Air Quality Specialist (AQS) 1 or 2
(this posting can be seen in PDF format here)
Open until filled, first review of applicants on October 30, 2023
Salary Range
AQS 1 $5,257 – $7,065 monthly
AQS 2 $6,188 – $8,316 monthly
ORCAA also provides a comprehensive benefits package
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) seeks applicants for the position of Air Quality Specialist in Olympia, Washington. Ideal candidates will bring knowledge of environmental programs, skills, and experience, along with passion, inspiration, and a strong desire for excellence to the role. The position will be filled at the level (AQS 1 or 2) that matches the qualifications of the top candidate.
Summary of the Job
As an ORCAA Air Quality Specialist, you play a critical role in enabling the agency to carry out its mission to protect the health and welfare of people living in our jurisdiction. In this position you will see a wide variety of commercial and industrial processes such as gas stations, spray booths, emergency generators, lumber mills, and boat building and repair. This position provides the opportunity to enter or continue a career focused on assisting people impacted by air pollution, and also offers the ability to continue to learn and make positive impact with people and the environment for years to come.
About ORCAA
The mission of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency is to protect the health and welfare of the people and the natural environment in the agency’s six counties in western Washington. ORCAA is one of seven local air quality agencies in Washington charged with enforcing local, state, and federal clean air rules and law. Employees of ORCAA enjoy a comprehensive benefits package (found here) while working in one of the most scenic locations in the country. Olympic National Park sits in the middle of ORCAA’s jurisdiction, and the region is bounded by the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the online job application at the link below and upload a cover letter and current résumé, as well as any other support documents you’d like to share. Your cover letter should detail your experience and qualifications with reference to the specific duties and qualifications of this position. Your résumé should outline your experience and education as it relates to this position. Note that a cover letter and résumé are required to be considered for this position.
The official application form is located at
https://www.orcaa.org/about/job-openings/employment-application/
Application Timeline
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial application deadline for first-round screening is October 30, 2023. The agency reserves the right to select a candidate at any time after the initial screening date. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Robert Moody at (360) 539-7610, ext. 106 or robert.moody@orcaa.org.
JOB SUMMARY – Air Quality Specialist (AQS) 1
The full job description may be found here.
The Air Quality Specialist 1 is responsible for the following functions and duties.
- Responds to and investigates complaints; records all pertinent data in agency database; completes and submits reports.
- Answers questions from the public about federal, state, and local regulations.
- Assist businesses and/or individuals with obtaining Compliance-issued permits and notifications.
- Implements current laws and regulations.
- Conducts inspections of minor sources; interacts with source representatives regarding compliance; gathers data.
- Issues Notices of Violation for alleged infractions, as appropriate; completes and submits reports; inputs data into agency database.
- Provides expert testimony and/or summary reports during hearings and public meetings.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the regulated community, the public, and other agencies. Participates in community outreach activities involving a variety of diverse communities.
- Responsible for adhering to agency policies and procedures, including safety protocols.
- Assists and supports different programs within the agency, which may include but are not limited to: asbestos, monitoring, outdoor burning, public information, business assistance, source registration, permitting, special projects, Title V of the Federal Clean Air Act, and woodstoves.
JOB SUMMARY – Air Quality Specialist (AQS) 2
The full job description may be found here.
An Air Quality Specialist 2 implements the same functions and duties as the AQS 1 with additional responsibilities, including:
- Conducts independent inspection of minor sources.
- Assists in conducting inspections of major industrial sources for purposes of determining the status of compliance with respect to applicable requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL/PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
An Air Quality Specialist performs most of their responsibilities in direct contact with other members of the agency, the public, and others in the air quality field. This individual must be able to move freely throughout our building, the business and residential community. Air Quality Specialists must possess full use of their body as they may be required to climb, stoop, crawl, jump in the course of doing their job. They must be able to lift as much as to 50 pounds, although infrequently. Due to the level of authority and accountability involved, this individual must be able to make sound judgments, based on a clear assessment of the facts, looking at both long and short-term ramifications. An Air Quality Specialist must be able to read, examine for errors and comprehend materials and equipment ranging from specialized gauges and instruments to letters and memos to government regulations and be able to explain these materials to others who may not possess the same level of technical expertise. This individual must have excellent vision. Most work is performed in a quiet to moderately noisy office environment in Olympia, generally free of hazards. Air Quality Specialists regularly travel throughout ORCAA’s six county jurisdiction.
QUALIFICATIONS
AQS 1
Experience
One year of experience in field compliance, process control, industrial or heavy manufacturing operations, civil or military technical operations, health and safety enforcement, investigations and/or inspection.
Education
One of the following is required.
- Associate degree in environmental, physical, forestry, or natural sciences.
- High School diploma or GED and 2 additional years of relevant experience.
AQS 2
Experience
Two years of experience in field compliance, process control, industrial or heavy manufacturing operations, civil or military technical operations, health and safety enforcement, investigations and/or inspection.
Education
One of the following is required.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in environmental, physical, forestry, or natural sciences.
- Associate degree in environmental, physical, forestry, or natural sciences and two additional years of relevant experience.
- High school diploma or GED and four additional years of relevant experience.
Skills
Demonstrated talent for effective verbal and written technical communication of complex concepts; ability to organize multiple priorities; ability to work with a wide variety of people; demonstrated talent for meeting deadlines and working under pressure; ability to work independently.
Licenses/Certifications
A valid Washington state driver’s license is required prior to start of the job.
Prior to employment, a criminal history background check and reference checks will be conducted on the top candidates. For purposes of protecting the health and wellbeing of ORCAA staff and the public, candidates are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All current ORCAA staff are vaccinated.
ORCAA seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersection identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
ORCAA provides reasonable accommodations to assist qualified individuals perform the essential functions their job requires.
EMPLOYEE STATUS DESIGNATION
Overtime eligible; fulltime; regular; salaried
Application Attestation:
The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. ORCAA may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
WHY WORK FOR ORCAA?
As an agency, ORCAA’s mission is to promote air quality and take actions that protect the health and welfare of people and the natural environment in our jurisdiction. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Joining ORCAA means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring the environment. A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our region, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We offer a very strong benefits package and a strong commitment to a life/work balance.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ORCAA is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
We know many candidates, especially women and people of color, do not apply to jobs unless they meet all required qualifications. If you meet most qualifications and believe you would bring the skills and approach we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.