Senior Air Quality Specialist

Under general supervision, as lead in a specific air quality program, independently performs and directs others in the full range of air quality duties; and performs related work as required.

This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy with Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH). The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Please be advised this list may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur in any of the four (4) specialized program areas of the Air Quality Management Division. Applicants interested in being considered for future vacancies in any of the four (4) specialized program areas must submit an application under this recruitment.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, natural, physical, or environmental sciences, or a closely related field, AND three years of full-time experience in an environmental management program, including one year of experience in a specialized program area; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

License Or Certificate

A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

May require the ability to obtain an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act Certification and/or Visual Emissions Evaluation Certification and may be required to complete the Mine Safety and Health Administration basic above ground mine safety course, based on area of assignment.

NNPH - Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) is comprised of four (4) specialized program areas, which are: Planning, Monitoring, Permitting, and Compliance. Note: the current vacancy is available in the MONITORING PROGRAM. For more information about each program and the ideal candidate criteria for each, please refer to the information below (note, this list is not all inclusive).

Planning Program

The AQMD develops and maintains a program that reduces air pollution or maintains clean air quality per federal and state statutes. Staff develop plans and emission management regulations, reduce mobile source emissions, monitor air quality trends, promote alternative forms for transportation, and research air pollution solutions.

Monitoring Program (current vacancy)

The AQMD operates a network of ambient air monitoring stations in Washoe County to measure concentrations of pollutants considered harmful to the public and environment. The data collected by our team is used to determine EPA compliance and provide near real-time air quality data to the community.

Permitting Program

The AQMD issues registrations and permits for various sources of air pollution, including wood-burning devices, dust emitting projects, asbestos related projects, and equipment and processes that cause air pollution. A team of administrative staff, air quality specialists, and engineers engage with the community to limit air pollution in Washoe County.

Compliance Program

The AQMD inspects sources of air pollution to protect the air resource in Washoe County and ensure compliance with health and environmental standards. A team of air quality specialists verifies air pollution sources are in compliance with air quality permits, rules and regulations, and offers assistance to businesses.

Ideal Candidate criteria for all program areas include (the following is not all inclusive):

• Experience in developing and implementing programs to reduce air pollution and maintain air quality in compliance with federal and state statutes.

• Ability to manage and oversee research, administrative, and technical projects aimed at achieving division objectives.

• Experience with leading and coordinating the work of professional and technical personnel.

• Experience with developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.

• Ability to develop effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most consistent, cost effective, and efficient manner.

• Strong communication skills to engage stakeholders with data, analyses, and reports, and to prepare and deliver responses as needed.

• Demonstrated capability to maintain effective liaison with public and private organizations, agencies, departments, and community groups to ensure coordinated implementation of activities.

• Proficiency in crafting diverse written materials, encompassing correspondence, reports, presentations, procedures, and other program management documents, showcasing strong communication abilities.

• Knowledge and ability to monitor changes in laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations affecting program activities, and to implement necessary policy and procedural changes.

• Proven track record in effectively organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks and projects related to air quality management, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and timely achievement of goals and deadlines.

Ideal Candidate criteria for the Planning Program may also include (the following is not all inclusive):

• Proficiency in coordinating meetings with external stakeholders, preparing comprehensive agendas, presenting materials effectively, and making informed decisions that align with air quality management objectives, integrating data analysis and stakeholder input for optimal outcomes.

• Experience in monitoring and securing funding for program planning and development activities, including overseeing applications and ensuring compliance.

Ideal Candidate criteria for the Monitoring Program may also include (the following is not all inclusive):

• Skilled in calibrating and maintaining complex air monitoring instruments in field settings.

• Capable of diagnosing and repairing electronic equipment related to air monitoring systems.

• Experienced in overseeing installation and maintenance of monitoring station shelters with environmental controls, ensuring adherence to maintenance and quality assurance procedures.

• Able to analyze and refine air quality data for public dissemination and provide training and leadership to direct reports.

Ideal Candidate criteria for the Permitting Program may also include (the following is not all inclusive):

• Expertise in reviewing and evaluating applications for air pollution permits and registrations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Proficient in conducting complex research and evaluations related to air quality issues and emission control technologies.

• Experience in developing air pollution control rules and preparing technical documents, permits, emissions inventories, and reports.

• Knowledgeable in the development of air pollution control rules including researching and analyzing complex air quality issues, air pollutant emissions, emission control technology, economics, implementation issues and regulatory considerations.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrative staff, air quality specialists, engineers, and the community to mitigate air pollution impacts in Washoe County.

Ideal Candidate criteria for the Compliance Program may also include (the following is not all inclusive):

• Skilled in conducting initial and random inspections at complex sites to enforce air pollution control standards and investigate violations, utilizing advanced documentation techniques.

• Experienced in patrolling and inspecting designated areas to ensure comprehensive compliance with air quality regulations and locating un-permitted sourced or air pollution.

• Capable of effectively responding to public inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing clear and accurate information on air quality issues.

• Proficient in preparing detailed violation notices, corrective action orders, and penalty proposals, supported by thorough technical data collection.

• Able to testify confidently before the Air Quality Hearing Board, presenting case facts and compliance efforts, and reviewing emissions tests for adherence to U.S. EPA standards.

The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Supervisory covers the Senior Air Quality Specialist position.

Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation.  Effective July 1, 2019, the $40.25 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.

Selected candidates may be required to meet the Northern Nevada Public Health immunization requirements and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination received after September 1, 2022, at the time of appointment.  All NNPH positions do require selected candidates to have the 2-step TB Skin Test at time of appointment.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification.  Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater. 1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications.
2.Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will receive an email invitation to take the Professional Level online exam administered remotely; notices will be delivered within one (1) week from the closing of the recruitment.

This exam link will be delivered via email after the closing date of the recruitment and qualified candidates will have a time limit to complete the exam, within four (4) calendar days. You will be notified if you are eligible to transfer an exam score within 1 week following the closing date of the recruitment.

The exam will evaluate your expertise, knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Reading Comprehension

• Written Communication

• Analytical Ability

• Business Math

• Interpersonal and Customer Service Skills

Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook, the Department of Human Resources does not administer an exam when there are less than 20 qualified candidates.  Once the recruitment has closed, if there are less than 20 qualified candidates, the exam will be waived and all qualifying candidates will be placed on an unranked eligible list which will be referred to the hiring department. If the exam is scheduled to move forward and less than 20 candidates take the exam as determined by the Department of Human Resources, the exam will be waived.  Only those candidates who took the exam or have a transfer score will be placed on an unranked eligible list which will be referred to the hiring department.

3.After the exam is completed, you will receive an additional email notifying you of the results. If you pass the examination, you will receive your score and rank. This rank will be used to determine which candidates will be interviewed by departments trying to fill a vacancy.

4.Hiring departments schedule interviews from a list of top scoring candidates. If your name is not sent to the hiring department, it will remain on the list for future opportunities as they become available.
5.Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and click on "Applications" to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.  In addition, you can also click on "Inbox" to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment. If you have any updates to your contact information after your application is submitted, please contact careers@washoecounty.gov.

If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link: https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/faq/online/appprocess.php

Questions: Jessica Gutierrez 

jgutierrez@washoecounty.gov

775-328-2096

Veteran Point

Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations only. In order to be given a bonus point, applicants must attach proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) to the Online Application at time of submission.

Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.

Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.