Senior Air Quality Specialist 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.

Join our team of air quality professionals in a lead role as a Senior Air Quality Specialist. Senior Air Quality Specialists are found in almost every department performing a wide variety of tasks and utilizing diverse skills. Since the Senior Air Quality Specialist position can be versatile, career advancement opportunities are numerous.The District is conducting a recruitment for Senior Air Quality Specialists to fill vacancies in the Air Quality Planning and Air Quality Science departments in Fresno, Ca. The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and may also be used to fill future vacancies.

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.

Senior Specialists will have knowledge of: researching rules and regulations, reviewing federal and state requirements, organizing and managing long-term projects, conducting data analysis and technical writing, working with various public stakeholders, preparing and delivering presentations to various audiences, using computer software and programs to conduct analysis and document preparation, and ability to lead and mentor staff.

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 experience and interest in technical project management, 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.

Senior Specialists will have lead level knowledge of 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.

To qualify for this position, you must possess 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 and three years of professional level air quality, environmental, or related analytical experience equivalent to that gained as an Air Quality Specialist with the District. 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.

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 12, 2026.