The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Air Quality Specialist for the Engineering and Compliance Division. This position performs a variety of professional and technical work in connection with inspection, investigation, evaluation, control, and assessment of air quality standards, conditions, plans, and strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and performs other related duties as required.

Please note: this position supports programs which may occasionally require additional work on weekends or after-hours.

This position can be filled at either the assistant or associate level, depending on the qualifications of the candidate. Associate level candidates are expected to have significant experience, education, and/or training in one or more air quality areas related to the position.

Assistant Air Quality Specialist 

Pay Range: $46.24 - $ 56.20/hour with typical starting pay between $46.24 and $50.98/hour*

Associate Air Quality Specialist 

Pay Range: $53.70 - $65.27/hour with typical starting pay between $53.70 and $59.21/hour*

*If approved by the Board of Directors, ranges will be adjusted by a 2.9% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2026. Placement higher in the range may be considered based on education, prior experience, and internal equity.

The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.

1. Evaluates and audits various complex industrial and commercial facilities with atmospheric emissions to determine compliance with all permit conditions, applicable laws, rules and regulations; investigates problems or concerns to determine if violations exist or if problems need further engineering assessment or source testing.

2. Collects, organizes, analyzes, evaluates, and validates an assortment of data, air and soil samples, and other material to determine compliance with air quality standards.

3. Issues legal notices for violations of law which have occurred; participates in negotiations with violators for voluntary compliance to laws, rules, policies and regulations; recommends enforcement action.

4. Reviews and analyzes air monitoring data; ensures compliance with air monitoring regulations regarding test scheduling, reporting and record maintenance; may act as project leader.

5. Reviews and evaluates air quality control permit applications; performs initial and annual inspections; reviews source test protocols; observes source tests; reviews and analyzes test results.

6. Consults with management and technical staff of industrial and commercial establishments on solutions to problems arising from mobile source, stationary source and toxic air contamination.

7. Participates in specific program activities such as landfill testing, asbestos removal, and soil aeration, including evaluation and review of plans and permits, field-testing and observation, data analysis, and report preparation.

8. Researches local air quality; performs necessary studies and analysis of technological feasibility, economic and other impacts of proposed practices and rule changes; writes, analyzes and justifies rule changes and advisories; reviews and comments on legislation and regulations.

9. Assists with the application intake process; screens packets for completeness; determines if expedited permitting is applicable; determines fees.

10. Represents the District on committees and at public activities, meetings, and before official bodies.

11. Maintains records and prepares reports regarding violations, complaints, sources of air pollution and other related information; maintains data base information for a variety of air quality management programs.

12. Assists with special projects performed by other work units or divisions.

Education and Experience:

Assistant Air Quality Specialist – Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.

Associate Air Quality Specialist – Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in life or physical science with major coursework in chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, industrial technology or a field related to the specific program and two years of full time experience as an Assistant Air Quality Specialist or two years of full time experience performing duties in the areas of inspection, investigation, evaluation, monitoring, or rule development for stationary or mobile sources of air contaminants or clean fuels; or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of:

Both Classes – Principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and natural science related to determining, evaluating, monitoring, and controlling air quality; principles and methods of measuring atmospheric conditions and air quality; statistical analysis; basic computer principles and applications.

Associate Air Quality Specialist -- The design and use of air quality control devices, instruments, equipment and various types of industrial processes; major types and sources of air pollution; purposes and procedures of various public and private agencies involved in air quality; criteria and procedures for siting air monitoring stations, air monitoring telemetry system operation, and quality assurance procedures for air monitoring and meteorological data; concepts, methods, and practices of vehicle fleet operation; manufacturing techniques and design concepts of vehicle technology; clean fuels technology and associated products; model concepts of emission inventory.

Ability to:

Both Classes – Analyze, interpret, and apply legislation, laws, regulations, and technical publications related to air quality management; apply scientific methods and principles to recognize and investigate air pollution problems; analyze technical problems and propose effective solutions; prepare technical reports; interpret and explain Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, and laws; make written and verbal presentations to professional and civic groups; deal with a variety of different personalities and situations; communicate in public and in private meetings, group discussions and interviews with people of varying technical skills and personalities.

Special Requirements:

Both Classes –  Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required for air monitoring positions and positions performing inspections.

Both Classes –  Possession of California Air Resources Board visible emissions evaluation certification within the first six months of appointment for positions performing inspections.

Physical Demands

Positions within these classes that perform inspections of air monitoring activities will require the ability to bend, stoop, climb ladders and stairs, crouch, and lift weights up to approximately 25 pounds (weights include briefcase, manuals, testing equipment, etc.). Other positions are essentially desk jobs.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.