Air Quality Monitoring Station
ORGANIZATION: USDA Forest Service
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Position Overview: The Air Quality Monitoring Volunteer is a local area volunteer responsible for replacing air filters and ensuring the proper functioning of monitoring equipment at the air quality station located between Flagstaff and Williams a short drive after I-40; occasionally, the volunteer will need to help with equipment maintenance or replacement under guidance from the project help desk. Regular tasks involve driving to the site, performing routine checks of the equipment, replacing air filters. The position requires a weekly commitment, with occasional communication with the main office and/or help desk to report on the equipment condition and address any issues that arise. Every three weeks, the volunteer will need to go to the main office in Williams to drop off boxes with used filters so they can be shipped out for analysis; boxes with new filters will be picked up at this time. Volunteers must follow established safety protocols to ensure their well-being in the field.
Key Responsibilities:
Drive to Monitoring Site: Travel approximately 15 minutes on a well-maintained gravel road after exiting the interstate to reach the monitoring station.
Walk to Monitoring Location: Navigate across a small field about 200 ft without a marked trail to reach the monitoring equipment. This includes passing thru a barbed wire fence with an informal tension gate. The terrain may be uneven and could include snow in winter or exposure to direct sunlight during the summer, so volunteers should be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Filter Replacement and Equipment Checks: Sign into the system and perform routine, semi-automated equipment checks. Record results, remove the used filters from the air quality monitoring equipment and replace them with new filters, and perform another set of equipment checks. Use instructions from the semi-automated system as needed. When equipment is functioning properly (the majority of the time), this process takes about 30 minutes.
Safety Protocols: Follow safety protocols, including:
Check-In and Check-Out: Volunteers must check in before beginning their work and check out upon completion of the task to ensure accountability and safety.
Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy, appropriate footwear (e.g., hiking boots) for walking on uneven terrain and navigating potentially slippery or rough surfaces.
Weekly Commitment: Perform this task once a week to ensure the equipment is maintained and functioning properly. Filter changes occur on Tuesdays with occasional alternate days as specified by the monitoring calendar.
Communication: As needed (generally not more frequently than once per quarter), confer with the help desk for equipment updates, troubleshooting, or reporting on maintenance needs. Loop Forest Point of Contact in when problems cannot be resolved in a single visit.
Requirements:
Vehicle Access: Must have access to a reliable vehicle to travel to the monitoring site. It is possible that over time, the volunteer could obtain training to use the government vehicle.
Physical Ability: Must be able to walk up to 200 ft across uneven terrain without a trail, potentially in snow during the winter or in direct sunlight during the summer, to access the monitoring equipment.
Attention to Detail: Ability to follow simple instructions and handle equipment carefully.
Reliability: Must be able to commit to the weekly schedule and communicate effectively about any issues or concerns with the equipment. If multiple volunteers are selected, then volunteers can share the weekly schedule.
Communication Skills: Must be able to coordinate with the help desk and main office as needed.
Safety Awareness: Understanding and adherence to safety protocols, including proper footwear and check-in/check-out procedures.
Training and Support:
The volunteer will receive training on how to properly change filters and perform basic equipment checks.
Ongoing support will be available through the help desk for any questions or issues.
Time Commitment:
Weekly visits to the monitoring site (approximately 1-2 hours per visit); visits to Williams to drop off used/obtain new filters every three weeks.
Occasional check-ins with the help desk or main office.
Benefits:
Opportunity to contribute to environmental monitoring and community health through a nation-wide air quality monitoring program .
Gain experience working with air quality equipment.
Flexible schedule with the ability to work independently.
Start Date - 2025-02-03
End Date - 2025-12-15
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About USDA Forest Service
Location:
1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, US
Mission Statement
The USDA Forest Service's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Description
The United States Forest Service (USFS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation’s 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, spanning 193 million acres of land.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
800 South Sixth StreetWilliams, AZ 86046
DATE POSTED
January 22, 2025
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Tuesday