Air Quality Specialist (AQS) 1 or 3
Closing Date: Open until filled, first review of applicants on October 30, 2024
Salary Range
AQS 1 $5,441 – $7,312 monthly
AQS 3 $7609 – $10,227 monthly
ORCAA also provides a comprehensive benefits package
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) seeks applicants for the position of Air Quality Specialist (AQS) in Olympia, Washington. Ideal candidates will bring knowledge, skills, and experience from working in environmental programs, along with passion, inspiration, and a strong desire for excellence to the role. The position will be filled at the level (AQS 1 or 3) that matches the qualifications of the top candidate.
Summary of the Job
As an ORCAA AQS, you play a critical role in enabling the agency to conduct 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 also responds to complaints about asbestos violations and illegal burning. Enforcement – along with education and technical assistance – is part of the job, and in this position, you will notify business and individuals about violations. This position provides the opportunity to enter or continue a career focused on assisting people impacted by air pollution and offers the ability to continue to learn and make positive impact with people and the environment for years to come.
ORCAA is a Great Place to Work
The mission of the ORCAA 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 laws.
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 would 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, 2024. 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 Jay Carmony at (360) 539-7610, ext. 133 or jay.carmony@orcaa.org
Job Summary – Air Quality Specialist (AQS) 1
The full job description may be found here.
The AQS 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 agency-issued permits and notifications.
- Implements 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) 3
The full job description may be found here.
An AQS 3 implements the same functions and duties as the AQS 1 with additional responsibilities, including:
- Conducts independent inspection of all sources, including Title V sources.
- Assists with training and leadership of AQS 1’s and 2’s.
- Interacts with the Engineering staff to troubleshoot permit issues.
- May represent the Inspection team at various meetings or public events.
Environmental/Physical/Mental Requirements
An AQS 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 office building, businesses, including heavy industry, and the residential community. AQS’s may be required to climb, stoop, crawl, jump while 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 AQS 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.
Work is mostly performed in a quiet to moderately noisy office environment, generally free of hazards or outside, at sites located on commercial, industrial, or residential property. Travel throughout ORCAA’s six county jurisdiction is a common activity.
Qualifications
AQS 1
Experience – One year of experience in environmental compliance, process control, industrial or heavy manufacturing operations, civil or military technical operations, health and safety enforcement, investigations and/or inspection, and;
Education – One of the following is required.
- Associate, or higher-level degree in environmental, physical, forestry, or natural sciences.
- High School diploma or GED and two additional years of relevant experience.
AQS 3
Experience – Four years of experience in environmental compliance, process control, industrial or heavy manufacturing operations, civil or military technical operations, health and safety enforcement, investigations and/or inspection, and:
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 four additional years of relevant experience.
- High school diploma or GED and six 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 and as part of a team. Ability to work as a leader and convey the concepts of permits and air emission information to others on the team.
Licenses/Certifications
A valid Washington state driver’s license is required prior to start of the job, along with valid automobile insurance.
Preferred Certifications to be considered for the AQS 3 position:
- Current Certificate of Completion for Plume Evaluation Training
- Current Asbestos Hazards Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Building Inspector certification
- Current 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification
- Current Certificate of Competency for Incinerator Operations
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 against COVID-19.
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 to 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.