Principal Air Quality Engineer

Overview

The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency committed to achieving clean air to protect public health and the environment. We regulate industrial facilities and administer outreach and incentive programs to encourage clean air choices across seven counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Napa) plus portions of Solano and Sonoma. We strive for a diverse, inclusive workplace with pay equity, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth. We are accepting applications for the position of Principal Air Quality Engineer , for three full-time, represented positions : one in the Regulatory Development Division and two in the Engineering Division.

The job description below outlines division-specific responsibilities and program focus, as well as qualifications and application details.

Regulatory Development Division

The Regulatory Development Division works with staff, management, executives, and Board members to develop and modify Air District rules to provide emissions reductions, improve air quality, and protect the climate. The Principal Air Quality Engineer for the Regulatory Development Division will :

• work closely with professional and technical staff to perform and lead complex program assignments for developing regulations to control air pollutants (including those contributing to climate change and local air quality impacts in overburdened communities)
• work with the California Air Resources Board, other local air districts, community groups, community members, environmental organizations, regulated industries, and other key stakeholders to reduce harmful air pollutants, especially in communities overburdened by air pollution
• lead, conduct, and coordinate scientific, economic, and technical research work
• review and draft regulatory language, develop and implement cost effectiveness and incremental cost effectiveness calculations for a wide variety of sources in an industry with various control options
• analyze emissions inventories to determine baseline emissions and reduction estimates for rules under development
• brief Air District executives and present at workshops and board meetings
• work closely with the Community Engagement Division staff and other Air District divisions to strengthen partnerships with key community stakeholders
• perform related work as assigned

Engineering Division

The Engineering Division evaluates permit applications and reviews permit renewals for equipment and operations that emit air pollutants within the Air District’s jurisdiction. It provides technical support to other programs and assists businesses, trade associations, agencies, environmental groups, and community members with permitting and compliance issues. The division is responsible for implementing the Air District’s Facility Risk Reduction Program to reduce health risks from existing facilities or sources. The position will work on the Air District’s Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) Control Programs, designed to identify, assess, and reduce public exposure to toxic air contaminants. The programs integrate federal, state, and local regulations to :

These efforts have led to significant reductions in health risks from toxic air contaminants across the Bay Area. The Engineering Division also engages in programs and projects including, but not limited to :

The Principal Air Quality Engineer for the Engineering Division may perform other complex and highly specialized air quality engineering work, including :

This role also involves peer review, staff mentoring, and training. The incumbent may lead or contribute to sensitive, high-profile projects and deliver technical presentations to the Board of Directors, public, industry, and partner agencies, and may represent the Air District in multi-agency working groups.

Definition

Under direction, performs the most complex and highly specialized level of assigned air quality engineering activities and may supervise staff on a project basis or lead project teams; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Under direction, performs the most complex and highly specialized level of assigned air quality engineering activities and may supervise staff on a project basis or lead project teams; performs related work as assigned.

Education & Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in environmental, chemical, mechanical or petroleum engineering or a closely related field, and four years of air quality environmental engineering experience. Alternatively, a Master’s Degree with the same focus and four years of experience.

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid California driver’s license and a valid California Professional Engineer license.

How to Apply & Selection Criteria

How to Apply

Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by 5 : 00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025. Resumes are encouraged but not mandatory and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Applications are accepted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov / jobs to apply. Postmarks, faxes, and e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

Except as requested, do not include additional documents. They will not be considered.

Supplemental Questions Instructions

Applicants must respond to each required supplemental question. Limit responses to no more than one page (500 words) per question. Do not reference your resume or other documents. This information will be evaluated to determine the most directly related experience, education, and training.

Selection Criteria

Selection may be based on a competitive exam (written, interview, or both). Depending on applicant volume, an application screening and / or panel interview may be used. The Air District may hire from this process to fill future vacancies for 18 months.

Persons with disabilities who may require accommodations should notify the Human Resources Office. The Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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