05/12/2007 14020

AIR QUALITY ENGINEER

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional air quality engineering work.

An employee in this job performs advanced professional air quality engineering work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria. Work assignments typically include a variety of complex features, such as the potential for significant environmental degradation, the application and interpretation of complex regulatory requirements, complexity of the technology or industrial processes used, difficult external coordination requirements, significant political or public interest, or the high probability of legal action taken against or by the agency. Work involves independently reviewing and evaluating plans and permit applications for complex air quality proposals, which may include communicating directly with external consultants to identify and resolve engineering issues or developing statewide policies, procedures, technical guidance documents and reports involving the engineering aspects of the air quality program. Work may also involve conducting and designing procedures for complex ambient air monitoring or emissions testing programs. Work may involve coordinating engineering reviews with staff in other programs, requiring a working knowledge of various program requirements and engineering disciplines. Employees independently perform most assignments with little or no supervisory intervention until final agency action needs to be taken. Employees may be required to take professional responsibility for their own work products and may be directed to assume responsible charge for unlicensed employees within the work unit. Work assignments include individual projects, permit applications, studies, cases and investigations on a geographic, functional or programmatic basis, and the employee independently selects appropriate approaches and methodologies within program guidelines and professional standards. Work is reviewed upon completion by a licensed professional engineer for technical adequacy and/or by a professional supervisor for completeness, overall quality and attainment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs advanced professional air quality engineering work in the analysis and evaluation of permit applications, work plans and reports.

Reviews plan approval and operating permit applications and makes technical decisions for agency action for complex air contamination sources, which include new facilities of significant size and impact that are subject to the most complicated federal and state regulations (New Source Review or Prevention of Significant Deterioration); existing facilities with numerous and integrated processes, such as combined cycle power plants, petroleum refineries, and steel mills; or facilities that are major emitters of hazardous air pollutants.

Reviews air quality engineering reports to determine the adequacy of the scope and methods of investigation, the appropriateness of analytical procedures, the validity of data, the soundness of conclusions and the technical and economic feasibility of recommendations in order to ensure the protection of the environment and of public health and safety.

Develops the engineering components of the statewide air quality regulatory program, including regulations, policies, standards, procedures, methods and technical guidance and coordinates and evaluates program implementation.

Leads or serves on statewide work groups to study air quality engineering issues.

Participates in the development of legislation.

Analyzes and solves air quality engineering problems using analytical and numerical computer modeling techniques, evaluates the suitability and reliability of various models for site-specific situations and modifies existing computer models to meet the unique needs of the assigned program.

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 of a permitted facility from an air quality engineering standpoint and recommends appropriate enforcement action as needed.

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

Designs ambient monitoring networks and emissions testing protocols to meet state and federal regulations and for special projects.

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

Provides expert testimony at hearings and 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 the principles and practices of air quality engineering, including air quality standards and control technologies, pollution sources, combustion, ambient air quality and atmospheric sciences.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in reviewing air quality plans and permit applications.

Knowledge of environmental science and management, including industrial and occupational health and safety, environmental monitoring and sampling, risk assessment, pollution prevention and waste minimization, environmental management systems, and air pollutant fate and transport.

Knowledge of commercial and industrial operations and processes, particularly as they affect the emission of pollutants.

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

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.

Ability to use computer software applications to perform engineering modeling and 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 read and interpret Commonwealth and Departmental administrative rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years as an Air Quality Engineering Specialist;

                                                                                                                                            or

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

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Four 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;

                                                                                                                                          or

Three years 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.

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

Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.