Air Quality Specialist I/II

Salary: $6,418.37 - $9,038.01 Monthly
Location : Bakersfield, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-20
Department: Compliance
Opening Date: 11/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Position Description
The Valley Air District is recruiting for an Air Quality Specialist I to fill a current vacancy assigned to the Compliance department, located in Bakersfield, California. The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies.

After two years of service, incumbents may be eligible to advance to the Specialist II classification. At the II level, incumbents are fully competent and independently perform the full range of Specialist duties. The current salary range for Specialist II is $7,430.11 to $9,038.01 per month.

Qualifications/Requirements
The nature of the assignments makes the Specialist classification suitable for individuals with a Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university with major coursework in atmospheric or environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, regional, urban, or environmental planning, geography or a closely related field. Experience in providing technical support in an air quality, environmental, or related field may be substituted for the education on a year for year basis to a maximum of two years.

Qualified applicants must possess knowledge of basic keyboarding and computer applications related to the work performed, including the Esri ArcGIS platform and associated products, including ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, Survey123, Experience Builder, and Dashboards. Applicants should possess basic skills in collecting and organizing large data sets, analyzing varied data, making complex calculations, writing technical reports, and evaluating alternative solutions; reading and interpreting laws, policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, graphs, and statistical data; maintaining effective communication with stakeholders and coworkers; and exercising sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.

Specific work includes: developing, implementing, and maintaining Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and applications to support and enhance Compliance Department operations, improve staff efficiency, and facilitate data-driven decision-making; developing and enhancing GIS map layers; evaluating existing departmental processes and identifying opportunities to streamline workflows through GIS-based solutions; designing, developing, and maintaining custom GIS applications, including mobile applications for smartphones and tablets to support field inspections, investigations, and other compliance activities; and integrating GIS tools and applications with existing District databases and information systems to improve data accessibility, collection, analysis, and reporting. Additional responsibilities will include analyzing and interpreting compliance and operational data, developing interactive dashboards and reports to monitor departmental activities and performance metrics, providing technical assistance and training to staff on GIS tools and applications, and coordinating with departmental personnel and Information Technology staff to identify technology needs and implement effective solutions.

Other Requirements
A valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one upon hire. Must be able to attend work on a daily basis as scheduled.

Selection Process
Interested individuals must submit a completed SJVAPCD application at www.valleyair.org by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed and screened based on the necessary employment standards for the position. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in an interview. Employment consideration may be weighted as follows: Speed Interviews: Pass/Fail; Final Interviews: 100%.

For regular positions (non-temporary), the benefits package includes:

• Cafeteria Plan - The District contributes $985 per month toward the purchase of medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Optional benefit upgrades include enhanced life insurance, spouse and/or child life insurance and short-term disability insurance. Any funds not spent will be returned to the employee in cash.
• Retirement - The District is a member of the Kern County Retirement System.
• The option to participate in a 457(b) Government Retirement Savings Plan:
  • Deferred Comp.
  • Roth
• An IRS 125 flexible spending account.
• Annual Leave (PTO) - Accrual of 160 hours during the first year, 9 hours for each year thereafter up to a maximum of 295 hours/year.
• Holidays - 10 paid holidays/year, 1 floating day, and 1 Birthday holiday.
• Alternate Schedule - The District works a 9/80 work schedule with offices closed every other Friday.

* For our full-time temporary employees, the District covers 100% of the cost of a high-deductible PPO health plan for an employee only selection.
01

Please describe any experience you may have working with the Esri ArcGIS platform and associated products, such as ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, Survey123, Experience Builder, etc.
Required Question