Air Quality Modeling Scientist

About Us

TRC, Member of WSP, is a global consulting environmental and engineering firm and one of the top design firms in the energy sector. Together, TRC and WSP’s 83,000 experts create positive, long-lasting impacts for our communities and our clients in the power and energy, transportation and infrastructure, environmental, and property and buildings sectors. As part of our team, you’ll discover a world of opportunities to connect with innovative thinkers, forge your path, and have fun tackling the world’s most challenging projects. At TRC, Member of WSP, you can have a rewarding career on every level.

TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.

We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.

Overview

TRC is seeking a motivated Air Quality Modeling Scientist with 2-5 years of experience to support air dispersion modeling, permitting, and regulatory compliance projects for industrial clients throughout Texas and neighboring states.

This position is ideal for a candidate with a strong technical background who wants to further their expertise in air dispersion modeling and permitting. The selected candidate will work closely with senior air quality consultants and modeling subject matter experts to support complex permitting and environmental compliance projects for clients in the power generation, oil & gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about solving complex technical challenges, analyzing environmental data, and developing robust modeling analyses that support major air permitting projects.

This role is approximately 70-80% modeling focused, with permitting and compliance work as supporting responsibilities.  This role is attractive to early-career atmospheric scientists, meteorologists, and environmental engineers who have basic experience conducting air dispersion modeling and seeking to specialize in dispersion modeling.

Responsibilities

Air Dispersion Modeling

• Prepare and evaluate model inputs, including:
• Emissions inventories
• Meteorological data
• Terrain and receptor data
• Building downwash analyses
• Perform air dispersion modeling analyses using:
• AERMOD
• CALPUFF
• Screening models and related regulatory tools
• Conduct model performance evaluations and quality assurance reviews
• Support PSD, NSR, and other modeling demonstrations
• Evaluate impacts for criteria pollutants including PM_2.5, SO₂, NO₂, CO as well as Hazardous / Toxic Air Pollutants
• Assist senior modelers in addressing complex regulatory modeling issues and agency comments
• Prepare technical reports to summarize modeling methodologies, assumptions, and results

Air Permitting & Regulatory Support

• Assist in preparing Texas air permit applications, including:
• NSR permits
• PSD permits
• Permit by Rule Authorizations
• Standard Permits
• Develop emissions calculations and emissions inventories.
• Support Title V permitting and compliance projects.
• Research and interpret federal, state, and local air quality regulations.
• Participate in regulatory strategy discussions for industrial facilities.

Technical Development

• Work directly with senior technical specialists and modeling SMEs to develop advanced modeling and permitting skills.
• Participate in internal modeling training programs and technical workshops.
• Learn emerging modeling techniques, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the development of modeling templates, QA/QC procedures, and technical tools.

Project Support

• Support multiple concurrent projects for clients.
• Coordinate with engineers, scientists, meteorologists, and permitting specialists.
• Assist in preparing technical memoranda, permit applications, and client deliverables.
• Participate in client meetings, agency discussions, and project planning activities as experience grows.

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Qualifications

• Experience with AERMOD, AERMET, BPIPPRM, and AERMAP
• Bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline
• 2-5 years of experience in air quality permitting, air dispersion modeling, and regulatory compliance.
• Direct experience with TX air dispersion modeling projects.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Numerous examples of experience with Texas air permitting regulations.
• Experience with CALPUFF
• Completion of PSD modeling projects.
• Strong knowledge of TCEQ permitting programs.
• Experience with power generation modeling and permitting .
• Experience with oil & gas, LNG, chemical manufacturing, or industrial permitting.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 1-2 years, the successful candidate will:

• Independently execute complex AERMOD projects.
• Prepare modeling input datasets and technical reports with minimal supervision.
• Support PSD and NSR permitting projects across Texas.
• Become a trusted technical resource for air modeling analyses.
• Continue development toward advanced modeling, permitting, and project management responsibilities.

Why Join TRC?

• Work alongside nationally recognized air quality and modeling experts.
• Develop expertise in advanced air dispersion modeling and permitting.
• Support challenging projects across multiple industrial sectors.
• Gain exposure to complex technical analyses, regulatory strategy, and environmental compliance programs.
• Build a career path toward technical leadership and subject matter expertise in air quality modeling.

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Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
• TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.

Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.

Disclaimers

TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.

TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.

Salary Range

USD $67,516.80 - USD $90,000.00 /Yr.