CEMS Specialist

Overview

Responsible for ensuring all Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and associated Data Acquisition and Handling Systems (DAHS) are maintained and perform in a manner that maximizes reliability and ensures full compliance with applicable regulations and permit requirements. This role includes providing oversight of CEMS and DAHS operation, performance, and data quality; identifying system issues through routine diagnostics, trend analysis, and alarm review; and leading troubleshooting efforts to resolve equipment, analyzer, calibration, communication, and data handling problems in a timely manner.  

The position serves as an internal subject matter expert on CEMS instrumentation, system configuration, and regulatory obligations, including the interpretation and application of federal and state monitoring requirements, quality assurance procedures, and other ongoing compliance demonstrations.  

Responsibilities also include supporting audits and inspections, maintaining accurate records and documentation, reviewing emissions data for completeness and validity, coordinating corrective actions when deficiencies are identified, and assisting in the scheduling and oversight of on-site contractors and vendors that support testing, maintenance, and specialized technical services. 

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, test, troubleshoot, and repair CEMS equipment. 

• Perform QA/QC audits to verify CEMS compliance and maintain required monitoring equipment. 

• Develop and implement operating, maintenance, and audit procedures for analyzers and sample acquisition systems. 

• Provide training to I&E Technicians and other personnel to support reliable system coverage. 

• Support Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATA) and emissions performance testing. 

• Maintain CEMS analyzer availability above 96%. 

• Recommend and coordinate external CEMS and DAHS support services to maintain analyzer availability and reporting functionality. 

• Maintain documentation required by 40 CFR Part 75 and other applicable regulations and permits. 

• Collaborate with Operations/Maintenance/Engineering to support emissions monitoring objectives. 

• Coordinate with the Corporate Environmental team to ensure proper operation of DAHS and vendor software. 

• Collaborate with the Corporate Environmental team to develop and maintain environmental compliance program documentation, regulatory reports, CEMS monitoring plans, and associated QA/QC records, and to coordinate required CEMS certification, Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATA), and unit emissions performance testing in accordance with applicable permit, regulatory, and operational requirements. 

• Perform other assigned duties, including non-core responsibilities. 

• Regular and reliable attendance is required. 

 

 

Supervisor Responsibilities 

•  General oversight of Contractors used for periodic testing and repairs of the CEMS. 

 

 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties in assigned area in a satisfactory fashion. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this employment position. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS. 

  

Education/Experience 

• High School diploma or GED required. 

• Two-year technical degree in Electrical/Technology fields or equivalent required. 

• Two years’ experience with operating and maintaining a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) preferred. 

• Four years of coal or solid fuel power plant technical and operational experience required related to electrical and I&C preferred. 

 

Certification/Licensure 

• Valid Driver’s License. 

 

  

Knowledge of 

• All state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to air emissions monitoring and compliance. 

• Knowledge of various pollution control technologies including SCR, Wet and dry ESC, wet FGD and dry sorbent injection.  

 

Skills, abilities and physical requirements 

• Willingness and ability to work overtime as needed. 

• Experience reading and interpreting electrical diagrams and P&ID drawings. 

• Experience with data acquisition systems and related software. 

• Experience with various test equipment such as multi meters, flow meters, and electronic test equipment in order to calibrate and troubleshoot instruments. 

• Experience with isokinetic gas extraction sampling systems and in-situ continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS), including SOx, NOx, PM, Hg, O2, CO, CO2, and volumetric flow instruments. 

• Must have or be able to acquire quickly knowledge of the environmental compliance requirements of 40 CFR Part 75, 40 CFR Part 60, and Illinois rules related to CEMS maintenance and Quality Control and Quality Assurance. 

• Must have good working proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. 

• Must have effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

• Physical Requirements: 

• Work from elevated positions, walk or climb up and down stairways and ladders. 

• Don and wear required safety equipment including respirators, hearing and eye protection, and protective clothing. 

• Ability to sit, stand, reach, stoop, and lift boxes weighing as much as 35 pounds. 

  

 

  

Work Environment 

The characteristics listed herein describe the work environment the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this employment position. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS. While performing the duties of this employment position, the employee: 

• Must be able to walk distances of up to a quarter of a mile over rocky and uneven surfaces. 

• Must be comfortable working in an industrial environment and at elevations up to 450 feet above ground surface.  

 

 

Compensation and Benefits  

At Prairie State, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as one grows and develops within a role. The base pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this role is between $95,000.00 salary exempt per year and $110,000.00 salary exempt per year. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. In addition, this position is eligible to participate in the Company’s monthly incentive program.   

   

Employees are also eligible to receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings plan with Company match, life and disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement.  Click here to learn more about Prairie State’s benefits.   

   

Prairie State offers all full-time employees paid time off, accruing 160 hours annually with gradual increases based on length of service, as well as nine paid holidays per year. Paid maternal and paternal leave is also available to employees that meet the eligibility requirements.   

   

Note: Prairie State benefits, compensation, and employee incentive programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.