The Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Senior Staff Specialist (Program Lead)
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate! The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The Air 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.
Position: Senior Staff Specialist (Program Lead) – 2 Positions We are currently accepting applications for two (2) full‑time, presented positions: one (1) vacancy in the Technology Implementation Office and one (1) vacancy in the Strategic Incentives Division.
About the Technology Implementation Office (TIO) The TIO was established in 2017 and its mission is to advance emerging solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the transportation and industrial source sectors. TIO connects climate technologies and customers by providing financial incentives (through grants and loans) as well as technical and matchmaking support. Climate technology areas include zero‑emissions vehicles and infrastructure, zero‑emissions energy storage and backup systems, composting, and waste‑to‑energy projects. By supporting the scale‑up of climate technologies, TIO can help achieve state and regional greenhouse gas emissions targets, reduce emissions in impacted communities, and make technologies cost‑effective even in regions without strong climate policies.
In addition to electric vehicle and charging programs, the TIO administers the Climate Tech Finance program, which offers loan guarantees to help entrepreneurs secure debt financing, such as a loan through a community bank, so they can commercialize emerging technologies faster. The program helps entrepreneurs bridge a challenging financial gap on the path to commercialization and has helped many secure their first business loan.
About the Strategic Incentives Division (SI) The Strategic Incentives Division supports the Air District’s mission by managing incentive funding that is awarded to eligible projects that achieve voluntary reductions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, primarily from on‑ and off‑road vehicles and equipment operating in the Air District’s jurisdiction. Annually, SI administers more than $90 million in new revenue to fund programs and projects that replace older diesel‑fueled vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner alternatives, including zero‑emission technologies and refueling/charging infrastructure. SI also develops and implements incentive programs to reduce single‑occupancy vehicle use, provide cash to residents for retiring older vehicles, and reduce pollution from woodburning devices and lawn and garden equipment. SI works to meet community‑identified strategies for reducing air quality disparities and benefiting the Bay Area’s most overburdened communities.
Definition Under direction, the Senior Staff Specialist provides lead direction and performs the more complex administrative, technical, and specialized functions in the areas of incentives, contracts, business services, finance, budget, and facility management. The role performs related work as assigned and may be assigned to perform the most complex duties.
Examples of 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 direction in the development of policies and guidelines for assigned programs.
Researches technical feasibility and control proposals for new or revised programs; develops and applies quality control and assurance measures to ensure the effectiveness of programs and appropriate application of methods in accordance with District policies, rules, and regulations.
Reviews, analyzes, and administers a variety of grants, contracts, and other agreements in support of District activities; monitors expenditures and charges against agreements; prepares fiscal status reports for management; advises contractors and management regarding issues involving contract administration and interpretation; and prepares cost analyses.
Prepares Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs); prepares contract documents and other agreements using standard District procedures; and reviews contract terms and conditions.
Calculates emissions reductions, analyzes cost‑effectiveness, assesses emissions inventories and performs other technical work within the context of mobile sources and incentives, contracts, business services, finance, budget, and facility management; reviews and summarizes data, prepares special and periodic reports.
Prepares and presents staff reports to the Air District’s Board of Directors, and/or sub‑committees.
Provides input into selection decisions and performance evaluations, and provides for technical development and training.
Coordinates and facilitates workshops, meetings, and trainings on the technical application and interpretation of District programs, regulations and rules; makes presentations and develops supporting technical materials.
Maintains computer databases and program records.
Leads internal and external audits for programs and assists in physical inspections to ensure compliance with program requirements.
Conducts research and prepares and presents reports as assigned.
Independently provides routine outreach and communication on behalf of the Air District with industry, the public and other agencies to obtain and disseminate technical and operational information.
Prepares and responds to correspondence directed toward public and private organizations relative to programs. Responds to oral and written requests for information about programs.
Explains and interprets technical policies, rules and regulations regarding programs; gathers and prepares background information.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional analytical experience, including developing and administering programs.
Experience: Professional experience in program administration, grants or contracts, or finance related to renewable energy, environmental policy, or a related field.
Desirable Qualifications
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt to the audience.
Professionalism and good judgment in representing an agency or company with external stakeholders including the public, public agencies, businesses, and/or community‑based organizations.
Interdisciplinary knowledge and/or learning agility with respect to state or other incentive programs, mobile sources of air pollution, zero‑emission technology and infrastructure, heavy‑duty equipment operations at Bay Area ports and other industrial hubs, and/or impacts of air quality regulatory actions on industry.
Bilingual proficiency in one or more languages commonly spoken in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Experience in writing guidelines and procedures, accounting, data system development, project management, team leadership, developing RFPs/RFQs and contracts with vendors, interpreting laws, guidelines, policies, procedures, regulations, and other guidance.
Professional work experience in any of the following areas: technology and sustainability, evaluations, banking/investments, financial analysis, environmental equity and justice, program/project management, or grants administration & program development.
How to Apply Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Resumes are encouraged but not mandatory, and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Applications are accepted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Postmarks, faxes, and e‑mailed applications will not be accepted.
Additional documents such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc., will not be considered.
Selection Criteria Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or a 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 Air 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.
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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.
Position: Senior Staff Specialist (Program Lead) – 2 Positions We are currently accepting applications for two (2) full‑time, presented positions: one (1) vacancy in the Technology Implementation Office and one (1) vacancy in the Strategic Incentives Division.
About the Technology Implementation Office (TIO) The TIO was established in 2017 and its mission is to advance emerging solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the transportation and industrial source sectors. TIO connects climate technologies and customers by providing financial incentives (through grants and loans) as well as technical and matchmaking support. Climate technology areas include zero‑emissions vehicles and infrastructure, zero‑emissions energy storage and backup systems, composting, and waste‑to‑energy projects. By supporting the scale‑up of climate technologies, TIO can help achieve state and regional greenhouse gas emissions targets, reduce emissions in impacted communities, and make technologies cost‑effective even in regions without strong climate policies.
In addition to electric vehicle and charging programs, the TIO administers the Climate Tech Finance program, which offers loan guarantees to help entrepreneurs secure debt financing, such as a loan through a community bank, so they can commercialize emerging technologies faster. The program helps entrepreneurs bridge a challenging financial gap on the path to commercialization and has helped many secure their first business loan.
About the Strategic Incentives Division (SI) The Strategic Incentives Division supports the Air District’s mission by managing incentive funding that is awarded to eligible projects that achieve voluntary reductions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, primarily from on‑ and off‑road vehicles and equipment operating in the Air District’s jurisdiction. Annually, SI administers more than $90 million in new revenue to fund programs and projects that replace older diesel‑fueled vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner alternatives, including zero‑emission technologies and refueling/charging infrastructure. SI also develops and implements incentive programs to reduce single‑occupancy vehicle use, provide cash to residents for retiring older vehicles, and reduce pollution from woodburning devices and lawn and garden equipment. SI works to meet community‑identified strategies for reducing air quality disparities and benefiting the Bay Area’s most overburdened communities.
Definition Under direction, the Senior Staff Specialist provides lead direction and performs the more complex administrative, technical, and specialized functions in the areas of incentives, contracts, business services, finance, budget, and facility management. The role performs related work as assigned and may be assigned to perform the most complex duties.
Examples of 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 direction in the development of policies and guidelines for assigned programs.
Researches technical feasibility and control proposals for new or revised programs; develops and applies quality control and assurance measures to ensure the effectiveness of programs and appropriate application of methods in accordance with District policies, rules, and regulations.
Reviews, analyzes, and administers a variety of grants, contracts, and other agreements in support of District activities; monitors expenditures and charges against agreements; prepares fiscal status reports for management; advises contractors and management regarding issues involving contract administration and interpretation; and prepares cost analyses.
Prepares Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs); prepares contract documents and other agreements using standard District procedures; and reviews contract terms and conditions.
Calculates emissions reductions, analyzes cost‑effectiveness, assesses emissions inventories and performs other technical work within the context of mobile sources and incentives, contracts, business services, finance, budget, and facility management; reviews and summarizes data, prepares special and periodic reports.
Prepares and presents staff reports to the Air District’s Board of Directors, and/or sub‑committees.
Provides input into selection decisions and performance evaluations, and provides for technical development and training.
Coordinates and facilitates workshops, meetings, and trainings on the technical application and interpretation of District programs, regulations and rules; makes presentations and develops supporting technical materials.
Maintains computer databases and program records.
Leads internal and external audits for programs and assists in physical inspections to ensure compliance with program requirements.
Conducts research and prepares and presents reports as assigned.
Independently provides routine outreach and communication on behalf of the Air District with industry, the public and other agencies to obtain and disseminate technical and operational information.
Prepares and responds to correspondence directed toward public and private organizations relative to programs. Responds to oral and written requests for information about programs.
Explains and interprets technical policies, rules and regulations regarding programs; gathers and prepares background information.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional analytical experience, including developing and administering programs.
Experience: Professional experience in program administration, grants or contracts, or finance related to renewable energy, environmental policy, or a related field.
Desirable Qualifications
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt to the audience.
Professionalism and good judgment in representing an agency or company with external stakeholders including the public, public agencies, businesses, and/or community‑based organizations.
Interdisciplinary knowledge and/or learning agility with respect to state or other incentive programs, mobile sources of air pollution, zero‑emission technology and infrastructure, heavy‑duty equipment operations at Bay Area ports and other industrial hubs, and/or impacts of air quality regulatory actions on industry.
Bilingual proficiency in one or more languages commonly spoken in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Experience in writing guidelines and procedures, accounting, data system development, project management, team leadership, developing RFPs/RFQs and contracts with vendors, interpreting laws, guidelines, policies, procedures, regulations, and other guidance.
Professional work experience in any of the following areas: technology and sustainability, evaluations, banking/investments, financial analysis, environmental equity and justice, program/project management, or grants administration & program development.
How to Apply Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Resumes are encouraged but not mandatory, and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Applications are accepted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Postmarks, faxes, and e‑mailed applications will not be accepted.
Additional documents such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc., will not be considered.
Selection Criteria Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or a 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 Air 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.
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