Air Quality Program Specialist

THE POSITION

The Air Quality Program Specialist position with the Department of Environmental Protection gives you the chance to help protect the air Pennsylvanians breathe. This role allows you to use scientific tools and forecasting methods to predict changes in air quality. Your work helps keep communities informed and supports public health. Join a team that values accuracy, science, and environmental responsibility.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on preparing air quality forecasts, tracking pollution trends, and supporting scientific analysis that guides public alerts and environmental decisions. As an Air Quality Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Daily Forecasting: Prepare air quality forecasts and declare action days when pollution levels may exceed standards
• Trend Analysis: Analyze monitored and forecasted data to identify exceedances and improve forecasting accuracy
• Program Development: Maintain forecasting tools and ensure information on public platforms is accurate and up to date
• Agency Coordination: Work with federal, state, and local partners to share data and support forecasting efforts
• Technical Writing: Develop reports, guidance documents, and communications related to air quality forecasting
• Data Management: Enter required information into electronic systems while ensuring accuracy and completeness

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 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 Requirement:

• This position requires 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 info