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Position Title: Air Quality Scientist - Planning

Salary: Hourly: $29.71 || Annual: $61,800.00

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:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from a four year college or university with major course work in atmospheric science, environmental science, physical science, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field 

AND 

  • Two (2) years of experience in the field of air quality, statistics, mathematics, the physical sciences or a closely related field. 
  • Possession of a Master’s Degree in atmospheric science, environmental science, physical science, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
  • Possession of a Doctorate in atmospheric science, environmental science, physical science, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field will be accepted in lieu of two (2) years of experience. 


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, and drug/medical examinations as required for the position. The pre-employment drug screen must be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment.

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 - 30%
  • Relevant Skills & Certifications - 35%
  • Supplemental Questions - 35%


Supplemental Questions

Please be prepared to answer the following questions. You may upload as a Word document answers to the supplemental questions in the “Upload Page” of the application. Make sure to note “See attached” after the statement on the application form if you are attaching a separate document. If you are unable to upload the document, email to ACHD Human Resources Department.


  1. Describe a time when you conducted an interpretative data analysis and what did you learn from the experience.  
  2. Describe your knowledge of mathematics or sciences in relation to analyzing and interpreting data.
  3. This position requires you to create clear visualizations of complex data for public viewing. Describe any experience you have in presenting complex data either verbally or in writing.
  4. Describe how you acquired any knowledge of the principles of combustion, chemistry, or scientific principles as applied to air pollution. 
  5. Provide an example when you provided outreach or education to other team members or others outside of the team.
  6. Provide a sample of your visualization of data analysis.
  7. Provide a sample of your technical writing. 


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. Please refer to Instruction Sheet for proper completion of Allegheny County Employment Application Form.

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 County 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:

This is professional administrative work in the field of air quality management. An employee in this class utilizes scientific and engineering techniques to prepare and present air quality technical analysis for the resolution of air pollution problems. Supervision may be exercised over professional and technical employees. Assignments are received with general instructions and performed in accordance with established guidelines, policies and procedures. The employee is expected to use professional judgment in solving work problems. Work is reviewed by a higher level administrator for scientific acceptability and satisfactory completion of assignments. 

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:

  • Simulates the dispersion of air pollutants by computer modeling. 
  • Conducts statistical analysis of air toxics monitoring data. 
  • Conveys data and information to professionals and the public using a variety of methods. 
  • Communicates with sources of air emissions to collect valid and reliable data. 
  • Filter data processing and quality assurance.  
  • Evaluates industrial and other source emissions and exhaust parameters and relates meteorological influences to the dispersion of pollutants. 
  • Extracts information from permits and other documents, calculates exhaust flow parameters, identifies the source-to-atmosphere relationships, recommends control strategies, and writes technical documents. 
  • Assists with emissions inventories. 
  • Conducts validations of quarterly monitoring data. 
  • Assists in all aspects of developing State Implementation Plans, including coordinating citizen advisory groups, writing air quality regulation proposals, and preparing technical and administrative documents. 
  • Writing air quality regulations and taking the regulations through the regulatory and public comment process.  
  • Assists in all aspects of preparing attainment demonstrations. 
  • Assists with developing the regulatory structure for attaining air quality standards through computer modeling of source emissions. 
  • Operates and audits advanced air monitoring instrumentation. 
  • Reviews source testing documents (protocols, reports). 
  • Observes and audits source tests and documents findings. 
  • Conducts special study air monitoring projects. 
  • Assists in integrating new air monitoring equipment into the network. 
  • Responds to Public Health emergencies as assigned by the Health Department. 
  • Performs other duties as required or requested. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Scientific and analytical principles as applied to air pollution. 
  • The principles of combustion. 
  • Organic and inorganic chemistry. 
Skill in:

  • Interpersonal Communication  
  • Team Building  
  • Air Quality  
  • Air Pollution  
  • Report Writing  
  • Organic Chemistry  
  • Inorganic Chemistry  
  • Leadership Skills 
  • Microsoft Office  
  • Public Health  
Ability to:

  • Learn and perform dispersion modeling techniques. 
  • Make technical presentations. 
  • Use computers in executing programs, data file editing, file management, and in word processing. 
  • Work independently, as well as in a team setting. 
  • Effectively supervise the work of professional subordinates. 
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, outside agencies and the public. 
  • Collect, tabulate, and analyze data and present findings with clarity and conciseness, both orally and in writing. 
  • Travel to and from work locations to carry out the responsibilities of the position. 
  • Respond to public health emergencies. 
Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D


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