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.