Air Quality Specialist I/II at San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District – Fresno, California

We are excited you are considering the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District as a place for employment! The Valley Air District is a public health agency serving the eight counties of California’s San Joaquin Valley, an area that has achieved significant air quality improvements over the past several decades but continues to face some of the most challenging air quality conditions in the nation. Through science-based planning, innovative emission reduction strategies, and collaboration with businesses, communities, and partner agencies, the District works to improve the health and quality of life for all Valley residents.

Achieving this mission requires a professional, collaborative, and service-oriented organization. To that end, the District fosters a STAR work culture grounded in Service, Teamwork, Attitude, and Respect. This culture shapes how employees collaborate, approach their work with professionalism and accountability, engage with stakeholders, and deliver thoughtful, efficient, and innovative solutions.

The Valley Air District is recruiting for a Specialist I to fill current vacancies assigned to the Air Quality Science, Air Quality Planning, and Community Strategies & Resources departments, located in Fresno, California. The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies.

After two years of service, incumbents may be eligible to advance to the Specialist II classification. At the II level, incumbents are fully competent and independently perform the full range of Specialist duties. The current salary range for Specialist II is $7,110.15 to $8,648.81 per month.

The nature of the assignment makes the Specialist classification suitable for individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university with major coursework in atmospheric or environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, regional, urban, or environmental planning, geography or a closely related field. Experience in providing technical support in an air quality, environmental, or related field may be substituted for the education on a year for year basis to a maximum of two years.

Qualified applicants must possess knowledge of basic keyboarding and computer applications related to the work performed. Applicants should possess basic skills in collecting and organizing large data sets, analyzing varied data, making complex calculations, writing technical reports, and evaluating alternative solutions; reading and interpreting laws, policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, graphs, and statistical data; maintaining effective communication with stakeholders and coworkers; and exercising sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.

Specific work includes: researching rules and regulations, reviewing federal and state requirements; organizing and managing multiple projects; working closely with stakeholders in underserved communities; conducting a variety of technical studies, projects, and data analysis, including making sound recommendations for action; working with various public stakeholders; preparing and delivering presentations to various audiences in a public setting; and using computer software and programs to conduct the analysis and document preparation.

COMMUNITY STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES

The CSR department works closely with community stakeholders around the Valley and agency partners to implement the State’s Community Air Protection Program. Candidates interested in this position should have interest in working directly with low-income and disadvantaged communities and may have a history of working closely with partner agencies, community residents, regulated entities, and community-based organizations.

AIR QUALITY PLANNING

The Planning program develops State Implementation Plans and air quality regulations to reduce air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley, with a primary focus on ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in atmospheric science and air quality policy, including the analysis of emission sources, application of pollution control techniques to real-world situations, and implementation of Clean Air Act planning requirements. This role also requires effective collaboration with partner agencies, regulated entities, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that improve air quality in the Valley.

AIR QUALITY SCIENCE

The Air Quality Science department works with and analyzes large air quality and meteorology data sets using tools such as Excel, R, Python, and others. Tasks are also focused on understanding air quality trends across the region, identifying sources of pollution, and assisting in developing strategies to continue to improve air across the Valley. Knowledge and experience in photochemical and emissions models such as CMAQ, SMOKE, and EMFAC are also desirable. Candidates interested in this position should have in an interest in meteorological analysis, air quality forecasting, providing updated and projected air quality information to the general public, data analysis, GIS mapping, and presentation of visual aids to internal and external audiences.

Where applicable, a valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one upon hire. Must be able to attend work on a daily basis as scheduled.

Interested individuals must submit a completed SJVAPCD application at www.valleyair.org by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed and screened based on the necessary employment standards for the position. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in a written examination. Employment consideration may be weighted as follows: Written Examination: Pass/Fail; Oral Exam at 100%.

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District participates in the E-Verify Program. The Valley Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE