About the role
Air Quality Assurance Officer
We are looking for a Quality Assurance (QA) Officer to join the Air Quality Bureau within the Air, Energy, Mining Division. This position serves as the independent quality assurance management function for Montana's Ambient Air Monitoring Program and is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the federally required ambient air monitoring quality system. The QA Officer provides independent oversight of the program to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations as well as DEQ quality management policies. The position requires sufficient technical expertise and management authority to assess, evaluate, and report on the implementation of the monitoring program’s quality system.
Primary Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design, implement, and continuously improve the statewide quality system for Montana's Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program.
- Develop, evaluate, and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other quality assurance documentation for ambient air monitoring activities.
- Conduct independent system audits through on-site inspections and comprehensive evaluations of monitoring measurement systems to assess compliance with established regulations.
- Perform scientific and statistical evaluations of monitoring data to assess data quality and determine whether data are of sufficient type, quality, and quantity to support data quality objectives.
- Prepare technical reports, audit findings, corrective action recommendations, and quality assurance assessments.
- Serve as the principal investigator and primary author of the Annual Monitoring Network Plan and Data Certification.
- Collaborate with monitoring staff, program managers, and regulatory agencies while maintaining the independence required to objectively evaluate program performance and data quality.
At the Department of Environmental Quality, our goal is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ employees are the heart of our organization. We value the people and invest in their professional growth, promoting a culture of cross-agency collaboration as we find solutions to the environmental challenges we face. DEQ values – leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making – are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality!
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, biology, atmospheric science or physics, or a related field.
- Five years of job-related experience in atmospheric chemistry or physics, quality assurance and quality control, field sampling, and/or meteorology.
- Current valid Driver's License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy.
- Other combinations of education and experience may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Applications, including supplemental materials such as cover letter and resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site by the closing date of the announcement. In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position. The QA Officer position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.
Effective July 1st, 2026, all employees will receive a $1/hour increase or an increase of 2.5%, whichever is greater.
Effective February 23, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: Competitive salary range based on experience.
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings: 1
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality
Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
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