Enviromental Protection Specialist I — Penn State Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Air (BOA), is seeking to hire an Environmental Protection Specialist I in their Monitoring Data Management Unit. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed and possess the ability to adapt to change in a collaborative, fast paced environment. The ideal candidate will also need to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders.

The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

35% 1. Observes and participates in performing routine technical and scientific review and analysis of air quality data in the Monitoring Data Management Unit, Air Quality Planning Section (AQPS), Air Pollution Control Division (APC), Bureau of Air (BOA);

• Reviews routine technical and scientific data to ensure it meets specified data validation and reporting criteria.
• Interacts with Agency staff in the receipt and processing of environmental data. 
• Assists higher level staff in communications with local agencies and the general public regarding daily reporting of air quality and pollution index data.
• Compiles/prepares the annual Air Quality Report
• Identifies potential ambient air monitor malfunctions 

25% 2. Observes and assists higher level staff functioning as Duty Officer for forecasting and issuing statements for Air Pollution Episodes consistent with the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 244.

• Compiling and reviewing routine technical and scientific weather charts, forecast maps and related data.
• Updating AirNOW website with air quality forecasts
• Reviewing real-time air quality data for episodic potential
• Preparing daily air quality forecasts and Episode statements as required by regulation

15% 3. Assists higher level staff in accessing, reviewing and storing air quality data from remote Agency monitoring systems utilizing specialized data acquisition software:

• Preparing routine technical and scientific summary reports and post products in data center
• Submitting air monitoring data to United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) utilizing USEPA software
• Assists in configuration of data acquisition software and configuration of data network support equipment.
• Archiving selected charts
• Preparing routine technical and scientific reports in compliance with Unit procedures.

10% 4. Assists and trains with higher level staff to gain and further knowledge in performing routine technical and scientific data review and analysis of PM2.5 chemical specification data:

• Utilizing the data analysis and reporting tool
• Analyzing routine technical and scientific products and related PM2.5 data
• Prepares for supervisor’s close review routine technical and scientific summary charts and reports.
• Archives various products for future reference and reporting

10% 5. Assists higher level specialists in support of special air monitoring projects:

• Compiling statistics on ozone, PM2.5 and conducive meteorological conditions
• Participates in the development of data review, analysis and reporting schemes for the air toxics monitoring program.
• Running data reports for information requests
• Performs routine technical and scientific field investigations to better understand or characterize a special event or unusual occurrence. 
• Travels in the performance of duties.

05% 6. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

1. Requires the knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of college with coursework in the physical, life or environmental sciences and requires either:

1. one year of professional experience in pollution abatement or a related field Or
2. completion of an agency approved training program.

OR

2. Requires a master’s degree with coursework in the physical, life, or environmental sciences.

Of the one year of required experience; requires one year of meteorology experience in the field of weather forecasting or air pollution forecasting; experience regularly working with complex data sets and data reports.

1. Prefers at least (1) one year of experience in air quality forecasting add or related weather forecasting.
2. Prefers at least (1) one year of experience preparing comprehensive reports of complex data review.
3. Prefers at least (1) one year of experience in maintaining and operating ambient air monitoring networks or similar multi-parameter data networks.
4. Prefers at least (1) one year of experience analyzing, interpreting, and reviewing scientific data and monitoring processes relating to ambient monitoring, meteorological study, or related environmental field. 
5. Prefers at least (1) one year of experience in analyzing and interpreting pertinent state laws, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures and conveying them to individuals and municipal bodies. 
6. Prefers ability to establish and maintain liaison with stakeholders outside of an Agency or organization, and professional staff of an organization.
7. Prefers the ability to follow oral and written instructions, to plan, schedule, and prioritize daily work.
8. Prefers college coursework (combined 18 – 20 semester hours) in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.
9. Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer and software applications and development of Excel spreadsheets