Division Engineer - Air Quality Engineering

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Whittier, CA

OUR MISSION

The Sanitation Districts protect public health and the environment through innovative and cost-effective wastewater and solid waste management, and in doing so convert waste into resources such as recycled water, energy and recycled materials. 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/nqYjFh8r3ns?&wmode=opaque&rel=0


The Sanitation Districts is currently recruiting to fill one (1) Division Engineer in the Technical Services Department, Air Quality Engineering Section. This position will report to our Joint Administration Office (JAO) in Whittier.  


This Division Engineer position will lead the Air Quality Section, overseeing a staff of 10 professionals and non-professional staff members engaged in air quality compliance activities for the Sanitation Districts' wastewater and solid waste facilities with an annual budget of $6 million. 


The work of the Section includes: a) overseeing air emissions source testing and other compliance testing, b) compiling and submitting regulatory reports documenting compliance with air quality permits and regulations, c) reviewing pending air quality legislation and regulations to determine impacts to existing wastewater and solid waste operations, d) conducting air quality health risk assessments, and e) assisting operations with obtaining air quality permits for equipment.   


The Division Engineer will also be the lead staff member representing the Sanitation Districts in air quality discussions with regulators and participating in industry work groups focused on air quality issues.


 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

      To manage a group of professional engineers and support staff, to act as a liaison with regulatory agencies and other work groups, and to establish project priorities and schedules.

 

 JOB SUMMARY: 

      Under direction from the Department and Assistant Department Head, the incumbent will plan and manage the analysis of engineering projects related to air quality and the collection and treatment of air contaminants; review and comment on developing air quality rules, regulations, and enforcement policy; conduct and review complex studies and prepare correspondence and reports; review and recommend personnel actions including selections, evaluations and discipline for employees of the division; ensure the completion of projects in the interest of technical adequacy, efficiency, safety and timeliness; review and comment on proposed legislation; act as agency liaison with other governmental agencies and citizen groups; present information to large and small groups; assist in the preparation of the annual budget for the section; and perform related duties as required.


Examples of Ongoing Air Quality Initiatives:

Assessment of New Air Toxics from Waste Facilities
In 2022, new regulations required a two-step process to identify and potentially quantify over 1,700 new potential air toxics, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) compounds, across various waste facilities such as wastewater treatment plants, landfills, material recovery facilities, and composting sites.  This role will oversee the continued collaboration with CARB (California Air Resources Board) , California air districts, Clean Water SoCal, and CASA (California Association of Sanitation Agencies) to establish a methodology for scanning these potential air toxics.  Our objective is to generate a short list of compounds for detailed quantification within the wastewater sector and and subsequently apply this approach to other waste management facilities.


SCAQMD Permit Streamlining
The incumbent is currently collaborating with SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) to identify opportunities to streamline permitting. This initiative may include leveraging artificial intelligence and developing online tools to expedite permit drafting.
 
Landfill Methane Monitoring via Drones
To enhance the effectiveness of our monitoring efforts, the Districts are exploring the use of drones equipped with methane detection technology at our landfills. If validated, drone-based monitoring can be used as a regulatory tool for quickly identifying methane hotspots. This position will lead coordination efforts with CARB, outside agencies, and the Districts’ solid waste sections.  
 
GHG Inventory Evaluation
This position will oversee the production of a comprehensive report that evaluates the GHG (greenhouse gas) quantities emitted and reduced by the Districts from operations, renewable energy projects, and waste diversion projects.  


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

     A valid California Class C driver license -AND- A valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers -AND- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university -AND- One year of experience in the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at or above the level of a Supervising Engineer I -OR- Three years of non-Districts’ experience performing supervisory duties over Professional Engineers.

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

    Experience reviewing and commenting on regulatory actions. Experience with California regulations. A master’s degree in a related engineering or technical field.


EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


     The competitive selection process may cover a Knowledge of:  Regulations governing air quality and the treatment of air and gas streams; principles of project management; personnel management policies; principles, practices, techniques, developments and methods of professional engineering including complex air quality analyses. The ability to:  Manage a group of professional engineers and support staff; ensure the completion of projects in the interest of technical adequacy, efficiency, safety and timeliness; act as liaison with regulatory agencies and other departments; specify and review work procedures and standards; and train, evaluate and participate in other personnel-related actions involving subordinates; prepare, critique and implement solutions for complex engineering problems; and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS:

  • All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.  
  • The selection process will consist of an interview weighted at 100%. 
    • There will be a written assessment included as part of the interview.
  • Review of first round of applications are scheduled for October 31, 2024.
  • It is anticipated that the written exercise will be administered November 12, 2024 to November 15, 2024. 
  • It is anticipated that interviews will be conducted the week of November 18, 2024 to November 22, 2024 in Whittier, CA.

Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application.  Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail.  Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current.  To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.  


NOTE:   The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related pre-employment physical, as well as a reference check, background, check, DMV report, and a drug test.


To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video:   Converting Waste into Resources. 


For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact SHELLEY GLASMAN at (562)-908-42288, ext. 1340.


As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.