Assistant Air Quality Chemist

ABOUT SOUTH COAST AQMD

South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the Nation. We serve a four-county region that includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is in Diamond Bar, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a diverse team of over 850 employees, an annual budget of $215.5 million, and a state-of-the-art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment.

South Coast AQMD's mission requires diverse perspectives, talents, and life experiences. We are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique contributions of our employees and fosters professional development and growth.

ABOUT OUR LABORATORY

South Coast AQMD's laboratory employs over 50 staff in a 20,000 square foot facility dedicated to air quality sample analysis. It provides a broad array of services generating data used for strategic planning, investigating community concerns, evaluating new products and processes, and determining regulatory compliance. We also provide data to the California Air Resources Board, US EPA, law enforcement agencies, and universities. The laboratory analyzes over 60,000 samples per year using techniques including GC, IC, LC, GC-MS, XRF, XRD, FTIR, microscopy, ICP-MS, and PTR-MS to generate information on pollutants in ambient air. The laboratory is involved in method development for ambient air analyses and is recognized nationally in this field.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The South Coast AQMD is seeking qualified candidates to fill an Assistant Air Quality Chemist vacancy. From this recruitment process, we expect to establish an eligible list that may be used to fill current and future vacancies during the 6–12-month life of the list.

Under general supervision, conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical analyses using a variety of techniques, procedures, and instrumentation to evaluate air quality and determine the kind and concentration of contaminants present; develops and implements new analytical methods as directed; and performs other related work as required.

These are alternatively staffed classes; duties are similar with differences in difficulty, scope, independence, and knowledge required. Positions are allocated at the Air Quality Chemist level and may be filled at either level. Individuals hired at the level of Assistant Air Quality Chemist are eligible for promotion to the next level after successful performance for the required minimum period of time.

ASSISTANT AIR QUALITY CHEMIST is the entry-level class in the professional Air Quality Chemist series. Incumbents learn micro-analytical, instrumental, physical and wet-chemical techniques for qualitative and quantitative analyses of air quality samples. The Air Quality Chemist is the journey-level class with greater independence, and the Senior Air Quality Chemist leads development of procedures and review of results.

AIR QUALITY CHEMIST is the journey-level class in the professional Air Quality Chemist series. The Senior Air Quality Chemist coordinates, schedules, reviews work, and leads development of formal procedures for special studies.

IMPORTANT NOTE : The application period is expected to remain open until October 23, 2025. However, depending on the volume of applications, the period may close at any time.

The general duties for this classification are highlighted below; full description of duties is available at the linked reference.

• Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical analyses of samples related to air quality monitoring and other air pollution control programs; determines methods to use to separate, identify, and determine contaminant concentrations.
• Uses a variety of laboratory techniques, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, and other methods; may serve as a subject expert on specific procedures and train other staff.
• Develops and implements new analytical methods to meet laboratory and agency needs; performs special projects.
• Maintains chain-of-custody and applies QA / QC procedures; performs peer review, flags errors, and recommends corrective action.
• Keeps current with updated methods and instrumentation through literature review and training.
• Maintains records and prepares professional laboratory reports; prepares databases and software, as needed.
• Prepares research reports and papers for publication and may present at technical meetings.
• Prepares orders for supplies and may develop instrument or equipment specifications.
• Collaborates with laboratory staff, agency personnel, and external contacts; participates in committees and working groups.
• Testifies in court and before the Hearing Board regarding methods and results.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The most competitively qualified candidates will have an advanced degree in Chemistry or a related field and experience performing both routine and innovative laboratory analyses. Degrees in Chemistry-related fields such as Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Earth Systems Science, or Chemical Engineering will be considered.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, preferably with emphasis in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

EXPERIENCE :

SUBSTITUTION : A master's degree in chemistry may substitute for up to one year of required experience; a doctorate in chemistry may substitute for up to two years of experience.

LICENSE : Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a good driving record may be required.

KNOWLEDGE OF : Current methods, procedures, protocols, and instrumentation relating to organic, inorganic, and physical qualitative and quantitative analysis; QA / QC principles; operating principles of chemical laboratory instrumentation; electronics; relevant literature; report writing; statistics; database design and data management; safety procedures; and PC software applications used in the laboratory.

SKILL OR ABILITY TO : Develop and apply analytical methods, calibrate and repair instrumentation, maintain records, review QA / QC data, and prepare written reports; stay current with new methods; design databases and data analysis procedures; proficiently use PC software; follow instructions; perform analyses safely; communicate clearly; and maintain effective working relationships.

APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE

Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot substitute for required information. Include any relevant education or coursework that strengthens your candidacy.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Applications and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire will be screened; the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to a multiple-choice examination, scored on a pass / fail basis. Those who pass may advance to a panel interview. Some assessments may be conducted remotely.

Following the assessment process, a ranked eligible list is expected to be created for current and future vacancies during the 6–12-month life of the list. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee advancement.

Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work in the United States :

If you require sponsorship (e.g., H1-B Visa) now or in the future, you may participate in this recruitment process, but there is no guarantee of sponsorship.

South Coast AQMD reserves the right to modify the selection process based on applicant volume and quality. Please contact Human Resources at least one week in advance if you might need an accommodation. For questions, contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 396-2800.

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