Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00128074	Description Activated On: 9/10/2026 7:50:53 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The person in this senior, scientific position manages and oversees, in a non-supervisory capacity, all aspects of the statewide, stationary source, air emission testing program for organic pollutants. The individual will evaluate and bring about improvements in the quality of air emissions test data to be used in compliance determinations, the establishment of emission standards/factors, and for other regulatory purposes. The employee will focus primarily on testing for air contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and organic, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1. Independently reviews, evaluates, and conveys the acceptability of complex test protocols/reports using scientific principles to verify conformance to federal and/or state regulations; plan approvals and/or operating permits, consent orders & agreements, and sampling/analytical procedures.
2. Reviews and uses scientific calculations to verify emission results to be used to determine compliance with state/federal regulatory standards. Develops mathematical spreadsheets to assist in the technical review process.
3. Uses scientific knowledge/experience to determine if modifications to sampling/analytical procedures will affect whether the emission results are accurate/representative and to determine the possible impact on the emission results because of an equipment malfunction.
4. Routinely contacts the regulated community, the testing contractor, and/or DEP regional/district office staff to obtain supplemental information and clarifying detail.
5. Meets with and provides clear and concise technical assistance to Commonwealth staff, the regulated community, the public, environmental groups, industry associations, and federal/state/local government agencies and officials regarding laws, regulations, policies, and acceptable practices.
6. Uses software applications, such as the Pennsylvania SourceTest Information Management System (PSIMS), the Environment Facility Application Compliance Tracking System (eFACTS), and/or Microsoft Office, to process workflows, analyze field and laboratory data, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
7. Independently observes and documents scientific aspects of complex field sampling activities by test contractors in hazardous, industrial environments and on stack sampling platforms at heights up to 100 feet above grade in potentially inclement weather.
8. Writes and reviews regulations, technical guidance, standard operating procedures (SOPs), frequently asked questions (FAQs), sampling methodologies, and analytical procedures.
9. Manages complex field sampling activities for organic pollutants as a leader of a DEP test team in hazardous, industrial environments and on stack sampling platforms at heights up to 100 feet above grade in potentially inclement weather. The team leader is responsible for all aspects of the test program, including limited-term management of co-workers. Calibrates sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation, when necessary.
10. Assists in the training and development of others, including other regulatory staff.
11. Acts as an expert witness for the Commonwealth in court proceedings.
12. Performs duties in a safe manner while encouraging and coaching others to do the same.
13. Promotes and exemplifies the Department’s Mission, Vision, and Values in all aspects of work performance and professional conduct.
14. Inputs, maintains, and updates data in prescribed formats to meet data quality standards established through guidance, training, policy, and procedure across all DEP electronic data systems. Responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity of all entries, as well as utilizing available system tools and validation processes to minimize duplicate records and data quality issues.
15. Advances DEP’s strategic priorities through collaboration, commitment to data-driven decision-making, delivery of high-quality customer service, and active participation in modernization and continuous improvement initiatives.
16. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, guidance, and training requirements related to assigned duties and DEP electronic data systems.
17. In conjunction with the supervisor, participates in knowledge management and knowledge transfer efforts by identifying key aspects of assigned duties and proactively sharing knowledge with other employees to support continuity of operations and organizational effectiveness.
18. Develops, maintains, and annually updates a comprehensive desk manual documenting essential duties, standard operating procedures, workflows, system processes, key contacts, reference materials, and other critical operational information necessary to support continuity of operations and effective knowledge transfer. Employees are responsible for ensuring desk manuals remain accurate, current, and accessible in accordance with Department requirements.
19. Performs related duties, as needed, to meet program objectives.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The supervisor assigns projects to the employee based on the education, experience, and qualifications of the employee. The employee routinely evaluates and makes independent technical decisions, pertaining to the assigned test projects, and has considerable latitude in determining the acceptability of the data provided. Such determinations must conform to state and federal regulations, applicable plan approvals and/or operating permits, reference methods, and DEP policy. The employee must routinely contact staff at the regulated facility, the testing contractor, and DEP’s regional/district office staff to obtain supplemental and clarifying information. The employee conveys findings to affected parties via written correspondence (letters and memos), all of which is peer-reviewed by the supervisor to ensure consistency, clarity, brevity, and technical accuracy.

The employee will consult with the Environmental Group Manager (EGM), the Environmental Program Manager (EPM), the Regional Program Managers, and/or the Bureau Director, as appropriate, on complex or controversial issues including the interpretation of statutes, regulations, and policies. Decisions that might impact other divisions/programs/offices or other federal/state/local regulatory agencies require the concurrence of the EGM, EPM, and the Bureau Director.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.

5.

6.

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Make independent decisions.
2.	Read, write, and interpret laws, regulations, and technical documents.
3.	Use mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics, to verify emission calculations.
4.	Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Type and prepare clear and concise technical documents and correspondence.
5.	Use standard computers and software including, but not limited to: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Teams, and Edge.
6.	Legally operate a motor vehicle.
7.	Lift sampling equipment, weighing up to 35 pounds, and operate switches, knobs, valves, computer keyboards, and communications equipment.
8.	Negotiate uneven terrain and climb steps or ladders up to 100 feet above grade in potentially inclement weather.
9.	Recognize and respond to audible alarms and visual warnings in low light and/or noisy surroundings.
10.	Work overtime and/or in an overnight travel status, as necessary.