Apcd Air Quality Specialist I/Ii-Monitoring/Meteorology

Salary : $66,168.17 - $105,672.03 Annually
Location : Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 9140APCD-23AB (LC)
Department: Air Pollution Control District
Opening Date: 09/18/2023
Description
What We OfferThe County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. Aside from our base salary range, an employee within this position will also be eligible for the following:

• A general salary increase (GSI) of 4.0% effective December 24, 2023 and 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive - Some positions may be eligible for bilingual incentive depending on the applicable memorandum of agreement and the needs of the department. To qualify for this incentive, incumbents in eligible positions must take and pass the applicable bilingual fluency examination.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans: You are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined benefit pension plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems such as CalPERS.
• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.

VENTURA COUNTY
The County's 1,873 square miles include 1,846 square miles of land with 42 miles of coastline which is home to the following cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Living here you may enjoy numerous year-round activities ranging from walking on the beach to enjoying a concert in a park or sailing to the Channel Islands or hiking in the Los Padres National Forest. Ventura County is home to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the San Buenaventura Mission, art galleries, and a state-of-the-art Civic Arts Plaza.
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT
The District is classified as a Special District within the County of Ventura agencies. Division 26 of the California Health and Safety Code establishes the District's structure, operating procedures, and authority. The District provides a full range of air pollution control activities, including permitting, facility inspection, Air Quality attainment planning, rulemaking, Air Quality monitoring, and incentive programs. The District shares responsibility with the California Air Resources Board for ensuring that all state and federal Air Quality standards are achieved and maintained within Ventura County.
The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has a staff of just under fifty employees including inspectors, engineers, planners, technicians, and support staff. The District works with business and industry to reduce emissions from new and existing sources. The District is divided into six (6) divisions which include Administrative Services, Engineering, Information Systems, Monitoring, Compliance, and Planning, Rules and Incentives.
THE POSITION
We are recruiting for an Air Quality Specialist Monitoring/Meteorology I/II position in the Monitoring Division of the Ventura County APCD. The position requires an interest in Air Quality or atmospheric science and computer skills in data analysis and visualization. Under immediate supervision (I), or general supervision (II), the APCD Air Quality Specialist Monitoring/Meteorology performs professional air pollution control work, including but not limited to data collection and analysis, report preparation, and public interaction. Research, assemble, and analyze Air Quality data. Conduct studies and prepare reports on Air Quality related subjects. Review and evaluate state and federal air monitoring regulations, quality assurance documents, and standard operating procedures. Perform professional meteorological work in support of Air Quality forecast, Air Quality advisory, and open burn programs. Generate Air Quality forecast for distribution to the public. The Air Quality Specialist Monitoring/Meteorology I performs routine assignments that become increasingly complex over time and require less supervision as additional skills and abilities are acquired. The Air Quality Specialist Monitoring/Meteorology II has project responsibility with minimal supervision and may be either a lead worker or may supervise a project.
The ideal candidate will:

• Possess experience and/or education in Air Quality science and/or meteorology.
• Possess experience using computer software to analyze large datasets and prepare technical reports.
• Have the ability to interact with the public and present to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Work well in a small teams setting.
• Possess good organizational and time management skills.

APPROXIMATE TITLES AND ANNUAL SALARIES
APCD Air Quality Specialist I: $66,168.17 - $92,804.89
APCD Air Quality Specialist II: $75,329.06 - $105,672.03
APCD Air Quality Specialist I and II are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are not eligible for overtime compensation.
Examples Of Duties
Depending on the level, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Researches, assembles and analyzes Air Quality data for regulatory impact;
• Monitors state and federal regulations related to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS);
• Conducts studies and prepares reports on Air Quality related subjects;
• Air Quality forecasting and evaluation of meteorological conditions in support of agricultural or prescribed burning activities;
• Assists in the formulation of Air Quality plans and related county-wide planning efforts;
• Makes presentations to committees, private and public community partners, and other various groups;
• Reviews Air Quality sections for environmental impact reports;
• Evaluates meteorological sensors and air pollution instrumentation for performance and quality control criteria;
• Responsible for disseminating Air Quality data, responding to calls and emails from the public;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE
Any of the following education or experience that has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
APCD Air Quality Specialist Monitoring/Meteorology I
Any combination of education and/or experience that has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities.
The required knowledge and abilities can also be obtained by completion of a bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, or a closely related technical or scientific field.
Air Quality Specialist Monitoring/Meteorology II
Some experience in Air Quality science, measurement, or meteorology that has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities.
The required knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by completion of a bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science, Environmental Studies, Meteorology, or a closely related technical or scientific field.
AND
at least one (1) year as an APCD Air Quality Specialist I, or equivalent.
Substitution:
One (1) year of experience similar to that gained in the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) may be substituted for the degree requirement.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Must be willing and able to travel to various sites throughout the County.
• Application and answers to supplemental questions must demonstrate the ability to organize information and write effectively.

Verification of the required college degree or college coursework is required if used to qualify.

• Submit your college diploma, and/or transcripts/grade reports from an accredited college or university which shows your name, the conferred date and the major area of study within 3 days of the closing of the recruitment.
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• If you need additional time, contact Lorin Calderon at
• Degree(s) from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.
• if the name on this documentation is different than the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g. a marriage certificate).

Supplemental Information
Work is performed in an office environment, in the field, and in the laboratory/shop. It may require occasional exposure to hazardous conditions and moderate physical exertion and agility. Typical physical tasks may include, but are not necessarily limited to, climbing ladders while carrying equipment; moving gas cylinders of up to 80 pounds (with assistance); pushing/pulling up to 200 pounds (with assistance); and raising and lowering towers with a height of up to 10 meters and weighing up to 100 pounds (with assistance).
DESIRED
In addition to the typical qualifications, the most competitively qualified candidates will possess:

• Experience designing interactive tools to visualize Air Quality data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft tools in use at the APCD, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field, such as Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Atmospheric Chemistry, Computer Science, or the Physical, Social, or Biological Sciences.
• Extensive experience visualizing, presenting, and publishing statistical/geographic data for technical and/or non-technical audiences
• Previous experience studying large datasets ideally atmospheric particulate matter, ozone, and/or meteorology
• Knowledge of instruments and methods used in Air Quality and meteorological measurements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Some to thorough knowledge (depending on level in series) of: principles, practices and trends of Air Quality and data analysis; criteria air pollutants and meteorological principles; nomenclature, instruments, methods, and quality assurance/quality control used in Air Quality monitoring, data collection, and lab data management systems; numerous state and federal laws, procedures and regulations relating to Air Quality; personal computers and software; criteria air pollutants and pollution formation; engineering calculations and statistical methods.
Some to working ability (depending on the level in series) to: research, analyze, and compile chemical and/or physical data and recommend effective course of action; communicate technical concepts and findings orally and in writing; organize information and present it in a clear and concise manner; write technical manuals, reports, or articles; and constructively critique scientific reports.
Recruitment Process
FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
The first review of applications is anticipated to take place on or around October 6, 2023 and will continue until the pool is sufficient to meet business needs.
To apply on-line refer to web site: www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.
Note to applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.
APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying
All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying
All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure ...