| WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN THIS JOB: |
The Adams County Community & Economic Development Department, based in Brighton, CO, is looking for an Air Quality Policy & Program Specialist to guide policy, identify strategies, and develop programs that address air quality and its public health impacts on communities. The Air Quality Policy & Program Specialist serves as an internal policy expert and liaison between the Board of County Commissioners, Board of Health, internal departments, community partners, and the residents and businesses of Adams County in matters related to air quality and the built environment. We are seeking an individual to coordinate and lead activities associated with air quality program and policy development within Adams County and across the Denver metro region, as well as at the state and federal levels. This position works collaboratively with municipalities, regional partners, air quality councils, and government agencies on strategies that improve air quality in support of Adams County’s air quality related goals and objectives. Strong capacities in relationship building, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, problem-solving, and policy and program development is essential for success in this position. |
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| EXAMPLES OF DUTIES FOR SUCCESS: |
The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time. - Serves in a liaison capacity with the Adams County Board of Health and Board of County Commissioners in matters pertaining to air quality, climate change, and public policy.
- Plans, leads, and implements policy development and outreach activities by engaging with multiple stakeholder groups, municipalities, state agencies, coalitions, and other key stakeholders as identified.
- Formulates policy and regulatory recommendations that address existing gaps or needs in the proper control of emission sources and exposure pathways stemming from the built environment.
- Develops local policies and programs that address air quality, climate change, and community resiliency.
- Translates legislative initiatives aimed at addressing emissions of pollutants, air toxics and greenhouse gases into local policies, programs, and goals that support air quality objectives.
- Tracks, communicates, and responds to ongoing policy and regulatory actions being analyzed or proposed by federal and state legislative bodies and agencies.
- Investigates evidence-based findings and analyzes information to inform options for county and community-scale policies, programs, and services that will reduce public exposure to harmful airborne pollutants and prevent cumulative air quality impacts.
- Conducts community-based initiatives that address air quality impacts of the built environment, exposure pathways, and available mitigation tools with an emphasis on environmental justice.
- Provides expertise on ambient air quality, indoor air quality, climate change, and emission reduction strategies to internal and external stakeholders, and on communication strategies for conveying such information to a broad range of constituents.
- Addresses air quality impacts within the county comprehensive plan, transportation plan, sustainability plan, and other guiding instruments of governance to ensure protection of public health, welfare, and the environment.
- Identifies grants and other funding sources to support community-scale air monitoring initiatives and programs such as the Love My Air program.
- Works with county staff, community partners, stakeholders, and municipalities to implement strategies that enhance local air pollution monitoring, data evaluation, and public engagement on air quality issues.
- Assimilates quantitative and qualitative data and information that can be used to prioritize local/regional air quality issues that impact health and/or disproportionately impacted communities with attention to environmental justice and health equity.
- Assists in the evaluation of source air permits, control measures, and air monitoring plans, including but not limited to oil and gas facilities, Title V facilities, and other industrial sources.
- Provides educational and technical assistance to cross-departmental programs, community organizations, and the public on matters pertaining to air quality.
- Fosters collective problem solving among municipal partners, health department staff, community partners, and community members to address and improve air quality.
- Educates and shares information with residents and businesses on evidence-based practices and programs that can reduce air pollutant exposure and steps that lead to healthier community environments.
- Reviews land use development plans and proposals for conformance with local and state air quality regulations and recommends additional measures to further reduce air quality impacts.
- Sources and applies for grant funds to support the development and implementation of the County’s air quality-related goals and objectives.
- Effectively utilizes available information technology to access, collect, analyze, use, maintain, and disseminate data and information.
- Prepares a variety of reports, tabular and narrative, as required.
- Prepares staff reports and presentations for department leadership and the Board of County Commissioners related to air quality policy, programs, and actions in the county.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
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| QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS: |
- Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and/or statutes.
- Experience in land use planning strategies that can contribute to improved public and environmental health outcomes.
- Experience with and ability to understand, interpret, and apply statutes and regulations pertaining to air quality, air pollution, and emission sources.
- Familiarity with inclusive and equitable community engagement and outreach strategies.
- Experience analyzing and using environmental and public health data to inform policy and program development and implementation.
- Familiarity with state environmental commissions, respective rulemaking processes, and mechanisms for public and party participation.
- Ability to assess development applications for potential air quality impacts on local communities and provide recommendations to mitigate potential impacts.
- Experience with methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports to meet project deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Must be able to handle sensitive information and situations as well as know when to pass these on to management.
- General knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) software programs to enable the individual to add minimal functions and use for directional and location information.
- Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of personal computer equipment and software such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and other products as required by job.
COMPETENCIES - Decision Quality: Makes sound and timely decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.
- Informing: Provides timely and relevant information to colleagues, stakeholders, or the public using appropriate means to facilitate understanding and decision making.
- Teamwork: Must work as a part of the team, bringing together relevant partners (internally and externally) to achieve goals and objectives. Must be able to lead, when necessary, but also follow through on other’s directives when needed.
- Organizing: Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, and support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and files in a useful manner.
- Problem Solving: Uses rigorous logic and reasoning methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all potential sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the easiest answers. Must be able to make a sound decision and even if the decision may be unpopular.
- Process Management: Skilled at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; knows how to organize people and activities; understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient workflow; knows what to measure and how to measure it; can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others can't; can simplify complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources.
- Technical Learning: Picks up on technical matters quickly; can learn new skills and develop knowledge; is adept at learning new industry, company, product, or technical information; does well in technical environment.
- Written Communications: Can write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect to specific audiences.
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