Senior Air Quality Specialist

Salary : $125,685.16 - $152,771.09 Annually
Location : San Francisco, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: MN-2026-6T004-MM
Department: Meteorology and Measurement
Division: Air Monitoring - Operations
Opening Date: 01/30/2026

Description
Description
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices.

The District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.

At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Additionally, we believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside the workplace. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated and your growth is nurtured.

The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Senior Air Quality Specialist in the Meteorology Measurement Division. This is an open recruitment for one (1) full-time, represented position.
About the Position
The newly formed Monitoring Data Systems (MDS) Section are stewards of the data infrastructure. Our team partners with IT to architect, secure and modernize the mission-critical systems that acquire the environmental data from the BAAQMD network of 28+ monitoring stations. This position requires occasional travel to monitoring sites across the nine Bay Area counties based on operational needs; a valid California Driver's license is required. We collaborate with the other M&M teams to refine data collection, validate, and deliver accurate environmental data that meets rigorous scientific and regulatory standards.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert who thrives on ensuring complex data systems operate with precision and reliability. You are not just a troubleshooter; you are a proactive problem-solver who understands that the integrity of our data is paramount to public health. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement all within the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
As the Senior AQS on our team, you will be the technical lead, responsible for the physical installation and precise calibration of field instruments (sensors, data loggers) to the configuration and optimization of a central data acquisition system. Site visits may involve accessing remote locations and lifting/carrying equipment up to 20 lbs and climbing stairs. Your work will directly impact the operation of, and quality of data collected from over 28+ monitoring sites, which is used for regulatory decisions, public information, and scientific research. Some of the monitoring stations require walking up stairs.
The Senior AQS will perform advance troubleshooting and servicing of data acquisition hardware and software to maximize data quality and uptime across the network. This includes sensor calibration, wiring and validation.
The Senior AQS is responsible for the comprehensive setup of the acquisition systems, which involves configuring them to successfully receive, interpret, and log data from a wide array of instruments.
A critical function of the Senior AQS is to proactively prevent field failures by rigorously testing and validating all equipment and configurations in a controlled environment before deployment.
This position reports to the MDS Manager and will play a key role in cross-training team members and shaping the technical direction of our systems.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced lead level in the Air Quality Specialist series. Incumbents provide lead direction and are assigned the more complex air quality program assignments that require considerable technical knowledge and use of independent judgement. Incumbents develop and provide in-depth training and technical guidance to employees. This class is distinguished from the Supervising Air Quality Specialist in that the latter assigns, supervises, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff. This class is also distinguished from the Principal Air Quality Specialist in that the latter has more responsibilities for developing new programs and handling the most difficult, sensitive, novel, or critical projects.
Examples of Duties for this Position
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

General Duties:
Provides lead direction, training and work review to technical and support staff; prioritizes and follows up on work assignments to ensure timely completion.
Provides lead oversight on complex regulatory audits, field investigations and studies.
Provides input into hiring selection decisions and performance evaluations.
Provides technical development and training.
Coordinates and participates in the development of new programs and revision of existing programs; conducts technical research feasibility and new control proposals.
Coordinates and participates in the development, review and approval processes for new and revised rules and regulations, policies and procedures for various programs.
Reviews and analyzes complex cases, reports and rules for compliance with applicable guidelines; conducts inquiries, researches and compiles files and other pertinent information, and prepares reports and recommendations relative to Air District programs.
Drafts, implements, recommends and revises forms, webpages, and other program tools.
Maintains data and data systems supporting Air District programs.
Reviews and develops recommendations concerning air quality and climate protection reports, programs, plans, legislation and regulations and prepares related reports and correspondence.
Organizes and participates in workshops and meetings, and provide consultation and advice to individuals and businesses in matters related to area of expertise.
Prepares and makes presentations on air quality and climate protection related programs and projects.
Interacts and represents the Air District with industry, attorneys, the public and other agencies; provides technical expertise to Air District staff and counsel and to industry, the public and other agencies.
Conducts meetings and workshops with a variety of legal, public and private agency officials to explain and interpret technical policies, rules and regulations regarding Air District programs.
Participates in meetings, conferences, hearing boards and workshops with public and private agencies; serves on special committees and task forces.
Responds to oral and written requests for technical, operational and administrative information about Air District programs.
Leads technical and safety program training for Air District staff; develops and coordinates training aids and materials; leads staff training; monitors training needs for staff.
Briefs Air District executives and present at public workshops and board meetings.
Works closely with other Air District divisions to strengthen partnerships with key community stakeholders.
Maintains detailed technical records, standard operating procedures, and logbooks to comply with regulatory guidelines.
Administers the records management program.

Performs other related duties as assigned.
Representative Duties (by program area)
Some positions in this classification may be assigned to one or several program areas; an exhaustive list of program-area specific duties is not provided.
In addition to the duties listed above, the following duties (illustrative only) may be performed for positions in the select program areas:
Meteorology and Measurement
Evaluates performance of analytical instrumentation to ensure compliance with District, state and federal standards.
Installs, operates, maintains, calibrates, and repairs air monitoring, and meteorological or source test equipment and instrumentation. Evaluates instrument performance, troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment and replaces or repairs parts.
Operates field computers, computer hardware/software, databases, telecommunications, and data devices in stand-alone and networked data acquisition systems and troubleshoots these systems when errors or malfunctions occur.
Oversees data evaluation, enters data into computerized database, and responds to technical data requests, either orally or in writing.
Maintains detailed technical records, standard operating procedures, and logbooks.
Develops and implements operational, analytical, and technical methods and procedures. Analyzes technical work processes and writes Standard Operating Procedures.
Performs acceptance testing of new and repaired scientific/analytical instrumentation.
Performs quality control functions on air monitoring or source test equipment and calibrations in conformance with District, state, and federal standards. Coordinates and tracks the certifications of reference standards used in the section.
Develops and recommends improved sampling techniques and modifications to equipment and tests modifications to equipment. Provides fabrication support for development and construction of monitoring platforms.
Coordinates and oversees in-section safety programs.
Coordinates the purchasing, replenishment, and inventory tracking of all spare components, supplies and consumables.
Works with the data management team to ensure that data systems meet the needs of the Air District in compliance with local, state and federal regulations for the storage, processing, and transmittal of regulatory data.
Conducts mobile, or portable or stationary, source-oriented monitoring. Prepares and collects various samples of ambient air or source test pollutants at air monitoring and stationary sites.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills is:

Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major coursework in chemistry, computer science, electronics, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, physical sciences, physics, or a closely related field and four (4) years of experience performing air quality inspections; installing, operating and maintaining air monitoring and quality assessment instruments and equipment; or developing and administering air quality programs, of which at least two (2) years included performing work equivalent to the Air District's Air Quality Specialist II.

Substitution: Any combination of relevant training and work experience in the listed or related fields may substitute for the education criteria on a year for year basis.
Substitution: Any combination of relevant training and work experience in the listed or related fields may substitute for the education criteria on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of:
Theories, principles and practices of air quality measurements or inspection and enforcement, including environmental research and analysis.
Applicable Air District, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
Basic legal principles of civil prosecution, particularly as they relate to environmental enforcement.
Basic principles of engineering, chemistry, physics and biology as they relate to air quality programs.
Industrial processes and equipment used in air pollution control.
Common biological, chemical and physical processes that cause air pollution and their long and short-term impacts and effects.
General principles of data quality and control.
Industrial practices and techniques to modify production processes and equipment to reduce emissions.
Record-keeping and reporting principles and practices.
General principles of records management.
Skill in:
Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others.
Training others in work procedures.
Directing, developing and administering effective air quality programs.
Analyzing technical air pollution problems, evaluating alternative solutions and developing effective recommendations.
Analyzing and interpreting technical and legal rules, policies and procedures.
Reading and understanding technical engineering diagrams and processes.
Preparing clear and concise technical reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written materials.
Negotiating settlements tactfully and effectively.
Communicating technical and non-technical information orally and in writing to various audiences.
Exercising sound independent judgement within established guidelines.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
How to Apply & Selection Criteria
How to Apply:
Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Resumes are encouraged, but not mandatory, and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Please visit our website atwww.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply or to download an application. Postmarks, faxes, and e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Except as requested in this announcement, do not include any additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc. They will not be considered or returned. Applicants submitting paper applications must also complete an official BAAQMD application.
Supplemental Questions Instructions
Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the required supplemental questions. Applications must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than the time and date specified in this vacancy announcement. The responses to the supplemental application questions will be used in accordance with the procedures indicated under the Selection Criteria section.
Please limit your responses to no more than 500 words per question. Do not combine your responses or reference your application, resume, or any other requested documentation that you have included with your application packet to answer a question. This information will be evaluated as is and may be used to determine those applicants with the most directly related experience, education, and training to continue in the selection process. It is very important to provide a concise, clear, legible, complete response to each question.
You must provide the following for each question regarding experience: The name of the employer where you gained your experience, your job title, length of time in years/months performing the specific function, and detailed examples that illustrate your duties and responsibilities.
Selection Criteria
Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or combination of the two. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, an application screening and/or panel interview may be used to determine the most qualified applicants.

The District may hire from this recruitment process to fill future vacancies occurring within the next 18 months.

Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Office at (415) 749-4980.

The Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
The Air District offers the following benefits for full-time, represented and management positions:

• Cost-Sharing Medical, Dental & Vision Options
• Life Insurance (up to 5 times annual salary)
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• Money Purchase Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Transit Subsidy
• Education Reimbursement
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Floating Holiday Leave
• 9-80 Compressed Work Week
• Flexible schedule and Remote Work option
• Employees Assistance Program
• and the Opportunity to Help Provide a Healthy Breathing Environment for Every Bay Area Resident.

For a list of the full benefits, please click
01

Please describe in detail how you meet both the educational and experiential minimum qualifications. For your experience, specifically address the two (2) years of journey-level work. In your response, please include for each relevant role: the employer's name and a summary of your journey-level duties that demonstrate your advanced, independent work in air quality or environmental data systems in no more than 300 words.
02

Describe the most complex issue you have encountered with a data logger, Data Acquisition System, or data measurement instrument/equipment. Detail the symptoms, your systematic process for diagnosing the root cause and the specific steps you took to resolve it. How did you ensure the fix was permanent and documented for future reference?
03

Describe how you ensure the integrity and validity of data collected, especially experience from monitoring systems. What QA/QC procedures do you follow? Include examples of how you configure systems and QA/QC checks to meet requirements for data completeness, accuracy and precision. N Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.
04

A new instrument arrives that must be integrated into our existing air monitoring network. Describe your process from unboxing the equipment to the reporting of certified data collected by the equipment. Specifically, include how you would: configure the data logger to read its output, setup the correct QA/QC parameters in the DAS, and perform the initial validation to ensure the entire data path from sensor to database meets regulatory standards. Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.
05

Please describe any training and/or hands on experience you have with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. If you have none, please write n/a. Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.
Required Question