TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 1642200

*Please note that these titles are currently Air Pollution Meteorologist 2, 3 and 5.

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Air Pollution Meteorologists are responsible for the review and analysis of the air quality impact of various types of air pollution sources, such as combustion and cogeneration facilities, waste incinerators, and other toxic pollutant sources, on air quality and the environment. Incumbents monitor facilities with operating permits issued under Title V of the Clean Air Act.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

          AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 1:  full performance level; reviews submitted dispersion modeling protocols; assists in modeling exercises to confirm results; and evaluates the adequacy of air quality and meteorological monitoring sites for studies in progress.

          AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 2: advanced performance level and/or supervisory level; in addition to the duties listed above, provides guidance and technical consultation to regulated community; and trains subordinates on the application and implementation of revisions made by the Environmental Protection Agency on models and modeling guidelines, to ensure that the agency stays abreast of new scientific developments in the field; may supervise Air Pollution Meteorologists 1, or serve as technical advisor to other bureau staff.

           AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 3: first supervisory level; supervises lower level Air Pollution Meteorologists, and other technicians assigned to assist and support the program; within the Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Stationary Sources, manages the activities of the agencys Impact Assessment and Meteorology Unit.  

RELATED CLASSES

Environmental Chemists assist various environmental programs in all areas of environmental chemistry relating to sampling, laboratory procedures, laboratory analyses, data evaluation and data interpretation. Positions in this series test groundwater, surface water, soil, sediments, air, plants, animal or fish tissues and solid and hazardous materials to determine the presence of contaminants, to identify their source, to gauge compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and to evaluate current or potential adverse impacts on the environment.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 1:  under the direction of higher-level staff, evaluates and forecasts atmospheric air pollution and weather-related phenomena; evaluates the adequacy of monitoring sites for studies in progress; provides weather information to assist authorities in emergency operations for weather-related problems and ozone health advisories; interprets federal and State air pollution rules and regulations with regard to the applicability of air quality impact assessment through the use of established mathematical models; assists in the preparation of reports; reviews and assists in the implementation of technological developments in air pollution meteorology and mathematical modeling; and participates in training programs.

AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 2: under the supervision of higher-level staff, evaluates, interpret and forecasts atmospheric air pollution; provides guidance through weather forecasting for statewide weather related emergency operations and ozone health advisories; analyzes, assesses and evaluates air quality impact of pollutant sources; prepares testimony and participates in public hearings; provides technical input for the preparation of legal briefs, technical consultation to industry and other government agencies, and technical guidance to lower-level staff; reviews technological developments in air pollution meteorology and mathematical modeling; participate in federal and inter-agency training programs; independently prepares reports; and trains lower level staff.

AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 3: oversee lower level Air Pollution Meteorologists; leads presentations to large groups during emergency situations; monitors changes to federal Title V guidelines and ensures that staff is trained in new regulations and models; reviews reports prepared by lower level staff; prepares and/or reviews legal briefs; directs the operation of alert and warning systems for unusual or high air pollution episodes; evaluates and selects all meteorological testing equipment, hardware and software used in air pollution control, modeling and simulations; coordinates all meteorological activities with other professionals in the field of air resources; recommends dispersion modeling procedures for conducting ambient impact analyses to permit applicants; provides guidelines for the development of modeling protocols which are to be submitted for review and approval by the agency prior to the submission of modeling analysis; determines when air quality dispersion modeling is required to support Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), State or Title V permit applications and related actions, or when it is required to support actions under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), such as the impacts from toxic emission sources, Environmental Justice assessments and the Department's policy on fine particulate matter; and establishes goals and priorities for effective monitoring of regulated facilities related to air pollution meteorology. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 1

Open Competitive: a bachelor's or higher-level degree in mathematical or physical sciences including or supplemented by 21 semester credit hours in meteorology or atmospheric science, and two years of experience in air pollution meteorology. A master's degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences can be substituted for one year of the qualifying experience. A Ph.D. degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences can be substituted for two years of the qualifying experience.

AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 2

Promotion: one year of service as an Air Pollution Meteorologist 1.

Open Competitive: a bachelor's or higher-level degree in mathematical or physical sciences including or supplemented by 21 semester credit hours in meteorology or atmospheric science, and two years of experience in air pollution meteorology. A master's degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences can be substituted for one year of the qualifying experience. A Ph.D. degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences can be substituted for two years of the qualifying experience.

AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGIST 3

Promotion: one year of service as an Air Pollution Meteorologist 2.

Date:  12/16

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. For current information on minimum qualifications please contact the Division of Staffing Services.