CLASS SPECIFICATION

Modoc County

CLASS CODE: 4029-001

CLASS TITLE: Air Pollution Specialist I

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt

RANGE/STEP A-J: 250 (Step-A: $3,801 - Step-J: $5,896)

JOB SUMMARY:

To perform inspection and enforcement duties related to state air pollution, weights and measures, and hazardous waste programs, including activities required under the Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulation Program; to assist in implementing various departmental programs and activities. Performs a variety of functions of operation and maintenance of air sampling devices, an inspection of facilities, control devices, mobile sources, vapor recovery systems agriculture burning and prescribed burns, issue permits for construction, and Title V facilities for the protection of public health, safety, and agriculture; enforces state and county laws and regulations in assigned areas of responsibility performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Air Pollution Specialist I is the entry-level class in the Air Pollution Specialist series. Initially, under close supervision, the incumbent provides para-professional support to the inspection and regulation functions of the Air Pollution Control District. As experience is gained, the incumbent performs independent inspections and takes a proactive enforcement stance in assigned areas, which is required of Air Pollution Inspectors. The one level in this class has completed by all requirements to become certified. This class is distinguished from the Air Pollution Specialist II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series.

Air Pollution Specialist II is the full journey-level class within the series. Incumbents are distinguished from the Air Pollution Specialist I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Air Pollution Specialist I level, or when filled from the outside, require prior air pollution enforcement experience. All certification requirements for air pollution inspections have been obtained. The work requires a knowledge of a variety of laws and regulations, skill in performing inspections, and experience in permit issuance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. The position may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Operates and maintains air sampling devices.
Issue air pollution permits.
Title V permits.
Provides information and education to county residents regarding the Air Pollution and Agriculture program regulations.
Inspects sources of air pollution for compliance with applicable laws and regulations; assists in issuing permits and investigates complaints as required.
Reviews prescribed burn plans.
Provides public information regarding agricultural burning issues.
Confers with and represents the county with representatives of various governmental agencies and the public; conducts public meetings as required.
Works with county legal staff to enforce applicable laws, rules, and regulations; assists in preparing case information and testifies in court as necessary.
Prepares a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, and other written materials; maintains accurate records and files.
Enforces air pollution control standards of industrial and agricultural sources under state and federal laws and regulations.
Assists in the coordination of the County agricultural burn program.
Reviews and approves blueprints and plans of industrial and commercial construction regarding air pollution emission standards.
Advises the public and private officials of air pollution regulations and enforcement procedures; reviews and responds to environmental impact reports regarding air pollution emission standards.
Tests, samples, and weighs retail and wholesale packaged commodities for compliance with weights and measures regulations; maintains records of inspections and tests made.
Climb ladders for inspection purposes.
Inspects, tests, and seals commercial scales, weights, measures, and meters; maintains records of inspections and tests made.
Performs assignments associated with the Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program.
Inspects underground storage tanks for compliance with regulations; reviews and inspects underground storage tank precision testing.
Takes soil samples from the underground tank area and tests for contamination.
Investigates complaints and issues citations; provides court testimony as necessary.
May perform Geographic Information System (GIS) assignments.
Grant administration and writing.
Budgeting and fiscal oversight of grant programs.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to satisfactorily perform the job’s essential duties and responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Air Pollution Specialist I:

Basic principles and practices of air pollution, weed control, and prescribed burn techniques.
Use of tools and equipment related to the work.
Computer programs, software, and hardware operation; spreadsheet and database preparation and use.
Basic data sampling and statistical analysis techniques.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation.
Principles and practices of air pollution control and underground storage of hazardous
materials.
Types of weighing and measuring devices.
Basic. methods, equipment, chemicals, and techniques used in air pollution control and hazardous waste programs.
Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistical analysis.
Basic e-mail and computer software programs such as Word and Excel.
Basic remote technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Basic use of a smartphone and applications.
Grant writing and administration.
Budgeting and fiscal oversight of programs.

Skill in:

Performing effective on-site inspections in assigned areas of responsibility.
Utilize safe practices when using tools and equipment related to duties.
Using tact, discretion, and prudence in dealing with those contacted in the course of the work.

Ability to:

Learn and enforce air pollution and hazardous waste rules and regulations.
Learn to operate a variety of weights and measurement devices safely and effectively in routine situations.
Learn to operate computer software, hardware, and peripheral equipment.
Learn to conduct necessary inspections and prepare complete and accurate technical reports.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Make required calculations accurately and quickly as required.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to use a smartphone.
Ability to utilize phone and computer applications.
Ability to use remote meeting technology.
Ability to embrace new technology to make the workplace more efficient.

Required to:

Support the vision and mission of the county and its elected and appointed officials.
Provide courteous and timely customer service to the public as the ultimate employers.
Provide courteous and timely customer service to other county departments and work cooperatively with other county employees.
Adhere to the Modoc County Code of Safe Practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; ability to walk in uneven terrain and on slippery surfaces; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to crawl through various areas requiring movement on hands and knees; ability to climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; drive a county vehicle to visit worksites and attend meetings; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, fax, and smartphones.

Working Conditions:

Work with exposure to potentially hazardous materials. Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities are qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Associate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in air pollution, agriculture, weights, and measure, or a similar setting that will provide the basic knowledge and skills outlined above. Possess a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. Possess Fundamentals of Enforcement certification.

Possess Visual Emissions Evaluation certification.

Possession of a valid Visible Emissions Evaluator Certificate issued by the California Air Resources Board.

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all- inclusive. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

All County of Modoc employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers under state law (California Government Code §3100-3109). Employment with Modoc County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

FLSA Status is dependent upon meeting the qualifications for the exemption test. All of the following must be met for the status to be Exempt. Upon meeting the Exempt status, a certification form will need to be completed to accompany the Personnel Action Notification (PAN) form.

The position was created and approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 28, 2022. Effective July 1, 2022

Range and step updated per approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Salary Table on January 24, 2023

Effective: February 1, 2023

Range and step updated per approval of the side letter of agreement on March 14, 2023, to incorporate a 12% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

Effective: April 1, 2023

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site