latest understanding of science regarding public health impacts of air pollution and provides support to the permitting, compliance, communication, rule development, and community engagement programs.

 

Examples of Duties for this Position

This appointed, at-will position is accountable for overseeing and establishing priorities and goals for the assigned functions and for furthering Air District goals and objectives in an effective manner; acts as the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer as assigned or delegated; and performs related work as assigned including but are not limited to:

• Provides technical and policy direction and support to the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer and the Air District Board.
• Represents the Air District and/or the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer in varied situations with various groups and agencies both within and outside of the Air District; interacts with elected officials
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the work of assigned functions.
• Directs the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for assigned functions.
• Directs the management of and makes policy recommendations regarding assigned programs and activities.
• Organizes and coordinates the development and implementation of projects and activities with other agencies.
• Ensures conformance with program schedules, budgets, and contracts.
• Develops and presents technical and policy issues and recommendations to the District Board and the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Air District is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and goal-oriented Deputy Executive Officer.  This person will be trusted to make high quality decisions and ensure accountability.   A candidate who is mission driven, passionate, strategic and can guide a team will be successful.  The successful candidate has:

• Demonstrated strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to create a team-oriented, nurturing environment that emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, communication, ac-countability, and responsiveness to achieve the equity and environmental justice goals and objectives of the Air District
• Familiarity with the air quality and environmental justice issues in overburdened communities, including supporting low-income communities and communities of color with technical assistance, grants, and other resources
• Politically astute and working effectively with diverse stakeholders in highly complex and political environments
• High emotional intelligence, understanding the value and importance of clear communication and direction
• Excellent administrative skills and desire to mentor and develop staff 
• Strong ethics possessing the highest level of integrity 
• Forward thinking, innovative, creative, and solution-oriented 
• Strong commitment to the Air District and must have passion and aptitude for their work and the mission of the organization

Key Qualifications:

• Experience working within or with government agencies and partnering strategically with external collaborators and organizations to advance shared goals
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Track record of demonstrating leadership to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental focused organizations
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials
• Ability to effectively represent the Air District in contacts with elected officials, public, communities, industry, and other stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and establishing effective collaborative relationships both internally and externally
• Principles and practices of air quality planning, monitoring, modeling, data analysis, regulatory development, health risk assessment, permitting and/or enforcement
• Interpreting, explaining, and applying Air District, federal, state and local rules and regulations 
• Analyzing complex technical and administrative issues
• Social, political, and environmental issues influencing air quality management programs
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and modeling; and principles and practices of effective public relations
• Current developments, literature, and sources of information regarding air quality management activities

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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 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 Air Quality Specialist I/II in the Rules and Strategic Policy Division. This is an open recruitment for two (2) full-time, limited-term contract positions. Both positions are for a 3-year term.

This is a Limited Term Contract Employee (LTCE) Position.  LTCE positions are funded by grants or other designated funds which are not part of the Air District’s ongoing general fund budget.  LTCE positions are subject to individual employment contracts and are limited to the duration of their funding source.  Regular employees have the right to apply for an LTCE position.   However, LTCE positions are not subject to the terms of the Employee Association MOU, and LTCE employees serve on an at-will basis. 

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