Air Modeling Section Chief (Environmental Group Manager)

Posting number: CS-2026-60054-75550

Department: Department of Environmental Protection

Division: EP BAQ Permits Div

Job classification: Environmental Group Manager

Posting type: SCSC E&T Vacancy

Categories: Environmental Services

Do you want to play a central role in advancing air quality across the Commonwealth? Join the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as an Air Modeling Section Chief and help guide the future of air quality oversight in Pennsylvania. This role offers the chance to lead skilled professionals who assess and interpret air pollution impacts across the state. Your leadership will support sound decision making that protects public health and the environment. Apply today ton step into a career where your expertise makes a meaningful difference!

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This position oversees modeling and risk assessment activities that inform air quality decisions and regulatory actions. As an Air Modeling Section Chief, you will perform the following duties:

• Model Review: Examine and evaluate dispersion modeling to determine accuracy and support air quality assessments
• Team Leadership: Direct professional modelers who conduct air quality and meteorological analyses for the agency
• Technical Analysis: Conduct and interpret ambient air modeling used to support state planning and national air quality standards
• Interagency Coordination: Work with federal and state partners on modeling activities and related meteorological programs
• Policy Evaluation: Assess proposed rules, standards, and procedures for impacts on modeling and monitoring programs
• Expert Consultation: Provide technical guidance and testimony to legal staff, regulators, and external partners

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

• A bachelor’s degree in the biological, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, or in a field closely related to environmental protection or regulation; and five years of professional environmental protection experience; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

You must meet the PA residency requirement.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• This position requires travel.
• Telework:You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week.  In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.  If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.  The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.  Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $78,925.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email.  Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs.  To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position.  No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
• your score may be lower than deserved.
• you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.