Air Quality Dispersion Modeler

Full-time  |  Hybrid  |  Greater Boston Area

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Role Description

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ACHIEVE ENVIRONMENTAL is seeking a full-time Air Quality Dispersion Modeler for a hybrid position in the Greater Boston area.

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This is a hands-on technical role for an air quality professional who specializes in air dispersion modeling. The modeler will plan, perform, and document modeling analyses that support air permit applications, compliance demonstrations, facility planning, and other air quality evaluations for clients in a variety of industrial sectors throughout the United States.

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A primary responsibility will be conducting AERMOD analyses from start to finish, including preparing modeling protocols, characterizing emission sources, processing meteorological and terrain data, evaluating building downwash, designing receptor grids, selecting background concentrations, running the models, and interpreting and documenting the results. This work will support National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) increment demonstrations, significant impact analyses, cumulative impact assessments, and state air toxics evaluations.

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The modeler will work closely with our air permitting engineers to develop modeling approaches that are technically sound and consistent with EPA’s Guideline on Air Quality Models and state modeling guidance. The role will include preparing clear, well-organized modeling reports, conducting rigorous quality assurance of modeling inputs and outputs, and responding to agency comments during permit reviews.

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The modeler may also support related analyses, such as screening modeling, good engineering practice (GEP) stack height evaluations, and visualization of results for clients and stakeholders, and may contribute to scoping and proposals for modeling projects.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Prepare air dispersion modeling protocols and conduct AERMOD analyses for air permit applications, compliance demonstrations, and facility planning.

• Characterize point, area, volume, and line sources, including emission rates, stack parameters, and operating scenarios.

• Process and evaluate meteorological data with AERMET and AERMINUTE, including surface, upper-air, and site-specific data, and assess data representativeness.

• Develop terrain and land-use inputs with AERMAP and AERSURFACE and evaluate building downwash with BPIP-PRIME.

• Design receptor grids and develop background concentrations and nearby-source inventories for cumulative impact analyses.

• Conduct NAAQS, PSD increment, significant impact, and state air toxics modeling demonstrations, including 1-hour NO2 and SO2 and PM2.5 analyses.

• Perform screening analyses with AERSCREEN and evaluate when refined or alternative models are appropriate.

• Conduct rigorous quality assurance and quality control of modeling inputs, model options, outputs, and post-processing.

• Prepare clear modeling reports, figures, and tables that document methods, assumptions, and results.

• Respond to regulatory agency comments and support clients and permitting engineers during agency meetings and permit reviews.

• Develop scripts and tools that streamline modeling setup, post-processing, and visualization.

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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.

• At least three years of professional experience performing air dispersion modeling for regulatory applications.

• Hands-on proficiency with AERMOD and its preprocessors, including AERMET, AERMAP, and BPIP-PRIME.

• Working knowledge of EPA’s Guideline on Air Quality Models (40 CFR Part 51, Appendix W) and related modeling guidance.

• Understanding of NAAQS, PSD increment, and significant impact analyses and experience applying state modeling requirements.

• Experience processing and evaluating meteorological, terrain, and emissions data.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent technical writing skills, including the ability to prepare clear modeling protocols and reports.

• Ability to manage multiple modeling assignments and meet project deadlines.

• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid arrangement in the Greater Boston area and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

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Preferred Qualifications

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• Master’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience with CALPUFF or other EPA preferred, screening, and alternative models.

• Experience with state air toxics programs and health-based ambient air guidelines.

• Experience with Python, R, or other scripting tools for data processing and automation, and with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

• Experience with commercial modeling interfaces and data visualization tools.

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Ideal Candidate

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The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented modeler who enjoys quantitative analysis and takes ownership of the accuracy, transparency, and defensibility of their work. This individual understands the assumptions behind each model input and can explain how they affect the results.

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They can translate complex modeling results into clear conclusions for clients, permitting engineers, and regulators, and they work collaboratively to find practical, compliant solutions when modeling identifies potential exceedances.

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Minimum Requirements

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• 3+ years of air dispersion modeling experience

• Bachelor's Degree

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How to Apply

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To apply, click Apply Now below to complete the online application form on our Careers page, select Air Quality Dispersion Modeler as the position, and upload your resume.