Air Quality Specialist I/II - Field Inspector

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 Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Air Quality Specialist I/II in the Compliance and Enforcement Division. This is an open recruitment for four (4) vacancies which are full-time, represented positions.

In this position, you'll spend most of your time inthe field conducting inspections, investigations, and compliance assessments at commercial, industrial, and residential sites across the Bay Area.

• Hands-on, field-based work environment (Position is not eligible for remote work from home)
• Company vehicle provided (including fuel and maintenance)
• Direct impact on environmental protection and community health

• Field-oriented and self-sufficient - comfortable working independently in varied environments
• Observant and detail-driven - able to identify compliance issues and document findings accurately
• Professional communicator - able to interact with the public, businesses, and technical staff
• Technically capable - comfortable using monitoring equipment, tools, and data systems
• Adaptable problem solver - able to make decisions with limited information in the field

What You'll Do (Core Responsibilities)

Field Inspections & Compliance

• Conduct on-site inspections at industrial, commercial, and residential locations
• Evaluate compliance with federal, state, and local air quality regulations
• Verify permits, operational conditions, and emission controls
• Perform routine and complaint-driven inspections

Investigations

• Respond to public air quality complaints and nuisance reports
• Investigate excess emissions, breakdowns, and potential violations
• Collect samples, take photographs, and document evidence

Enforcement

• Determine compliance status and issue Notices of Violation when necessary
• Clearly explain requirements and compliance options to regulated entities
• Support enforcement actions through accurate documentation

Data Collection & Reporting

• Use monitoring instruments to measure emissions and air quality conditions
• Maintain and calibrate inspection equipment
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, case summaries, and technical documentation

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate with facility representatives, contractors, and the public
• Provide guidance on regulations, permits, and compliance expectations
• Coordinate with internal teams and external agencies

Position Details

Definition

Under direction, performs a variety of professional level technical and administrative duties in the areas of inspection, investigation, air monitoring instrument and equipment operation, air quality planning, rule development, enforcement and compliance operations, and other air quality program areas; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguished Characteristics

Air Quality Specialist I is the journey-level class in the Air Quality Specialist series. Incumbents are fully proficient to perform the full range of activities, with assignments of moderate difficulty. This class is alternately staffed with Air Quality Specialist II and incumbents may advance to the higher-level classification after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

Air Quality Specialist II is the advanced journey-level class of this series. Incumbents are expected to exercise more independent judgment, initiative and decision making, and are responsible for assignments requiring a higher degree of working knowledge, ability and initiative with minimal day-to-day supervision. Incumbents may provide training and technical guidance to staff.

The following duties are typical for jobs in the class. They are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the full scope of job duties.

Compliance and Enforcement

Conducts commercial and industrial inspections and investigations such as, but not limited to, petroleum refineries, power plants, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, toxic and hazardous materials operations and complicated industrial operations.

Conducts compliance inspections on facilities designated as sources of air pollution within an assigned geographical area within established and time frames; makes determinations of compliance with applicable regulations; verifies permit status.

Conducts on-site inspections of manufacturing, industrial, commercial and agricultural operations and their compliance to ensure adherence to air quality standards and regulations; may call for laboratory tests of site emissions.

Reviews and coordinates inspections to determine and ensure the consistent technical application and interpretation of new and revised rules and regulations; participates in developing and testing new inspection and complaint investigation methods and techniques.

Monitors inspection generated enforcement data for accuracy and validity and coordinates emission data audits.

Uses a variety of monitoring equipment and instrumentation to measure and evaluate various emissions and particulates; maintains and calibrates these devices for integrity and consistency of inspection.

Responds and investigates complaints by citizens of air pollution problems; determines nature and extent of problem; takes representative samples of various materials for laboratory analysis; prepares documentation of findings; consults with citizens on status of complaint.

Conducts grid surveillance to detect permit and emissions violations; ensures that all potential air pollution sources are identified for future monitoring and abatement.

Conducts chemical and plume evaluation tests and record findings; takes photographs for documentation at inspection sites.

Issues notices of violation to sources found in violation of compliance; prepares necessary documentation for violation notice reports.

Interfaces with technical personnel at facilities regarding plant source emissions, solvent usage, permit status, and compliance status with Air District rules and regulations; explains compliance options to industry when a violation occurs.

Provides information and assistance to businesses and the public regarding Air District regulations and authority, permit policies and procedures.

Coordinates with other governmental agencies regarding the investigation of complex community air pollution exposures, such as highly toxic spills.

Prepares a variety of written communications, including detailed technical reports, compliance guidance memoranda and case summaries used for office conferences and hearing board sessions; completes inspections forms on all inspections completed.

Interacts with laboratory staff regarding the analysis of samples taken in the field.

Represents the Air District before the Hearing Board or courts regarding violations of applicable regulations; represents the Air District with technical personnel, other governmental agencies and the public.

Education & Experience

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills is:

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major coursework in chemistry, computer science, electronics, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, physical sciences, physics, or a closely related field.

AND

Experience:

Air Quality Specialist I: Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to the Air District's Assistant Air Quality Specialist II, including performing air quality inspections; installing, operating and maintaining air monitoring and quality assessment instruments and equipment; or developing and administering air quality programs.

Air Quality Specialist II: Four (4) years of experience performing air quality inspections; installing, operating and maintaining air monitoring and quality assessment instruments and equipment, or developing and administering air quality programs, of which at least two (2) years included performing work equivalent to the Air District's Air Quality Specialist I.

Substitution: Any combination of relevant training and work experience in the listed or related fields may substitute for the education criteria on a year for year basis.

Must possess a valid California driver's license.

Will require a California Air Resources Board Visible Emissions Evaluation Certification obtained within 6 months of employment.

Will require the physical ability to work near and in the presence of hazardous and toxic materials, climb high structures to evaluate processes in operation, lift heavy safety and test equipment, and to use self-contained breathing apparatus.

Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13th, 2026. Resumes are encouraged, but not mandatory, and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Applications must be submitted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Postmarked, faxed, and e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

Except as requested in this announcement, do not include any additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc. They will not be considered.

Supplemental Questions Instructions
Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the required supplemental questions. Applications must be received by the Human Resources Division no later than the time and date specified in this vacancy announcement. The responses to the supplemental application questions will be used in accordance with the procedures indicated under the Selection Criteria section.

Please limit your responses tono more than 500 words per question. Do not combine your responses or reference your application, resume, or any other requested documentation that you have included with your application packet to answer a question. This information will be evaluated as is and may be used to determine those applicants with the most directly related experience, education, and training to continue in the selection process. It is very important to provide a concise, clear, legible, complete response to each question.

Selection Criteria
Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or combination of the two. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, an application screening and/or panel interview may be used to determine the most qualified applicants.

The Air District may hire from this recruitment process to fill future vacancies occurring within the next 18 months.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Division at (415) 749-4980.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Air District does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, genetic information, medical condition, or mental or physical disability, or any other attribute or belief protected by law. It is the Air District's policy to provide fair and equal access to the benefits of the programs or activities it administers.