South Coast Air Quality Management District
Air Quality Chemist
South Coast Air Quality Management District, Diamond Bar, California, United States, 91765
ABOUT SOUTH COAST AQMD
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the Nation. We serve a four-county region that includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. South Coast AQMD’s headquarters is in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, an annual budget of $215.5 million, and a state-of-the-art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment.
South Coast AQMD’s mission requires diverse perspectives, talents, and life experiences to solve complex technical air quality issues. We are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique contributions of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. We respect the distinct ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and work to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT OUR LABORATORY South Coast AQMD's laboratory employs over 50 staff in a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to air quality sample analysis. It provides a broad array of services generating data used for planning, investigating community concerns, evaluating new products and processes, and determining regulatory compliance. We also provide data to the California Air Resources Board, US EPA, law enforcement agencies, and universities. Results generated by the laboratory have supported agency-wide policy decisions, special studies, and technology development. We analyze over 60,000 samples per year using techniques including GC, IC, LC, GC-MS, XRF, XRD, FTIR, microscopy, ICP-MS, and PTR-MS to generate information on pollutants in ambient air. The laboratory is at the forefront of method development for ambient air analyses and has national recognition in air quality analytical chemistry.
ABOUT THIS POSITION The South Coast AQMD is seeking qualified candidates to fill an Air Quality Chemist vacancy. From this recruitment process, we expect to establish an eligible list from which current and future vacancies may be filled during the 6–12 month life of the list.
Under general supervision, conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical analyses using a variety of techniques, procedures, and instrumentation to evaluate air quality and determine contaminants present; develops and implements new analytical methods as directed; and performs related work as required.
These are alternatively staffed classes; duties are similar and vary in difficulty, knowledge breadth, and independence. Positions are allocated at the Air Quality Chemist level and new staff may be hired at either level. Individuals hired at the level of Assistant Air Quality Chemist are eligible for promotion to the next level upon successful performance for the required minimum period.
ASSISTANT AIR QUALITY CHEMIST
is the entry-level class in the professional Air Quality Chemist series. Incumbents learn micro-analytical, instrumental, physical, and wet-chemical techniques for qualitative and quantitative analyses of air quality samples. The Air Quality Chemist is the journey-level class with greater independence, and Senior and lead roles exist at higher levels.
AIR QUALITY CHEMIST
is the journey-level class in the professional series. Senior Air Quality Chemists coordinate, schedule, review work, develop formal procedures, verify results, and interpret data to identify potential environmental concerns.
The general examples of duties are highlighted below; for full description please refer to the link provided in the original posting.
Conducts qualitative and quantitative analyses of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples related to air quality monitoring, industrial source testing, compliance, and other programs; determines methods to identify and quantify contaminants.
Uses chemical laboratory techniques such as gas, ion, and liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, spectroscopy, total combustion analysis, microscopy, wet chemistry, and other methods; may serve as a functional expert and train other staff.
Develops and implements new analytical methods as directed and performs special projects.
Ensures proper chain-of-custody and applies quality assurance/control procedures; maintains data, conducts peer reviews, flags errors, and takes corrective action.
Keeps current with updated methods, instrumentation, and procedures; attends training and conferences.
Maintains detailed records and prepares professional laboratory reports; prepares databases and adapts software as needed; may prepare research reports for senior review and present at technical meetings.
Prepares orders for consumables and may assist in developing instrument or equipment bid specifications.
Collaborates with laboratory staff, South Coast AQMD personnel, and external contacts; participates on committees and working groups.
Testifies in court and before the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board regarding test methods and results.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS The most competitively qualified candidates will have an advanced degree in Chemistry or a related field and experience performing both routine and innovative laboratory analyses. Degrees in Chemistry-related fields such as Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Earth Systems Science, and Chemical Engineering will be considered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, preferably with emphasis in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
EXPERIENCE:
ASSISTANT AIR QUALITY CHEMIST:
No experience required.
AIR QUALITY CHEMIST:
Three years as an Assistant Air Quality Chemist or equivalent.
SUBSTITUTION:
A master’s degree in chemistry may substitute for up to one year of required experience; a doctorate may substitute for up to two years.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Current methods, procedures, protocols, and instrumentation related to organic, inorganic, and physical qualitative and quantitative analysis; QA/QC principles; laboratory instrumentation; safety; and related software and data management.
SKILL OR ABILITY TO:
Develop and apply analytical methods, calibrate and repair instrumentation, maintain records and QA/QC data, design databases, and use PC software relevant to chemical analysis; read and follow instructions; perform analyses safely; communicate clearly; and maintain professional working relationships.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a good driving record may be required.
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE
A completed employment application covering the past 10 years of employment history and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are currently employed there.
Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is evaluated as a written test; responses should be clear and concise.
Up to four references with names and phone numbers of present/past supervisors or professors, not peers.
Unofficial transcripts or equivalency evaluation documenting all qualifying education claimed, attached to your online application.
*You must submit acceptable documentation for all education claimed. Acceptable documentation is an unofficial transcript/equivalency attached to the application. At a later date, official transcripts may be requested to be mailed directly from the college/university.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot substitute for required information.
Include details of education or coursework that strengthen candidacy.
THE SELECTION PROCESS Applications and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire will be screened; the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to a multiple-choice exam (pass/fail). Those who pass may be invited for a panel interview. Some assessments may be conducted remotely.
A ranked eligible list will be created for current and future vacancies during the 6–12 month life of the list. Eligibility is not guaranteed at any step or based solely on meeting minimum requirements.
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work in the United States:
If sponsorship (e.g., H1-B Visa) is required, participation is allowed but there is no guarantee of sponsorship or a job offer.
South Coast AQMD reserves the right to modify any elements of the selection process based on applicant numbers and quality. Please call Human Resources at least one week in advance if accommodation is needed at any step. For questions, contact Human Resources at (909) 396-2800.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
South Coast AQMD’s mission requires diverse perspectives, talents, and life experiences to solve complex technical air quality issues. We are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique contributions of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. We respect the distinct ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and work to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT OUR LABORATORY South Coast AQMD's laboratory employs over 50 staff in a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to air quality sample analysis. It provides a broad array of services generating data used for planning, investigating community concerns, evaluating new products and processes, and determining regulatory compliance. We also provide data to the California Air Resources Board, US EPA, law enforcement agencies, and universities. Results generated by the laboratory have supported agency-wide policy decisions, special studies, and technology development. We analyze over 60,000 samples per year using techniques including GC, IC, LC, GC-MS, XRF, XRD, FTIR, microscopy, ICP-MS, and PTR-MS to generate information on pollutants in ambient air. The laboratory is at the forefront of method development for ambient air analyses and has national recognition in air quality analytical chemistry.
ABOUT THIS POSITION The South Coast AQMD is seeking qualified candidates to fill an Air Quality Chemist vacancy. From this recruitment process, we expect to establish an eligible list from which current and future vacancies may be filled during the 6–12 month life of the list.
Under general supervision, conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical analyses using a variety of techniques, procedures, and instrumentation to evaluate air quality and determine contaminants present; develops and implements new analytical methods as directed; and performs related work as required.
These are alternatively staffed classes; duties are similar and vary in difficulty, knowledge breadth, and independence. Positions are allocated at the Air Quality Chemist level and new staff may be hired at either level. Individuals hired at the level of Assistant Air Quality Chemist are eligible for promotion to the next level upon successful performance for the required minimum period.
ASSISTANT AIR QUALITY CHEMIST
is the entry-level class in the professional Air Quality Chemist series. Incumbents learn micro-analytical, instrumental, physical, and wet-chemical techniques for qualitative and quantitative analyses of air quality samples. The Air Quality Chemist is the journey-level class with greater independence, and Senior and lead roles exist at higher levels.
AIR QUALITY CHEMIST
is the journey-level class in the professional series. Senior Air Quality Chemists coordinate, schedule, review work, develop formal procedures, verify results, and interpret data to identify potential environmental concerns.
The general examples of duties are highlighted below; for full description please refer to the link provided in the original posting.
Conducts qualitative and quantitative analyses of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples related to air quality monitoring, industrial source testing, compliance, and other programs; determines methods to identify and quantify contaminants.
Uses chemical laboratory techniques such as gas, ion, and liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, spectroscopy, total combustion analysis, microscopy, wet chemistry, and other methods; may serve as a functional expert and train other staff.
Develops and implements new analytical methods as directed and performs special projects.
Ensures proper chain-of-custody and applies quality assurance/control procedures; maintains data, conducts peer reviews, flags errors, and takes corrective action.
Keeps current with updated methods, instrumentation, and procedures; attends training and conferences.
Maintains detailed records and prepares professional laboratory reports; prepares databases and adapts software as needed; may prepare research reports for senior review and present at technical meetings.
Prepares orders for consumables and may assist in developing instrument or equipment bid specifications.
Collaborates with laboratory staff, South Coast AQMD personnel, and external contacts; participates on committees and working groups.
Testifies in court and before the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board regarding test methods and results.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS The most competitively qualified candidates will have an advanced degree in Chemistry or a related field and experience performing both routine and innovative laboratory analyses. Degrees in Chemistry-related fields such as Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Earth Systems Science, and Chemical Engineering will be considered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, preferably with emphasis in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
EXPERIENCE:
ASSISTANT AIR QUALITY CHEMIST:
No experience required.
AIR QUALITY CHEMIST:
Three years as an Assistant Air Quality Chemist or equivalent.
SUBSTITUTION:
A master’s degree in chemistry may substitute for up to one year of required experience; a doctorate may substitute for up to two years.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Current methods, procedures, protocols, and instrumentation related to organic, inorganic, and physical qualitative and quantitative analysis; QA/QC principles; laboratory instrumentation; safety; and related software and data management.
SKILL OR ABILITY TO:
Develop and apply analytical methods, calibrate and repair instrumentation, maintain records and QA/QC data, design databases, and use PC software relevant to chemical analysis; read and follow instructions; perform analyses safely; communicate clearly; and maintain professional working relationships.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a good driving record may be required.
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE
A completed employment application covering the past 10 years of employment history and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are currently employed there.
Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is evaluated as a written test; responses should be clear and concise.
Up to four references with names and phone numbers of present/past supervisors or professors, not peers.
Unofficial transcripts or equivalency evaluation documenting all qualifying education claimed, attached to your online application.
*You must submit acceptable documentation for all education claimed. Acceptable documentation is an unofficial transcript/equivalency attached to the application. At a later date, official transcripts may be requested to be mailed directly from the college/university.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot substitute for required information.
Include details of education or coursework that strengthen candidacy.
THE SELECTION PROCESS Applications and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire will be screened; the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to a multiple-choice exam (pass/fail). Those who pass may be invited for a panel interview. Some assessments may be conducted remotely.
A ranked eligible list will be created for current and future vacancies during the 6–12 month life of the list. Eligibility is not guaranteed at any step or based solely on meeting minimum requirements.
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work in the United States:
If sponsorship (e.g., H1-B Visa) is required, participation is allowed but there is no guarantee of sponsorship or a job offer.
South Coast AQMD reserves the right to modify any elements of the selection process based on applicant numbers and quality. Please call Human Resources at least one week in advance if accommodation is needed at any step. For questions, contact Human Resources at (909) 396-2800.
#J-18808-Ljbffr