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Job Description
SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW
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, serving a four-county region that includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the Coachella Valley. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 Freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, an annual budget of $216.5 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!
South Coast AQMD is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique backgrounds, skills, and experiences of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT OUR LABORATORY
The South Coast AQMD laboratory is a state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot facility staffed by over 50 professionals dedicated to air quality sample analysis. The laboratory performs a diverse range of analytical services generating critical data used for strategic planning, investigating community complaints, evaluating new products and processes, and determining regulatory compliance. We also provide analytical support to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), law enforcement agencies, and academic institutions. The results produced by our laboratory have informed agency-wide policy decisions, special studies, and technology development initiatives. Each year, we analyze more than 60,000 samples using a wide array of techniques, including GC, IC, LC, GC-MS, XRF, XRD, FTIR, ICP-MS, PTR-MS, and microscopy. These methods provide detailed insights into the types and concentrations of pollutants in ambient air. The South Coast AQMD laboratory is at the national leader in method development for ambient air analyses and is widely recognized for its contributions to the field of air quality analytical chemistry.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Under general supervision, our Laboratory Technicians perform routine laboratory tasks; extract samples by water or acid for subsequent analysis; perform calculations; enter data into databases; help prioritize samples for analysis, archive samples, and perform other related work as required. Responsibilities also include weighing filters; assisting in the preparation and analysis of samples utilizing x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), microscopic techniques, inductively coupled plasma /mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), carbon analyzer, ion chromatograph (IC) and wet chemical procedures; assisting in the preparation of equipment for complex samples such as source sampling, toxic sampling and ambient sampling; utilizing computers for data input and retrieval, reduction and statistical analysis and assuring the quality and accuracy of data.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The general Example of Duties for this classification are highlighted below, for full description of duties please refer to this link here .- Assists in the preparation and analysis in samples utilizing x-ray florescence spectrometer, auto-analyzer, atomic absorption and wet chemical procedures.
- Operates, maintains and installs air monitoring/sampling collection devices for contaminants such as hydrocarbons, aldehydes and vinyl chloride.
- Conducts field surveys for episode sampling or special contaminant studies.
- Data reduction and statistical analysis; assures the quality and accuracy of data.
- Calibrates flow rate devices by use of volume displacement meters or electronic gages and sets correct flow rates in field studies.
- Prepares sampling bags and installs fittings.
MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed below, candidates who possess the following qualifications may be considered more competitive:- A Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or a closely related field
- Familiarity with a broad range of chemical analysis techniques
- Hands-on experience in a laboratory environment
- Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic setting
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- A commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement
- Proficiency in commonly used software applications such as Microsoft Excel and Access
- Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of twenty-four (24) semester units (36 quarter) units in chemistry which must include the following courses; general chemistry; analytical chemistry; organic chemistry; analytical methods; and the applicable laboratory sections. Courses in instrumentation, mathematics (at the calculus level); statistics and introduction to data processing are desirable. Demonstrated successful experience in a sophisticated laboratory environment performing a major portion of the duties listed above may be substituted for the educational unit requirements.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE
A completed employment application covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience), and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are a South Coast AQMD employee.Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question.Up to four references which include the names and phone numbers of your present and past supervisors or managers, and/or college professors or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers .An unofficial copy of your transcripts (or equivalency evaluation if your education was obtained outside the U.S.), documenting all qualifying education claimed, submitted as an attachment to your online application* .
*You MUST submit acceptable documentation for all education claimed on your application. Acceptable documentation consists of an unofficial copy of your transcripts/equivalency evaluation attached to your application . At a later date, candidates under final consideration will be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD, documenting all education claimed on their application.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Application packets, including responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, will first be screened, and the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to a multiple-choice examination, to be rated on a pass/fail basis. Candidates who pass the exam will advance to the next step in the process, which may include a panel interview. (Please note that some assessments may be conducted remotely).
Following the assessment process, a ranked eligible list is expected to be created, from which current and future vacancies may be filled, during the 6-12-month life of the list. Only those who demonstrate they are among the most competitively qualified, at each successive step of the selection process, will be advanced to the next step. (Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to the next step.)
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, please be aware that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
South Coast AQMD reserves the right to add, delete, and modify any elements of the selection process as deemed appropriate, based on the number and quality of applicants at each step.
Please call Human Resources at least one week in advance if you might need an accommodation at any step during the selection process. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources Department at (909) 396-2800.
TECHNICAL & ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OVERVIEW
BENEFIT
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Benefit Allotment
$1,912, to purchase medical, dental, and life insurance, with unused portion paid to you as cash. Your insurance coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following completion of 30 dyas of continuous service. Dependent children may be covered to age 26 on medical, dental and vision plans.
Medical Health Plans
Blue Shield PPO
Blue Shield PPO Savings Plus 2250 (High Deductible Plan)
Blue Shield HMO
Kaiser HMO
Kaiser HSA HMO 1500 (High Deductible Plan)
Dental Plans
Delta Dental PPO (without orthodontic benefits)
Delta Dental PPO (with orthodontic benefits for children only)
DeltaCare (PMI) Dental
Vision Plan
EyeMed - Optional
Life Insurance
$10,000 Term Life Insurance
(Optional additional life insurance, paid by you, at 1X, 2X, or 3X your salary)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Claremont EAP, powered by Uprise Health. EAP benefits are available to all employees and their familes at no cost to you. The EAP offers confidential advice, support and practical solutions to real-life issues. Confidential Therapy, 24-hour crisis help and online peer support groups.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Optional
Section 125
Optional Plans (Medical Reimbursement; Dependent Care)
Work Schedule
Four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday
Vacation
80 hours per year, increasing to 120 after five years
Holidays
13 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave
100 hours per year
Other Leaves
Bereavement; Jury Duty; Military; Witness
Tuition Reimbursement
Reimbursed up to $5,000 per year
Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
Optional (Employee may contribute up to the IRS maximum). South Coast AQMD matches, dollar for dollar, up to $300 per year for the regular plan.
Retirement
2.5% @ 67 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who, at time of hire, were not members of the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
2.0% @ 55 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees who, prior to January 1, 2013, were active members of SBCERA or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
Employees pay only the Medicare portion of Social Security.
1/1/2024
Closing Date/Time: 2/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific - Assists in the preparation and analysis in samples utilizing x-ray florescence spectrometer, auto-analyzer, atomic absorption and wet chemical procedures.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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South Coast Air Quality Management District
Show moreSouth 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 all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 750 employees, an annual budget of $170.9 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthful environment.
Mission
To clean the air and protect the health of all residents in the South Coast Air District through practical and innovative strategies.
What is the South Coast AQMD?
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. The region is home to more than 17 million people–about half the population of the entire state of California.
Despite significant improvements to air quality, more work needs to be done to protect public health through innovative and practical strategies. Air pollution can cause or worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, certain types of cancers and premature death. South Coast AQMD has been at the forefront of the nation’s air pollution reduction efforts for more than eight decades.
What South Coast AQMD Does
South Coast AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution. These can include anything from large power plants and refineries to the corner gas station. There are about 28,400 such businesses operating under South Coast AQMD permits. Many consumer products are also considered stationary sources; these include house paint, furniture varnish, and thousands of products containing solvents that evaporate into the air. About 25% of this area's ozone-forming air pollution comes from stationary sources, both businesses and residences. The other 80% comes from mobile sources–mainly cars, trucks and buses, but also construction equipment, ships, trains and airplanes. Emission standards for mobile sources are established by state or federal agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than by local agencies such as the South Coast AQMD.
How South Coast AQMD Controls Pollution
South Coast AQMD develops and adopts an Air Quality Management Plan, which serves as the blueprint to bring this area into compliance with federal and state clean air standards. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. South Coast AQMD staff conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with these requirements.
The test of whether these efforts are working is the quality of the air we breathe. South Coast AQMD continuously monitors air quality at 38 locations throughout the four-county area. This also allows South Coast AQMD to notify the public whenever air quality is unhealthful.
South Coast AQMD’s Sources of Revenue
To meet its financial need, the South Coast AQMD utilizes a system of evaluation fees, annual operating fees, emission fees, Hearing Board fees, penalties/ settlements and investments that generate approximately 73% of South Coast AQMD’s revenue. The remaining 27% of its revenue is from federal grants, California Air Resources (CARB) subvention funds, and California Clean Air Act Motor Vehicle fees.
Progress So Far
Air quality in this area has continually improved despite an enormous increase in population and cars. For example, maximum levels of ozone, one of our worst smog problems, have been cut to less than one quarter of what they were in the 1950s, even though today we have nearly three times as many people and four times as many vehicles.
In recent decades, we have eliminated Stage I smog alerts, which used to occur 100-120 times a year. We have not reached Stage II levels since the 1980s.
The Job Ahead
The clean air effort still has a long way to go. In 2005, the federal 1-hour standard was replaced by a stricter 8-hours standard that was further strengthened in 2008. Even though recent years have been the cleanest on record, our air in the South Coast Air Basin still exceeded the federal health 8-hour standard for ozone on 113 days in 2009. Maximum levels are almost twice as high as the federal standard for clean air.
State and federal law requires this area to meet existing clean air standards by the year 2015 for annual PM 2.5; and by 2023 for the 8-hour average ozone standard. However, tougher federal air quality standards for particulates and ozone issued in 2006 and 2008 require reductions above and beyond those already planned. South Coast AQMD estimates it will take until at least 2020 to meet the new 24-hour average particulate standard, and until 2030 to meet the new ozone standard. This may seem like a long time to continue to live with smog. But the cleanup effort is enormous. Even though we already have the strictest pollution control requirements in the nation, we still have to reduce some types of pollution by up to 90% if we are to rid the area of smog.
The war on smog began in this region more than a half century ago. With continued commitment and sensitivity to the impacts of efforts to control smog, residents can be assured that public health standards for air quality will be achieved.
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