Position Overview and Responsibilities
This Engineering Specialist I position in the Division of Air Resource Management’s Permit Review Section (PRS) reports directly to the Environmental Administrator. The primary responsibility of this position is for the technical review and processing of applications for air permits issued under the major source (Title V) air operation permit program and the new source review (NSR) air construction permit program. Incumbent is expected to make well-reasoned recommendations and provide a complete work product in need of minimal editing for technical details, writing and grammar for the level of experience. The position is also responsible for working to achieve goals identified in the Division’s Business Plan.
Accomplishes engineering technical work required in the review and processing of applications for air permits, including NSR air construction permits and Title V air operation permits. Reviews assigned applications in a timely manner for completeness, technical and scientific accuracy, and adherence to state and federal requirements. Determines completeness of applications, prepares requests for additional information (RAI) when necessary, prepares draft and final permits, public notices, rule applicability review, control equipment requirements, emission inventories, ambient air monitoring reviews and ambient impact assessments. Prepares materials for and attends administrative hearings, as necessary. Reviews and incorporates the work of meteorologist/modeler into the technical documents and information requests. Enters all data into the Air Resource Management System (ARMS) upon issuance of each permit. Position is responsible for managing and completing projects on time. Keeps supervisor up to date on project status. Adheres to the current permit metrics guidance. Recommend process improvements.
Serves on a team working on special projects such as updating industrial source emission inventories of historical and potential/permitted emissions that are in ambient air dispersion models; graphing emissions trends and forecasting future emissions using existing databases, including those of the Department, EPA, U.S. Department of Energy, etc.; determining possible impacts of federal regulations on industry and on Department resources. Assists in preparation of project reports, presentations, statistical analyses, maps, graphics, etc.; and developing informational websites for internal and external use.
Productively interacts with the applicants, consultants, the public and other agencies during permit processing. Works with applicants, consultants, and federal agencies during pre-application phase to determine emission inventory requirements and ambient air modeling protocols in collaboration with the meteorologist/modeler. Provides technical and administrative guidance to district and local air permitting engineers, prospective applicants, consultants, and the general public on matters such as minor source permitting, Title V permitting, compliance, enforcement and monitoring issues. Promotes statewide consistency in permitting and compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of general environmental principles
- Knowledge of industrial processes and activities
- Knowledge of federal and state air regulations
- Knowledge of permit processing
- Knowledge of computer systems, software, databases and the internet
- Skilled in using Microsoft Office for email correspondence, word processing, spreadsheet development and graphics presentation software
- Skilled in analyzing and interpreting technical data
- Skilled in problem solving
- Skilled in conflict resolution
- Skilled in preparing technical reports and documents for defensible permitting decisions
- Skilled in explaining technical issues in plain language
- Skilled in developing presentations to explain technical projects
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to solve problems
- Ability to independently plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments in a timely manner
- Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, procedures in a reasonable manner
- Ability to use a personal computer
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Ability to provide excellent customer service to the public, applicants, consultants and coworkers as well as staff in other divisions, districts and local air programs
Minimum Qualifications
- Valid Driver’s License
- Travel on state business
- At least four years of verifiable related experience in the areas of Engineering, Natural or Physical Science, including Meteorology. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in Engineering, Natural or Physical Science including Meteorology, may be used as an alternative for the required four years of experience on a year-for-year basis.
Position of Special Trust Requirement
This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.
