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Job Description
SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the Nation. We serve a four-county region that includes large areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley, which is home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, an annual budget of nearly $211.4 million, and a state-of- the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!
South Coast AQMD’s mission requires diverse perspectives, talents, and life experiences to solve some of the most complex technical air quality issues. We are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique contributions of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the distinct ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT THE GOVERNING BOARD SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The South Coast AQMD Governing Board Summer Internship Program is open to currently enrolled college students, both undergraduate and graduate level. The 10-week program will run between May 27, 2025 through August 1, 2025. The 8-week program will run between June 10, 2025 to August 1, 2025. Each program includes one-week of orientation activities. While at South Coast AQMD, students work 28 hours per week, side-by-side with air quality and other professionals who are dedicated to cleaning up one of the most challenging air districts in the United States. The internship program can help students make decisions involving collegiate and graduate training in the sciences and other professional fields.
The South Coast AQMD is directed by a 13-member Governing Board and staff are organized into eleven (11) offices that oversee regulatory, scientific, and business functions. Internships are available in each of the South Coast AQMD operational offices. Assignments for interns will vary based on the business function of the office. Each office is listed below, and includes a description of the primary functions and examples of duties.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Administrative & Human Resources
The Administrative & Human Resources (AHR) office performs all administrative/human resources functions, including administering and interpreting human resources-related laws, rules, and regulations, administering personnel and employee relations programs to maximize hiring, retention, and development of highly-qualified employees, ensuring a healthful and safe work environment, controlling risk and accident-related costs, performing maintenance and repairs of the South Coast AQMD headquarters buildings, building equipment, cafeteria, grounds, childcare center, field offices, air monitoring stations, meteorological stations, and landscape maintenance, and administering leases, custodial services, and automotive services.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Participate in comprehensive emergency management and incident command system training.
- Engage in professional development courses related to public administration and human resources.
Community Engagement and Air Programs
The community engagement and air programs division provides a broad range of community engagement services to both internal and external stakeholders. The overall purpose of our division is to enhance the agency’s ability to uphold the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) mission “to enhance public education and equitable treatment for all communities.” A critical component of the division is the Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617) program: a comprehensive community-based effort focused on improving air quality and public health in historically overburdened and environmental justice communities. The purpose of CEAP is to outreach and establish partnerships with community stakeholders and other agencies to implement community emission reduction and monitoring plans in underserved communities identified under AB 617 to improve air quality and reduce health impacts
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Work with CEAP staff and IM staff to implement improved web pages for the AB 617 program.
- Create infographics to visually communicate key aspects of strategic planning for the PY5T working team meetings.
- Organize internal and external (community) resources, such as meeting agenda, charters, stipend procedures, support letters, infographics, media, etc.
- Plan and coordinate the South LA CSC in-person listening sessions and co-lead strategic planning meetings.
- Attend AB 617/CSC meetings and provide summaries and highlights of each meeting or event.
- Work with staff to improve usability and readability of tracking CERP implementation database of approximate 300 CERP objectives.
- Cross-check permits of facilities across several regulatory agencies’ databases.
Compliance & Enforcement
The office of Compliance & Enforcement (C&E) ensures compliance with South Coast AQMD permit conditions, local air quality rules and regulations, and state and federal air quality mandates at permitted facilities. The office also responds to air quality complaints received from the public.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Participate in field operations, including site tours of a petroleum refinery and other facilities.
- Introduction to, and use of, air monitoring techniques and handheld monitoring equipment.
- Manage environmental data and create detailed maps of regulatory zones.
- Analyze compliance with air quality regulations and support enforcement actions.
- Conduct spatial analysis and data visualization using GIS software.
Engineering & Permitting
The office of Engineering & Permitting (E&P) has primary responsibility for South Coast AQMD's permit system, including issuance and administration of RECLAIM (Regional Clean Air Incentives Market) Facility permits, Permits to Construct and Permits to Operate equipment at non-RECLAIM facilities, and the Federal Title V Operating Permit Program.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Conduct research on emerging technologies and best practices in air pollution control.
- Review and update Best Available Control Technology (BACT) guidelines for different industries.
- Draft new Best Available Control Technology (BACT) determinations for different equipment, including emission limits, technology descriptions, operating requirements, and cost metrics as applicable.
- Perform engineering calculations and analyses of the design and operation of various industrial processes and air pollution control equipment to quantify and assess air emissions impacts.
- Analyze environmental impact and compliance for new and existing permits.
- Knowledge management & transfer, including implementation of digital storage of historical files.
- Engage with source testing staff to gather data for new regulatory standards.
- Provide engineering support to other departments as required.
Finance
The Finance office performs all financial functions, including processing payroll, preparation and printing of budgets, financial reports, and work programs, invoicing, revenue posting and depositing, payment of bills, responding to customer questions, financial planning, cash management, treasury management, grant administration, general leger maintenance, administering audits mandated by state law, and administration of contracts and purchasing functions.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Handle financial documentation for environmental projects and ensure compliance with budgetary requirements.
- Organize financial records and manage funding allocations efficiently.
- Conduct detailed reviews of financial transactions to ensure accuracy and accountability.
The Information Management (IM) office performs all information management functions, including desktop support, network services, public records requests, systems and programming, records management, website maintenance and improvement, and technology planning.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Draft and manage IT project documentation and ensure all phases are well-documented.
- Develop training manuals and user guides for internal software applications.
- Manage and update project schedules and plans.
- Participate in life cycle of application development.
- Review Cybersecurity alert notifications.
- Assist with record management/public records duties.
Legal
The Legal office provides legal advice to the Governing Board and staff on all issues relating to the operations of the South Coast AQMD, including enforcement and litigation, and represents the Executive Officer in variances, abatement orders, and permit appeals before the Hearing Board.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only)- Review and interpret environmental legislation and regulations to ensure agency compliance.
- Support legal staff in preparing briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.
- Assist in the formulation and review of policy documents and regulatory measures.
Legislative & Public Affairs/Media Office
The Legislative & Public Affairs/Media Office (LPAM) includes the Public Advisor, Legislative Affairs, Government Relations, Community Outreach, Small Business Assistance and Media Relations units. The mission of LPAM is to promote public participation in, and understanding of, air quality issues, legislation and policies. The office provides information regarding South Coast AQMD regulatory, planning and legislative activities to the general public, businesses, local governments, ethnic communities, and environmental organizations.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only)- Develop and implement public affairs strategies to enhance community engagement.
- Prepare briefings and reports on legislative developments impacting environmental policies.
- Coordinate public relations activities and media communications.
Monitoring & Analysis Division
The Monitoring & Analysis Division (MAD) operates and maintains the South Coast AQMD’s air monitoring network, performs chemical analyses in a state-of-the-art laboratory, conducts source tests and evaluations, initiates local community monitoring in environmental justice communities, and implements quality assurance programs. In addition, MAD evaluates low-cost sensors, implements advanced optical remote sensing (ORS) technologies and provides meteorological, sampling and analytical support as part of the South Coast AQMD's incident and wildfire response programs.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Perform statistical analysis and visualization of environmental data to support air quality assessments.
- Collaborate on projects to refine methods for collecting and analyzing air quality data.
- Develop and maintain emissions inventories and other analytical tools.
Planning, Rule Development & Implementation
The Planning, Rule Development & Implementation (PRDI) office is responsible for the majority of the South Coast AQMD’s air quality planning functions, and developing proposals for new rules and amendments to existing rules. Programs administered by this office include: Annual Emissions Reporting, Toxics Hot Spots (AB2588), Air Quality Modeling and Emissions Inventory, Health Effects, Air Quality Management Plans and State Implementation Plans, Meteorology, Air Quality Evaluation, CEQA, Socioeconomic Analysis, Transportation Programs, Rulemaking, and Implementation. The Mobile Source unit participates in state and federal mobile source rulemaking, and oversees development of new South Coast AQMD mobile source rules.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Support the development of strategic air quality plans and policy documents.
- Research and draft regulatory measures aimed at reducing air pollution.
- Engage with stakeholders during the rule development process to gather feedback and insights.
Technology Advancement Office
The Technology Advancement Office (TAO) cosponsors low- and zero-emission and clean fuel technology development and demonstration projects in cooperation with private industry, technology developers, and local, State, and federal agencies. Additionally, TAO implements a range of incentive funds available to local fleets to accelerate implementation of lower emitting technologies, and provides outreach to support cleaner technologies. AB2766 created the MSRC, an independent agency, to make recommendations as to which projects and programs would be funded from motor vehicle registration fees received by the South Coast AQMD. TAO provides staff and support to facilitate its activities.
Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):- Evaluate and report on the performance of emerging clean air technologies.
- Assist in administering grant programs to ensure compliance and effective use of funds.
- Collaborate with industry and academic partners to advance technological solutions for air quality improvements.
MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled college/university students*, both undergraduate and graduate level. Available to work 28 hours per week, from May 27, 2025 through August 1, 2025 (10-week program) or June 10, 2025 through August 1, 2025 (8-week program).
At least 18 years of age
SALARY: $20.00/hour for college/university students*.
*Students who have received a college acceptance letter may apply for consideration.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Applications should be submitted between February 07, 2025 - March 07, 2025.
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:
1. A completed employment application covering employment history, if any.
2. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test, and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question.
3. An unofficial copy of your transcripts (or equivalency evaluation if your education was obtained outside the U.S.), documenting all qualifying education claimed, submitted as an attachment to your online application** OR A letter of acceptance to any college or university.
**You MUST attached to your application acceptable documentation for all education claimed on your application. Acceptable documentation consists of an unofficial copy of your transcripts/equivalency evaluation attached to your application. At a later date, candidates under final consideration may be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD, documenting all education claimed on their applicatio n.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Application packages and responses to the supplemental questionnaire will be screened for completeness.
Please note: All candidates hired will be required to attend a multi-week Internship training course. We anticipate that the group of new Interns will be onboarded and scheduled for this training on May 27 or June 10, 2025.
Only those who demonstrate at each successive step of the selection process that they are among the most competitively qualified will be advanced to the next step. South Coast AQMD reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any elements of the selection process deemed appropriate, based on the number and quality of applicants at each step.
Candidates who may need a special accommodation during the selection process must call the Human Resources Department at least one week prior to any test dates.
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, please be aware that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 396-2800.
All applications received are forwarded in April to South Coast AQMD Governing Board members for review and consideration. Students are expected to be notified of their selection in May and begin their assignments by May 27, 2025 or June 10, 2025.
Interns are not eligible for benefits.
Closing Date/Time: 3/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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South Coast Air Quality Management District
Show moreSouth Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation. We serve a four-county region that includes all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 750 employees, an annual budget of $170.9 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthful environment.
Mission
To clean the air and protect the health of all residents in the South Coast Air District through practical and innovative strategies.
What is the South Coast AQMD?
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. The region is home to more than 17 million people–about half the population of the entire state of California.
Despite significant improvements to air quality, more work needs to be done to protect public health through innovative and practical strategies. Air pollution can cause or worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, certain types of cancers and premature death. South Coast AQMD has been at the forefront of the nation’s air pollution reduction efforts for more than eight decades.
What South Coast AQMD Does
South Coast AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution. These can include anything from large power plants and refineries to the corner gas station. There are about 28,400 such businesses operating under South Coast AQMD permits. Many consumer products are also considered stationary sources; these include house paint, furniture varnish, and thousands of products containing solvents that evaporate into the air. About 25% of this area's ozone-forming air pollution comes from stationary sources, both businesses and residences. The other 80% comes from mobile sources–mainly cars, trucks and buses, but also construction equipment, ships, trains and airplanes. Emission standards for mobile sources are established by state or federal agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than by local agencies such as the South Coast AQMD.
How South Coast AQMD Controls Pollution
South Coast AQMD develops and adopts an Air Quality Management Plan, which serves as the blueprint to bring this area into compliance with federal and state clean air standards. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. South Coast AQMD staff conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with these requirements.
The test of whether these efforts are working is the quality of the air we breathe. South Coast AQMD continuously monitors air quality at 38 locations throughout the four-county area. This also allows South Coast AQMD to notify the public whenever air quality is unhealthful.
South Coast AQMD’s Sources of Revenue
To meet its financial need, the South Coast AQMD utilizes a system of evaluation fees, annual operating fees, emission fees, Hearing Board fees, penalties/ settlements and investments that generate approximately 73% of South Coast AQMD’s revenue. The remaining 27% of its revenue is from federal grants, California Air Resources (CARB) subvention funds, and California Clean Air Act Motor Vehicle fees.
Progress So Far
Air quality in this area has continually improved despite an enormous increase in population and cars. For example, maximum levels of ozone, one of our worst smog problems, have been cut to less than one quarter of what they were in the 1950s, even though today we have nearly three times as many people and four times as many vehicles.
In recent decades, we have eliminated Stage I smog alerts, which used to occur 100-120 times a year. We have not reached Stage II levels since the 1980s.
The Job Ahead
The clean air effort still has a long way to go. In 2005, the federal 1-hour standard was replaced by a stricter 8-hours standard that was further strengthened in 2008. Even though recent years have been the cleanest on record, our air in the South Coast Air Basin still exceeded the federal health 8-hour standard for ozone on 113 days in 2009. Maximum levels are almost twice as high as the federal standard for clean air.
State and federal law requires this area to meet existing clean air standards by the year 2015 for annual PM 2.5; and by 2023 for the 8-hour average ozone standard. However, tougher federal air quality standards for particulates and ozone issued in 2006 and 2008 require reductions above and beyond those already planned. South Coast AQMD estimates it will take until at least 2020 to meet the new 24-hour average particulate standard, and until 2030 to meet the new ozone standard. This may seem like a long time to continue to live with smog. But the cleanup effort is enormous. Even though we already have the strictest pollution control requirements in the nation, we still have to reduce some types of pollution by up to 90% if we are to rid the area of smog.
The war on smog began in this region more than a half century ago. With continued commitment and sensitivity to the impacts of efforts to control smog, residents can be assured that public health standards for air quality will be achieved.
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