Air Quality Program Specialist

The role of the Air Quality Program Specialist at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is vital in the development and revision of regulations that ensure compliance with national ambient air quality standards. This position involves a comprehensive understanding of various pollutants, including lead, sulfur dioxide, ozone, fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers, and nitrogen dioxide. By actively participating in the formulation of the state implementation plan, the specialist helps to safeguard public health and the environment by promoting cleaner air quality across Pennsylvania. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental protection and regulatory compliance to make a significant impact. Apply now to be part of this essential work!

This position focuses on creating and refining plans and regulations that guide Pennsylvania’s air quality programs. The role supports statewide efforts to meet federal and state environmental standards. As a Air Quality Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Regulatory Research: Conduct comprehensive research on air quality issues and interpret applicable Federal and State laws and regulations
• Briefing Preparation: Develop clear and comprehensive briefing materials that support program policy decisions
• Technical Support: Provide technical, editorial, and administrative assistance for EPA regulatory and state implementation plan activities
• Interagency Coordination: Facilitate communication between EPA Region 3 and DEP to ensure state implementation plan revisions meet administrative and technical requirements
• Legal Review Assistance: Evaluate legal documents such as Consent Decrees and court rulings to determine impacts on air program operations
• Collaborative Planning: Work closely with air program staff, legal personnel, coordination teams, Commonwealth agencies, and EPA staff during development and implementation of SIP revisions or regulations

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,086.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience as an Air Quality Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience as an Air Monitoring Program Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional work in the control and abatement of air pollution and a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or an environmental field closely related to Air Quality Management; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.