Data Scientist; Air Quality Permitting
Location: Remote (CA preferred)
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)
Spheros Environmental is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Air Quality Permitting Scientist to oversee and manage air permitting strategies and compliance efforts. This role will lead complex permitting projects, guide regulatory strategy, and serve as a key liaison between clients, internal teams, and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in air quality regulations and a strong track record of successfully navigating permitting processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Delivery
- Lead the preparation and management of air permit applications and technical analyses to support air quality planning and compliance, including New Source Review (NSR), Title V (Prevention of Significant Deterioration/PSD), minor source permits, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Develop permitting strategies to support project development and operational compliance, including control technology evaluations and mitigation measures
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local air quality regulations
- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory agencies and stakeholders
- Oversee emissions calculations, regulatory analyses, and technical documentation
- Review and ensure quality of permit applications, compliance reports, and supporting materials
- Provide guidance on compliance requirements, inspections, and enforcement matters
- Mentor junior staff and project teams
- Stay current on regulatory changes and emerging policy trends impacting air permitting
Client Engagement and New Business Development
- Lead or support proposal writing, scoping, and development of technical approaches for competitive bids and client proposals.
- Represent our company at conferences, client meetings, and industry events.
- Build long-term client relationships by understanding market needs and aligning them with our air quality modeling capabilities.
Qualifications:
Experience/Education: At least 12 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g. BS + 8 years, MS + 7 years, PhD + 6 years) in Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, Public Health, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local air regulations with emphasis on the Clean Air Act, including NSR/PSD, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and Title V Permitting.
Prior experience managing permitting projects, including review of facility process flows and equipment.
Experience with criteria pollutant and GHG emissions inventories, annual emissions reporting, and data analysis, and proficiency in emissions models and calculations.
Proficiency in air quality dispersion models (e.g., AERMOD), regulatory analysis methods, and emission control technology evaluations such as best available control technology (BACT)
Familiarity and comfort with managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment through excellent organizational, time management, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
Willingness to travel in support of project and business development activities.
Why Spheros Environmental?
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $100,000 - $130,000, with opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
- Professional Growth: Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
- Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states.
- Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
- Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.
Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.
