03/30/2007 14010

AIR QUALITY ENGINEERING SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is professional air quality engineering work.

An employee in this job performs a variety of journey-level air quality engineering work assignments that require the interpretation and application of standard engineering techniques, procedures and guidelines, using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications as needed. Work is performed in a regional air quality program or in the central office. Work is characterized by conventional types of air quality engineering plans, permits, investigations, studies and monitoring/testing assignments, with relatively few complex features and for which there are precedents; or specific and limited portions of broader and more complex assignments. Employees make technical recommendations on the agency’s approach to a particular air quality permit application, case or project, but final technical decisions are made by a professional engineer and/or program manager. Work may also involve participating in the development of statewide policies, procedures, technical guidance documents and reports involving the engineering aspects of the air quality program. Work is differentiated from higher levels based on the absence of complex engineering assignments that are performed routinely and independently. Work is assigned in the form of individual projects, permit applications, studies, cases and investigations on a geographic, functional or programmatic basis, but supervisors normally monitor assignments for unusual or difficult problems. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion by a licensed professional engineer for technical adequacy and by a professional supervisor for completeness, overall quality and attainment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs professional air quality engineering work in the review of plans and operating permit applications for less complex air contamination sources, including paint spray booths, internal combustion engines, small boilers, components of larger facilities and less complicated facility wide permits.

Determines compliance of plans and permit applications with accepted engineering practices and applicable federal and state regulations and makes technical recommendations for agency action.

Calculates potential, actual and allowable emissions for a wide variety of regulated pollutants.

Conducts studies of treatment processes and control technology in order to evaluate air pollution potential and control equipment effectiveness.

Conducts local, ambient and area air quality studies and makes recommendations for reduction of air pollution in study areas.

Collects data to determine the extent, nature and source of atmospheric contaminants.

Conducts ambient air monitoring or emissions testing and provides appropriate design and reporting documentation.

Investigates air quality complaints directed toward a facility or operation by conducting site visits, interviewing individuals, performing engineering analyses and preparing technical reports outlining findings and recommendations.

Conducts field inspections to determine the compliance status or operational efficiency of a permitted facility from an air quality engineering standpoint, prepares inspection reports to summarize observations, and recommends appropriate action or adjustments.

Conducts facility and project inspections during construction and after completion to determine adherence to approved air quality engineering design plans and performance specifications.

Participates in the development of the engineering components of the statewide air quality regulatory program, including regulations, policies, standards, procedures, methods and technical guidance and participates in program evaluations.

Serves on statewide work groups to study engineering issues for the air quality program.

Provides air quality programmatic information and requirements to coworkers, facility owners or operators, special interest groups and individual citizens.

Provides material testimony at legal proceedings.

Travels to various field sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the federal and Commonwealth laws and regulations governing air quality.

Knowledge of engineering principles and practices as applied to air quality engineering.

Knowledge of commercial and industrial operations and processes affecting the emission of atmospheric pollutants.

Knowledge of the types, operation, characteristics and proper application of air pollution control devices.

Knowledge of the techniques and instruments used in source and ambient atmospheric sampling.

Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and physics.

Knowledge of linear algebra, analytical geometry and plane trigonometry.

Knowledge of differential and integral calculus.

Knowledge of fluid mechanics and hydraulics.

Knowledge of statics and dynamics.

Knowledge of thermodynamics.

Knowledge of engineering economics.

Knowledge of computer modeling techniques used in engineering analyses.

Ability to read and interpret inspection and testing reports, engineering drawings and specifications, and topographic and other maps.

Ability to conduct technical investigations applying air quality engineering principles and procedures.

Ability to analyze and present technical data in clear, concise engineering reports.

Ability to read and interpret federal, state and local codes, regulations and standards applicable to the design, construction or evaluation of engineering projects.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Successful completion of the training program for Air Quality Engineering Trainee;

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One year of professional experience in air quality engineering or environmental engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering;

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Two years of professional experience in air quality engineering or environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists;

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One year of professional experience in air quality engineering or environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

Graduate study in chemical, mechanical, electrical or environmental engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.