Description

JOIN OUR TEAM: AIR QUALITY CHEMIST
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SOUTH COAST AQMD)
South Coast AQMD is seeking a skilled and motivated individual for the Air Quality Chemist position.
ABOUT SOUTH COAST AQMD
The South Coast Air Quality Management District is committed to safeguarding public health and the environment by regulating air quality and developing policies to reduce pollution. We strive to achieve clean air standards for the 17 million people across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley.
ABOUT OUR LABORATORY
Our 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art air quality laboratory is staffed by 50+ professionals and processes more than 60,000 samples annually. Using advanced techniques such as GC, LC, IC, MS, XRF, FTIR, ICP-MS, and PTR-MS, our laboratory supports compliance, research, policy development, and collaborative studies with agencies including CARB, U.S. EPA, law enforcement, and universities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Air Quality Chemist plays a vital role in advancing South Coast AQMD’s mission to ensure clean air. Working in our state-of-the-art laboratory, you will conduct chemical and physical analyses of air quality samples to detect and measure contaminants. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving, and collaboration. Air Quality Chemists also contribute to method development, quality assurance, and data interpretation that inform regulatory actions, policy decisions, and community health protections.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, preferably with an emphasis in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Experience:
   Assistant Air Quality Chemist: No experience is required.
   Air Quality Chemist: Three years as an Assistant Air Quality Chemist or equivalent.
Substitution: A master's degree in chemistry may substitute for up to one year of the required experience; a doctorate in chemistry may substitute for up to two years' experience.
WHY JOIN SOUTH COAST AQMD?
   Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
   Opportunities for professional growth and development
   A collaborative, mission-driven workplace
SALARY & BENEFITS
   Salary: $89,143.38 - $123,053.78 annually
   Full-time position with generous benefits package
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://www.aqmd.gov/careers. The position will close on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to the South Coast AQMD team!