Air pollution analyst

Air pollution analysts conduct field and lab tests to examine the pollution of air in different areas. They also identify sources of pollution.

Air pollution analysts measure, sample, and analyze data gathered from polluted air. They work with other specialized scientists to develop future techniques for reducing or eradicating air pollution. They play a vital role in controlling human pollution outputs.

Includes people working with specialists such as engineers and environmental scientists.

The following list includes typical responsibilities that one might encounter as an air pollution analyst:

• Evaluate existing policies as they have developed in light of new data and circumstances.
• Create new proposals to drive policy
• Focus on individual or industry problems and create policy that will support a solution; focus on technical problems
• Define and implement the most effective solution from an economical, regulatory and human resources perspective
• Analyze political processes which use the role and influence of internal and external stakeholders in the process
• Combine case studies, legal and regulatory precedents, research and statistics to create a detailed analysis
• Test, where possible, aspects of the policy to ensure that it is useful and durable by industry standards
• Stay informed of interest group demands, which include businesses, governments, and special interest citizen groups
• Be accessible to answer public query and relevant polling information
• Prepare sub-reports or preliminary reports and other guiding documents
• Present findings, reports, and draft policies to internal stakeholders and governmental organizations
• Make professional recommendations to decision-makers that balance environmental, social and economic factors
• Develop timelines and metrics for the implementation of the policy in question
• Account and mitigate for unintended effects and effects across demographics
• Collect supporting and detracting data to ensure that tier-1 analysis is valid

Air pollution analysts spend the majority of their time in offices and laboratories analyzing data and creating comprehensive solutions to air pollution problems. However, some air pollution analysts spend a great deal of time in the field collecting samples and possibly being exposed to toxic conditions. Adverse weather conditions can also be an obstacle for those working in the field.

Air pollution analysts are often employed by government agencies on a federal, state, or local level. The data collected often inspires environmental policy changes. However, private corporations and business will sometimes hire air pollution analysts to determine the environmental detriments of their own procedures and practices.

Most air pollution analysts work full time hours, but may be required to work overtime if they are collecting samples in the field.

The following job titles also refer to air pollution analyst:

air quality consultant
air environment technician
air quality technician
environmental analyst
air quality field technican
air quality monitoring technician
air quality technologist

A bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, or other related field is a minimum to work as an air pollution analyst. Higher education and research experience are an asset for career advancement.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Air pollution analyst is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to air pollution analyst.

desalination technician
petroleum pump system operator
gas processing plant control room operator
oil refinery control room operator
mine surveying technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of air pollution analyst. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of air pollution analyst with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

mud logger
geochemist
environmental mining engineer
mine ventilation engineer
mine electrical engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of air pollution analyst.

• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

These skills are necessary for the role of air pollution analyst.

• Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
• Collect samples: Set up and operate equipment to collect water, gas or soil samples for testing.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Write production reports: Make up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.
• Test samples for pollutants: Measure concentrations of pollutants within samples. Calculate air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes. Identify potential safety or health risks such as radiation.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of air pollution analyst. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Impact of meteorological phenomena on mining operations: Local meteorological conditions and their impact on mining operations, including measurements.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of air pollution analyst. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Collect geological data: Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.
• Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
• Assess environmental impact: Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation’s environmental risks while taking costs into account.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Conduct inter-shift communication: Communicate relevant information about the conditions in the workplace, progress, events, and potential problems to the workers in the next shift.

3111 – Chemical and physical science technicians

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References

1. ESCO
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. How to become an air pollution analyst | EnvironmentalScience.org
4. Jobs, occupations and careers – Air Pollution Analyst – GoStudy.net
5. Featured image: Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash