Division Engineer (SG-268-24E) Air Quality

Job Description:

Division Engineer (SG-268-24E) Air Quality

Description

JOB POSTING

THE SANITATION DISTRICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY

invites applications for the position of:

DIVISION ENGINEER
(A Management Position)

POSTING #SG-268-24E


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.

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 a bility 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.

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 23/24). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP: For Management Unit employees, the Districts contributes 3% of the employee's CalPERS salary to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2024, the Districts contribute $2,202.87 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

HOLIDAYS

13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
The Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 29, 2023

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$14,818.00 - $18,434.00 Monthly