Environmental Specialist (Air Quality Permit Writer)

Position may be used to fill Two (2) Full-time positions
Salary: $4,950.40 – $8,931.86 Monthly
$59,404.80 – $107,182.40 Annually
Opening Date: January 21, 2025
Closing Date: Open until filled, first review of applicants on February 11, 2025
Location: 1010 Main St. Springfield, Oregon 97477, eligible for hybrid or remote work
Position: Environmental Specialist (Air Quality Permit Writer)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with flexibility per business need
To Apply:
Please email your application (downloadable here), resume, and cover letter to Jobs@lrapa.org.

The Position:
The Environmental Specialist serves as an air quality permit writer primarily to develop air quality permits for industrial sources of air contaminants which are regulated by the Agency.

The position is an entry to mid-level position working under the direction of the LRAPA Operations Manager. The successful applicant will conduct reviews of plans and permit documents for various industrial sources located in Lane County, Oregon and draft permits for issuance that comply with federal, state, and local air quality regulations. As a small, local air quality agency, the successful candidate will be involved with a wide variety of work at LRAPA including involvement with criteria pollutants, air toxics and greenhouse gas regulations.

Typical permit writer duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

1. Using understanding of industrial processes and equipment, the permit writer is responsible for development of Air Contaminant Discharge Permit and Title V air quality permits for simple to moderately complex sources in assigned source categories.
2. The permit writer is primary contact with industry management and environmental operations personnel for matters relating to permit requirements and provisions, air pollution control equipment requirement, and emission limits at plant sites.

Minimum required qualifications:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major coursework in physical science, environmental science, or closely related field. Two (2) or more years of experience in the field or equivalent education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and ability.

Preferred experience:
Three (3) years of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities. LRAPA is interested in the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you’re interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate will have skills to convey complex or technical information to facilities and public; knowledge of a variety of industrial and commercial processes and appropriate air pollution control technologies; computer skills including the use of databases and Microsoft Office 365; ability to interpret and apply laws, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the source of air contaminants being reviewed; excellent organizational and personal skills.

1. Knowledge of a variety of industrial and commercial processes, and appropriate air pollution control technologies.
2. Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering as they apply to industrial processes and control systems.
3. Knowledge of designs of a variety of air contaminant control systems.
4. Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills to effectively handle challenging situations. Ability to interpret and apply laws, procedures, and regulations pertinent to the source of air contaminants being reviewed.
5. Proficiency in utilizing Generative AI tools to enhance research, analysis, and communication skills is highly desirable.
6. Ability to gather, assemble, consolidate, and analyze facts and draw logical conclusions.
7. Ability to determine sufficiency, reliability and relevance of the data collected.
8. Ability to investigate, gather evidence, and provide expert testimony in contested cases.
9. Ability to explain applicable rules and regulations to the public and facilities.
10. Preference may be given to bilingual candidates.

Compensation:
• Placement within the range will be based upon the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.
o $4,950.40-$8,931.86 per month
o Comprehensive benefit package which includes:

1. Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
2. Deferred Compensation 457 plan
3. 10 paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
4. Bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days
5. 3 Personal Days (available immediately)
6. Flexible Spending Accounts
7. Health insurance program (medical, dental, vision)
8. Long-term disability insurance provided at no cost
9. Basic life insurance provided at no cost
10. Mental health and well-being resources
11. Training and development for continuous professional development
12. LRAPA employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in the Agency’s offices, located in Springfield, Oregon. May include travel to other agencies or grant sites, including but not limited to Eugene, Oakridge, Cottage Grove, and unincorporated areas of Lane County. Work and training opportunities may require travel within the State of Oregon. Work is performed in an office environment.

To apply:
Visit the posting on our website to review the complete job application description, as well as download LRAPA’s job application.

Application deadline: Continuous, with the first screening of applicants on February 11, 2025.