POSITION

PSE is seeking to hire an Air Quality Field Technician. This exempt, full-time role will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and deploying PSE’s growing collection of research-grade air quality analyzers across a range of indoor and outdoor environments and pollutants (e.g., CH4, CO2, CO, NOx, BTEX). The role will require ~50% of work in person, working with multiple team members, and responding quickly to changing needs in a rapidly emerging field of study. The ideal candidate will be comfortable leading field work campaigns involving multiple analyzers and pieces of field equipment research equipment and be well versed in quality control/assurance protocols in support of research-grade data collection and study designs. The candidate should also be comfortable with both short-term sampling and longer-term data collection endeavors. The candidate should be a people-person as well as detail-oriented and comfortable with handling logistics of planning for and executing fieldwork including supporting and leading coordination of travel arrangements, study site logistics and volunteer recruitment to support field data collection. The candidate should be self-motivated, willing to adapt to the inevitable unforeseen challenges of primary scientific research, never afraid to bring new ideas to the table, and excited to work in a high-impact setting where there is always more to learn.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Physical Systems Management:

Maintain air quality analyzers and ancillary support equipment to respective manufacturer’s recommended operating procedures. This includes maintaining chains of custody, and development and adherence to QA/QC protocols and routine maintenance and system calibration checks.
Lead training for other PSE staff who wish to learn how to use the analyzers.

Fieldwork, Data Collection and Analysis:

Prepare, manage and operate trace gas and air quality analyzers and other field-based sampling equipment. Traveling will be required to physically collect measurements on site working with other team members and collaborators.
Oversee transportation of analyzers and equipment to field sites, which may include commercial and hazmat shipping.
Prepare and maintain database collation for handoff to data analysts which includes detailed documentation of sample collection in adherence to study designs.
Coordinate travel arrangements, study site logistics and volunteer recruitment to support field data collection.
Contribute to data collation, cleaning and analysis as well as the writing of sampling protocols and methods sections in peer-reviewed papers, technical reports and other work products.

Communication:

Contribute to publication of research through technical reports, peer-reviewed scientific publications and other work productsCommunicate often with our research team and external collaborators.
Communicate with the public, including study participants and other stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS

In addition to an ability to meet the above responsibilities, the position will require the applicant to possess most of the following, with some capabilities in the rest and an enthusiasm for learning:

Bachelor’s degree and at least 3+ years experience using, calibrating, and maintaining research-grade air quality analyzers
- Higher levels of education and experience is a plus
Training or proven experience conducting primary field research
Experience in data management and processing using computer software such as Excel, R, or Python
Experience in air quality research
Experience handling compressed gases
Experience shipping research supplies, both domestically and internationally
Able to travel at least one week per month outside the SF Bay Area, as needed
Excellent writing, communication, and social skills
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent attention to detail
Capable of working on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing tasks effectively
Able to productively provide and receive feedback
Able to follow direction, work independently, and collaboratively
Ability to lift and manage up to 50 pounds
Possess a state-issued driver’s license
Willingness to obtain a Hazmat shipping certification, including international.
Fluency in English is required, fluency in other languages, Spanish in particular, is desirable
A desire to learn
A sense of humor

DESIRED SKILLS

Holds a higher degree (masters, PhD, etc.) in environmental science, environmental health, engineering, chemistry, geology, or related field
Experience using Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, etc)
Experience using Slack

LOCATION

This position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and intermittently requires substantial travel.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The anticipated salary range is $62,500-$79,000+, though the successful candidate could be hired above or below this range depending on qualifications and geographic location. Benefits are competitive and include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, 15 days of vacation, paid sick leave and 11+ paid holidays.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume or CV and provide a cover letter -OR- responses to the question prompts in the online application by June 1st, 2023. Applications received by May 15th, 2023 will be given priority review.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-VERIFY NOTICE

PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.