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Form of workJob Description - Community Monitoring Analyst (Environmental Analyst III)
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. 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 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 a Community Monitoring Analyst (Environmental Analyst III) position within the Bureau of Air and Waste, Division of Air and Climate Programs. This position is full-time and is assigned to the Air Assessment Branch (AAB) located at MassDEP's Wall Experiment Station, 37 Shattuck Street, Lawrence MA. The workplace is a hybrid work model that combines working in the office, in the field and remotely.
Under the supervision of the Community Monitoring Branch Supervisor, or his/her designee, the Community Monitoring Analyst will design, develop, modify, test, evaluate, and maintain technology solutions for acquiring, managing, visualizing and analyzing environmental data sets and will support MassDEP's efforts to expand air monitoring in local communities, including environmental justice populations, to increase public understanding of local air quality conditions and their effects.
Specific duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Prepare, calibrate, deploy, and operate air quality sensors in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Troubleshoot malfunctioning sensors and perform routine maintenance and repairs. Ensure that manufacturer recommendations and Quality Assurance (QA) protocols are followed.
Develop and maintain software codes, scripts, tools and/or databases to facilitate the analysis of air monitoring data acquired during air monitoring projects, including MassDEP projects and collaborative citizen science projects.
Support air monitoring projects by executing statistical analyses of large data sets to identify outliers, patterns, trends or anomalies, and interpret results. Suggest improvements to data review techniques and procedures.
Use data and visualizations to clearly communicate complex environmental monitoring results to communities with a novice understanding of environmental data and statistics.
Assist with data storage and management issues around both new and ongoing projects.
Collaborate with local governments and community organizations to address local air quality concerns.
Implement effective public engagement activities to support air quality programs and improve public outreach addressing air quality issues, including identification and engagement of stakeholders and community organizations, presentation of findings to the public and other agencies, and organizing stakeholder meetings.
Support Community Monitoring projects and identify new opportunities for air quality monitoring programs and community engagement in Environmental Justice (EJ) areas to address concerns in EJ communities.
Under supervision and review by a senior branch manager, develop and write SOPs for sensor QA activities, sensor operation, and sensor data validation.
Generate multimedia content providing technical guidance on air monitoring basics and air quality sensors, such as how-to videos, PowerPoint presentations, and public outreach flyers or brochures.
Assist stakeholders such as municipalities, academic institutions, community organizations, and public citizens, to operate sensors and complete QA/QC procedures.
Assist senior managers to ensure air sensor projects meet the department's health and safety (H&S) standards.
Exercise technical supervision and schedule duties as required for personnel (including EA II's) who assist with routine and enhanced monitoring projects.
Train other Environmental Analysts to operate and maintain air quality sensors.
Write reports on air monitoring activities and make recommendations regarding improvements to operations and procedures.
Collect and install biological air monitoring samples at several fixed locations in and around the Boston area for delivery to the Department of Public Health laboratory in Jamaica Plain.
Other activities in support of AAB operations as necessary.
Preferred Experience or Qualifications:
Basic R, Python, SQL, or other statistical programs skills with programming and development experience.
Knowledge of air pollution science, regulations, monitoring methods, and QA/QC procedures.
Knowledge of state and federal Environmental Justice criteria and policies.
Experience operating, calibrating and maintaining air sensors or other air monitoring equipment.
Ability to assess and repair malfunctioning air quality sensors.
Experience reviewing air monitoring data to identify and investigate anomalies through verification and validation procedures.
Proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Excellent organization and communication skills.
Ability to express ideas clearly in oral and written form.
Initiative and ability to work independently while also interacting effectively in a team environment.
Ability to use hand tools, climb ladders, work on roof tops, move equipment and compressed gas cylinders and other equipment up to 50 lbs. in weight.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
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.
