Freelance Air Dispersion Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-57150-75450
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP BAQ Permits Div
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 75450
Position Number: 00255027
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00352750
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Air Quality, Permits Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Sean Wenrich
Contact Email: sewenrich@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Would you enjoy a career where you could utilize advanced scientific tools to understand how pollutants move through the atmosphere? As an Air Quality Specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will have the opportunity to help ensure clean and healthy air for communities across Pennsylvania. This role serves as an Air Dispersion Modeler and allows you to apply advanced modeling tools and scientific methods as you analyze emissions data, review modeling inputs, and help strengthen programs that limit harmful pollutants. Apply today to use your technical expertise to make a lasting environmental impact!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role supports statewide permitting and planning by conducting and reviewing air dispersion modeling that helps assess pollutant behavior and compliance with environmental laws. The work applies scientific tools, regulatory requirements, and technical judgment to guide decisions that protect air quality. As an Air Dispersion Modeler, you will perform the following duties:

• Model Maintenance: Manage air dispersion models, associated programs, and input data for statewide use
• Technical Review: Analyze and interpret modeling for criteria and toxic pollutants submitted with permit applications
• Planning Support: Conduct modeling to support air quality planning,National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) implementation, and State Implementation Plan(SIP) development
• Data Evaluation: Assess pollutant transport, air quality trends, and emission control strategies using modeling outputs
• Regulatory Application: Apply federal and state regulations, policies, and guidance related to air dispersion modeling
• Communication Duties: Prepare technical documents and explain modeling results to agencies, industry, and the public

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• 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 $69,086.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience as an Air Quality Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience as an Air Monitoring Program Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional work in the control and abatement of air pollution and a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or an environmental field closely related to Air Quality Management; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• 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.

Veterans:

• 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.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Necessary Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the issuing state, license number and expiration date. If you answered "No" type N/A in the box.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Air Quality Specialist for 2 or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Air Monitoring Program Supervisor for 1 or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
How many years of full-time professional work do you possess in the control and abatement of air pollution?

• 3 or more years
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

08
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09
How much graduate coursework have you completed in Air Quality Control, Air Pollution Management, Environmental Pollution Control, Air Quality Engineering, or Environmental Engineering?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• 30 credits or more
• 15 but less than 30 credits
• Less than 15 credits
• None

10
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, y