Air Quality Technician - Enforcement

How To Apply

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Position Summary

Air Quality Technicians assigned to the Compliance and Enforcement section are responsible for the inspections of work practices to minimize the risk of public exposure to asbestos and other air contaminants, and assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Technicians also complete inspections at area and minor sources of air pollution to assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Work is field-based, and involves conducting field investigations, compliance assistance, and interpreting test results. Work requires a substantial amount of independent judgment exercised in close collaboration and reviewed by an Air Quality Administrator or management designee.

Air Quality Technicians assigned to the Air Monitoring section are responsible for the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) work activities for the ambient air quality network to assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Work is primarily field-based and involves conducting technical QA/QC activities to evaluate air monitoring instrument performance, analyzing data, and interpreting test results. Work requires a substantial amount of independent field work in close collaboration and reviewed by an Air Quality Administrator or management designee.

Overview

Fringe Benefits

• Paid holidays, personal days, vacation and sick leave benefits, medical coverage and dental benefits, a retirement plan, life insurance and a deferred compensation plan after eligibility requirements have been met.
  
  
  

Perks Working for ACHD

• Professional growth through training opportunities (CPR, First AID, Public Health Preparedness, Dignity and Respect, Points of Dispensing, and more); ability to advance in county system; job security; meaningfulness in daily work derived from public service; eligible for federal loan forgiveness; organizational commitment to ACHD’s mission to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of all Allegheny County residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
  
  
  

Duties

• Contributing to the implementation of the Air Quality Program's goals and objectives by collecting valid quantitative and qualitative data (inspection reports, asbestos sampling) needed for enforcing air pollution control regulations.
• Contributing to the implementation of the Air Quality Program's goals and objectives by collecting and helping to ensure valid quantitative measurements needed for creating legally defensible environmental data.
• Conducting field inspections to assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations for containment of asbestos and air emissions. Creating, reporting, and documenting compliance issues as a result of field inspections.
• Supporting the continuous improvement of program performance through activities such as investigating complaints related to air pollution sources or assisting in the development of standard operating procedures.
• Testing the performance of air monitoring instrumentation following EPA approved QA/QC procedures.
• Interpreting and communicating relevant policies and procedures to others involved in asbestos removal and abrasive blasting, including contractors, building owners, industry officials, and the general public.
• Analyzing and interpreting environmental data (e.g., ambient air test results) to inform evidence-based decisions.
• Deploying and collecting field samples.
• Assisting in the selection, siting and installation of community air monitoring sensors.
• Assisting in the development of quality assurance project plans.
• Participating in special studies as directed by supervisor.
• Preparing and presenting written reports of field assignments, data analysis and instrument calibrations.
• Incorporating ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations, and communities.
• Responding to public health emergencies.
  
  
  

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, environmental sciences, and physics.
• Knowledge of the basic statistical methods and techniques used in gathering and analyzing data.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, and Excel required. Ability to use technology (e.g., tablets, smartphones, etc.)
  
  
  

Skill In

Ability to:

• Ability to obtain Asbestos Building Inspector certification issued by Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry within the probationary period and maintain annual renewal of certification as required to perform the duties of an asbestos inspector (only required if assigned to the Compliance and Enforcement section).
• Ability to create reports from recorded observations, including those that may constitute the basis for enforcement actions.
• Ability to perform investigations and inspections in difficult situations.
• Ability to deal tactfully with public.
• Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding or enter small spaces on construction jobsites.
• Ability to perform field work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to wear proper protective equipment, including a respirator, or carry testing equipment.
• Ability to work independently with work product reviewed by an Air Quality Engineer or management designee
• Ability to initiate suggestions and recommendations as to improved inspection procedures.
• Ability to operate and perform auditing procedures on a broad range of air monitoring instrumentation.
• Ability to work in uncomfortable working conditions: noisy, dusty, hot, humid, cold, smelly and other adverse conditions.
• Ability to appear as a witness in court to explain observations.
• Ability to respond to emergencies.
  
  
  

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D