Position Title: Air Quality Technician - Enforcement

Salary: Hourly: $20.54 || Annual: $42,731.10

How to Apply:

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.



Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree (four-year college or technical school), Field of Study: Major course work in safety science, physical sciences, environmental health, or a field closely related to environmental health;

OR

Associate's degree, Trades, or Vocational school and 2 years of experience in the field of environmental health;

OR

an equivalent combination of experience or training acceptable to the Health Department

AND

License Requirement: 

Possession of a valid automobile operator's license and the use of an automobile during working hours. 

Education & College Transcripts

If you are claiming college education to meet minimum requirements or as a part of your application, including supplemental questions, you must submit or attach a copy of your official college transcripts for your claim to be accepted. Unofficial Transcripts will not be accepted. 

Condition of Employment

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.

Employment Type

  • Full-Time, Associate Level.
  • This position is contingent upon grant funding.


Relevant Experience

You will receive a score based on the experience you report on your application for employment. It is therefore important that you provide complete and accurate information. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower than deserved score or disqualification. Call our Office of Human Resource Management if you have any questions.

Who is Eligible

Applications will be accepted from certified Merit System employees of the Allegheny County Health Department and outside candidates who possess the experience and training listed in this announcement and who are capable of performing the duties of this position.

Weights

  • Minimum Requirements - 60%
  • Relevant Experience - 40%


Allegheny County Civil Service Employees (Non-ACHD)

Regular or probationary employees of County Departments currently in this classification, hired under a State Civil Service System, who apply for this position will not be considered as Open Competitive applicants. Those employees selected for transfer to the Allegheny County Health Department will be considered to have resigned their Civil Service status from the Department in which they are currently working and will be required to complete a probationary period with the Health Department.

This announcement may be modified, amended or canceled by the Allegheny County Health Department at any time.

Purpose

To establish open competitive and promotional eligible lists for use in making merit system appointments in the Allegheny County Health Department. The list will contain the names of successful candidates ranked in the order of final earned ratings. The list will be in effect for one (1) year unless previously exhausted or superseded.

In the ranking, open competitive applicants qualifying for Veteran’s Preference receive an additional ten points on the final earned rating. Form DD-214 must be attached to the application form for consideration for Veteran’s Preference. Determination of Veteran’s Preference is made in accordance with State Civil Service Policy.

If you are claiming veteran's preference, then proof of eligibility; DD-214 Form or other comparable military document must be submitted for initial claim. The document must show dates of entry and separation and character of service.

Credit for a degree or college coursework can only be accepted from an official transcript submitted directly from the college or university to Allegheny C0unty Health Department.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


#INDSJ


Position Summary:

Air Quality Technicians assigned to the Compliance and Enforcement section are responsible for the inspections of work practices to minimize the risk of public exposure to asbestos and other air contaminants, and assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Technicians also complete inspections at area and minor sources of air pollution to assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Work is field-based, and involves conducting field investigations, compliance assistance, and interpreting test results. Work requires a substantial amount of independent judgment exercised in close collaboration and reviewed by an Air Quality Administrator or management designee. 

Air Quality Technicians assigned to the Air Monitoring section are responsible for the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) work activities for the ambient air quality network to assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Work is primarily field-based and involves conducting technical QA/QC activities to evaluate air monitoring instrument performance, analyzing data, and interpreting test results. Work requires a substantial amount of independent field work in close collaboration and reviewed by an Air Quality Administrator or management designee. 



Overview:

Fringe Benefits

  • Paid holidays, personal days, vacation and sick leave benefits, medical coverage and dental benefits, a retirement plan, life insurance and a deferred compensation plan after eligibility requirements have been met.


Perks Working for ACHD

  • Professional growth through training opportunities (CPR, First AID, Public Health Preparedness, Dignity and Respect, Points of Dispensing, and more); ability to advance in county system; job security; meaningfulness in daily work derived from public service; eligible for federal loan forgiveness; organizational commitment to ACHD’s mission to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of all Allegheny County residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

Duties:

  • Contributing to the implementation of the Air Quality Program's goals and objectives by collecting valid quantitative and qualitative data (inspection reports, asbestos sampling) needed for enforcing air pollution control regulations. 
  • Contributing to the implementation of the Air Quality Program's goals and objectives by collecting and helping to ensure valid quantitative measurements needed for creating legally defensible environmental data. 
  • Conducting field inspections to assure compliance with county, state, and federal regulations for containment of asbestos and air emissions. Creating, reporting, and documenting compliance issues as a result of field inspections. 
  • Supporting the continuous improvement of program performance through activities such as investigating complaints related to air pollution sources or assisting in the development of standard operating procedures. 
  • Testing the performance of air monitoring instrumentation following EPA approved QA/QC procedures.  
  • Interpreting and communicating relevant policies and procedures to others involved in asbestos removal and abrasive blasting, including contractors, building owners, industry officials, and the general public. 
  • Analyzing and interpreting environmental data (e.g., ambient air test results) to inform evidence-based decisions. 
  • Deploying and collecting field samples.  
  • Assisting in the selection, siting and installation of community air monitoring sensors. 
  • Assisting in the development of quality assurance project plans.  
  • Participating in special studies as directed by supervisor.  
  • Preparing and presenting written reports of field assignments, data analysis and instrument calibrations. 
  • Incorporating ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations, and communities. 
  • Responding to public health emergencies. 



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, environmental sciences, and physics. 
  • Knowledge of the basic statistical methods and techniques used in gathering and analyzing data. 
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, and Excel required. Ability to use technology (e.g., tablets, smartphones, etc.) 

Skill in:


Ability to:

  • Ability to obtain Asbestos Building Inspector certification issued by Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry within the probationary period and maintain annual renewal of certification as required to perform the duties of an asbestos inspector (only required if assigned to the Compliance and Enforcement section). 
  • Ability to create reports from recorded observations, including those that may constitute the basis for enforcement actions. 
  • Ability to perform investigations and inspections in difficult situations. 
  • Ability to deal tactfully with public. 
  • Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding or enter small spaces on construction jobsites. 
  • Ability to perform field work in all weather conditions. 
  • Ability to wear proper protective equipment, including a respirator, or carry testing equipment. 
  • Ability to work independently with work product reviewed by an Air Quality Engineer or management designee 
  • Ability to initiate suggestions and recommendations as to improved inspection procedures.  
  • Ability to operate and perform auditing procedures on a broad range of air monitoring instrumentation. 
  • Ability to work in uncomfortable working conditions: noisy, dusty, hot, humid, cold, smelly and other adverse conditions. 
  • Ability to appear as a witness in court to explain observations. 
  • Ability to respond to emergencies. 

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D