Air Pollution Research Specialist Series
California State Personnel Board Specification
Series established October 20, 1977
Scope
This series specification describes a two-level air pollution research specialist series which analyzes, designs and conducts air pollution control studies and investigations.
Definition of Series
Classes in this series assume responsibility for the development of research design and methodology and collaborate with engineering and technical study teams in the conduct of investigative projects concerned with the determination of air quality standards; develop experimental research, survey and study designs in the field of photochemical air pollution and consult with engineering and scientific staff regarding conduct of studies and interpretation of findings; determine data collection methods to be employed on research and survey projects; maintain continuing liaison with project staff; participate in the analysis of data obtained and the preparation of technical reports; conceptualize research models, drawing upon synthesizing or modifying concepts and approaches from the mathematical, statistical, environmental, physical and biological sciences; supervise the work of such project assistants as may be assigned; develop recommendations regarding air pollution control programs as these may be affected by scientific findings; prepare and edit scientific papers for publication; consult with other agencies and institutions engaged in related research; present information to interested groups; and prepare reports and correspondence.
Entry To the Series
Entry to this series is typically from outside State service at the Air Pollution Research Specialist level.
Factors Affecting Position Allocation
Position will be allocated to the levels in this series according to variety and complexity of assigned work; independence of action; consequence of error; impact of decisions on statewide programs; degree of supervision exercised or received; extent of management responsibility and delegation from higher levels.
Definition of Levels
Air Pollution Research Specialist
This level serves as a staff research specialist, developing programs and performing complex air pollution control work. Incumbents may direct the work of such project assistants as may be assigned.
Supervising Air Pollution Research Specialist
This is the full supervisory and managerial level, supervising one or more major air pollution research units.
Minimum Qualifications
Air Pollution Research Specialist
Experience: Four years of varied and responsible research and development experience in the engineering, or the physical, biological or environmental sciences, at least one year of which must have included responsibility for research consultation and determination of research design and methods for studies in air pollution or a closely related field. (Full-time graduate work in engineering, mathematics or the physical, biological or environmental sciences may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for one year of the required nonspecialized experience. Possession of a doctorate degree in air pollution control, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, or any physical, biological, or environmental sciences may be substituted for three years of nonspecialized experience; possession of a master's degree in the same fields may be substituted for two years of nonspecialized experience.) and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in engineering, mathematics, or the physical, biological, or environmental sciences or a related field. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Supervising Air Pollution Research Specialist
Either I
Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Air Pollution Research Specialist.
Or II
Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) of varied and responsible research and development experience in the engineering, physics, the biological or environmental sciences, or related fields, at least two years of which must have included supervision and responsibility for research consultation, and for determination of research design and methods for complex studies in air pollution or a closely related field. (See master's and doctorate degree substitution in Air Pollution Research Specialist above.) and
Education: See education requirement in Air Pollution Research Specialist above.
Knowledge and Abilities
Air Pollution Research Specialist
Knowledge of: Complex statistical methods and their fundamental bases; mathematics; computer programming and application thereof; atmospheric chemistry, physical meteorology; research techniques, including the planning of studies and investigations; determining of variables and developing of reference materials; research reporting techniques; purposes and practices of air quality standards for Federal, State and local agencies engaged in air pollution research; techniques and procedures for evaluation of research results.
Ability to: Monitor and direct the work of researchers; reason logically and do independent and creative thinking on research problems in the fields of engineering and the biological, environmental and physical sciences; develop techniques for handling a large variety of detailed data and analyze these data; establish and maintain effective working relationships; speak and write effectively; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; and communicate the results and implications of research studies to nonspecialist.
Supervising Air Pollution Research Specialist
Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of program management and personnel administration; departmental and State of California Affirmative Action Programs and goals and principles of effective supervision; Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.
Ability to: All of the above, and plan, monitor and direct the work of one or more major research units; effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.
Class History
