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Air Quality Control, an Easy Field to Get Into, But Experience is Required to be a Specialist in the Field

Air Quality Specialists are professionals trained to test and investigate the quality of air in a particular environment. As an example, the air quality in urban areas is tested for smog on a regular basis, usually daily in fact, in most cities.

As an air quality specialist, some of your job duties would include investigating complaints made by consumers involving businesses or individuals who possibly aren't in compliance with local regulations concerning air quality, recommending control measures needed to ensure compliance with local regulations, and possibly even issuing citations to individuals or businesses not in compliance. You would also be expected to install, calibrate and maintain any equipment needed to measure air quality in a certain area over long periods of time, analyze data collected from this equipment, write reports evaluating data collected, and maintain files. You might be expected to review permit applications, grant or deny permit requests based on air quality findings, help to develop regulations or recommend changes necessary in existing regulations, testify in court hearings if necessary regarding air quality in a particular area, and participate in ongoing monitoring services of air quality.

As you can see, the duties of an air quality specialist are many. The main job responsibility though, of any air quality specialist is to promote awareness and understanding of air quality issues and the importance of good air quality as necessary to our environment. This may mean that you have to act as the 'bad guy' at times in order to ensure that air quality regulations are followed by businesses or individuals who routinely disregard air quality regulations, but it also means that you are doing what is necessary to keep our air clean and breathable for everyone else.

A background in engineering studies or environmental technology would be a plus for this career path. A bachelor's degree is not always required for this position, but knowledge of federal laws pertaining to air quality regulations is crucial. Other knowledge and skills that would be helpful in this field include advanced mathematical skills, knowledge of testing methods and protocols, and knowledge of conditions, which normally contribute to air quality problems as well as accepted control measures.

The salaries of air quality specialists are varied but in most areas you can make upwards of $60,000 a year. In California, the average yearly salary of an air quality specialist is $84,000. Needless to say, it's a profession worth pursuing. In entry-level positions, often travel is required, as many entry-level jobs involve air quality testing in several areas. It's a position that requires working outside as well as inside, so if you enjoy being outdoors part of the time, you may enjoy a position in this field. Most people find that they can acquire jobs in the industry with only an associate's degree in environmental studies, although several years of experience is necessary before you could advance to a high enough position to be considered an air quality specialist. Still, it can be done and for those concerned with the quality of air we must breathe, it's a great opportunity.