Environmental Analyst III- Air Permitting

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations.  In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Environmental Analyst III - Air Permitting within the Bureau of Air and Waste, Air Quality Permitting Section.  The Air Quality Permitting staff primarily performs air pollution control permitting and technical assistance to stationary sources in Southeastern Massachusetts.

This position will be based in MassDEP's Southeast Regional Office, Lakeville, MA.  Work will include performing reviews including examining plans, specifications, designs, and other technical information for permitting and compliance with state/federal air pollution control regulations and policies.  Additionally, work will include conducting inspections for compliance as well as conducting enforcement actions for non-compliance.  The incumbent may also provide compliance assistance or written approvals to municipal or regulated entities overseeing or undertaking open burn activities.  The incumbent may also directly, indirectly, and/or functionally supervise other Air Quality Permitting Section staff.

Working at MassDEP is a great opportunity to do meaningful work that helps reduce the impacts of climate change and air pollution for all people of the Commonwealth now and for future generations.  MassDEP personnel are remarkably talented, dedicated, enthusiastic, and supportive.

Duties for the position include:

1. Direct and oversee stack testing and other emission testing by reviewing pre-test protocols, witnessing stack tests in the field when deemed necessary, and reviewing post-test emission reports.  Drafting acceptance or rejection letters for same.
2. Direct and oversee the implementation of the prescribed burn program.  This includes review of burn plan applications and fire training proposals submitted by municipalities or other entities.
3. Review of Operating Permit applications and preparation of draft Operating Permits for facilities classified as "major" by the Appendix C (state) and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Act (federal).
4. Provide guidance on the air regulations and air permit requirements, and participate in other meetings on technical assistance, enforcement and compliance.
5. Determine compliance status of facilities with Massachusetts and Federal with Air Pollution Control Regulations by:

a.     Conducting field inspections of facilities to determine compliance with the facility's Operating Permits,

b.    Assess a facility's compliance requirements pursuant to National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and other federal programs

c.     preparing reports on compliance status and developing enforcement as appropriate.

d.    Reviewing facility / source monitoring reports for compliance assurance and developing enforcement as appropriate.

e.    Recommending corrective actions for facilities found to be in noncompliance, including recommending appropriate level of enforcement action to be taken by MassDEP to correct the violations.

1. Update State and/or Federal information systems as needed to document work and administrative requirements.
2. Exercise direct supervision over, assign work to, and review the performance of professional personnel and exercise functional supervision over professional personnel.
3. Provide back-up for the Air Quality Permitting Section Chief in his/her absence and as requested.

Preferred Qualifications at Hire:

• Knowledge of all aspects of air pollution control technologies; variety of industrial sectors, processes, practices; emission stack testing methodologies and procedures; CEMS, COMS, and other monitoring systems; and mass balance and emission calculations.
• Familiarity with the Federal Clean Air Act and state and federal air pollution control regulations and policies.
• Proficiency in reviewing and evaluating top-down Best Available Control Technology analyses, engineering plans, specifications and standard operating and maintenance procedures relative to a variety of industrial processes and air pollution control equipment.
• Understanding of air dispersion computer modeling, predictive sound modeling, and the inter-relationship between energy and air quality.
• Ability to work in both an office and a field environment at regulated facilities throughout the state.
• Initiative and ability to work independently while also interacting effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions: 

I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology,. natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.* 

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Graduate degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.* 

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.