Photochemical Air Quality Modeler (Air Quality Program Specialist)

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is actively looking to hire a Photochemical Air Quality Modeler. This role involves a combination of technical and administrative responsibilities focused on photochemical air quality modeling, which is essential for the DEP's comprehensive air quality planning and permitting initiatives across the state. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in ensuring that air quality standards are met and maintained, contributing to the overall health and well-being of Pennsylvania's environment. If you are passionate about environmental protection and possess the necessary skills, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

In this position, you will be responsible for providing technical support to the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) air quality planning and permitting programs. The specifics of this role are outlined in the attached position description. Your duties will include maintaining photochemical air quality models and their associated programs, as well as managing model input and output data on a Linux-based computer system, where you will also troubleshoot any issues that arise. You will be expected to apply advanced mathematical equations to accurately simulate atmospheric chemical and physical processes. Furthermore, your role will involve interpreting and implementing relevant federal and state statutes, regulations, policies, and technical guidance pertaining to photochemical air quality modeling. Additionally, you will respond to inquiries from various stakeholders, including DEP staff, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other federal, state, and local agencies, external organizations, industry representatives, consultants, and the public, ensuring effective communication regarding photochemical air quality modeling.

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.
• 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.

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.

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.