About Mojave Desert AQMD
What is Mojave Desert AQMD?
The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District is the air pollution control agency for California's High Desert — the desert portion of San Bernardino County plus the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County, an area of more than 20,000 square miles taking in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Barstow and Twentynine Palms. Formed in 1993 when the region separated from the South Coast district, MDAQMD permits and inspects industrial facilities from cement plants to renewable-energy projects, runs the High Desert's air monitoring network, and administers grant programs that fund cleaner engines across the region. Under a shared-services arrangement its staff also run the neighbouring Antelope Valley AQMD.
Where will I work?
District headquarters at 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, California — on a 9/80. The district's own contact page states: "Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday / 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday (closed alternating Fridays)."
What is the Mojave Desert AQMD team like?
A compact district of roughly 50 staff — air quality engineers, inspectors, planners, monitoring technicians and administrative professionals — small enough that people wear several hats and see the whole regulatory pipeline. Its permitting portfolio runs from legacy heavy industry — including some of the largest cement operations in the western US — to the utility-scale solar projects reshaping the desert economy, and the district also distributes clean-air grant funding across its communities.
Work-Life Balance
Every other Friday the district is closed — a structural nine-day fortnight. One honest note: at the time of listing, the district's own jobs page says "The district does not have any current openings at this time," so treat this profile as one to follow — favourite it and check back when recruitment opens.
Perks and Benefits
- 9/80 schedule — "(closed alternating Fridays)" on the district's own contact page
- Public-agency defined-benefit retirement (California public employer)
- A compact, mission-driven technical team covering 20,000+ square miles of the High Desert
- Shared-services scope: MDAQMD staff also administer the Antelope Valley AQMD, which publishes the same alternating-Friday closure
- Victorville HQ with High Desert cost of living, an hour from the San Bernardino mountains