What are the responsibilities and job description for the STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST position at State Air Resources Board?
This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.
If you have permanent status and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position/classification at the end of this LT appointment. You will be separated from state service if you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status. During this 12-month limited-term assignment, you may be entitled to receive health, dental, and vision benefits. You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.
The Atmospheric Processes Research Section (APRS) of the Research Division (RD) conducts research needed to efficiently achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California’s climate change mitigation goals. Research conducted under APRS supports the development of the State Implementation Plans (SIPs), evaluates the short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emission reduction strategies, improves the characterization of various air pollutant emission sources, and takes preemptive steps to study the effects of climate change on California’s air quality. APRS leverages scientific knowledge, internal air monitoring and analysis capabilities, contracts, and partnerships with various stakeholders to improve the robustness of CARB’s policy and regulatory decisions.
Under the direction of the Air Resources Supervisor I, the Staff Air Pollution Specialist (SAPS) will innovate and utilize advanced air monitoring and analysis methods (e.g., advanced air analyzers, mobile platforms, source apportionment models, emission models) to conduct research that addresses California’s immediate and emerging air quality and climate change mitigation challenges. The SAPS will work closely with the management team and various stakeholders to develop program-relevant research projects and contracts that inform future SIPs, local air quality challenges, air toxics initiatives, and SLCP emission reduction efforts. In the process, the SAPS will proactively initiate discussions with various entities to promote research that simultaneously fulfills multiple air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) research needs. The SAPS will collect and analyze a variety of large spatiotemporal data (e.g., terrestrial remote sensing derivatives, airborne measurements, surface-level mobile measurements, long-term stationary monitoring data, reporting databases, etc.) that is relevant for CARB’s programs and will effectively synthesize and disseminate complex research findings to technical and non-technical audiences. The SAPS will maintain up-to-date knowledge of ambient air quality trends, GHG trends, atmospheric processes, air pollutant (including GHGs and air toxics) emission sources, mandatory reporting and emission reduction requirements, and CARB’s air pollution and climate change mitigation policies necessary for advising CARB staff and formulating comprehensive research projects for the agency.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resource Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required.
Beginning July 1st, 2025, per Executive Order N-22-25, CARB employees will be required to report into office four days a week.
The positions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.
- Position located in a high-rise building
- Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
- Standard office environment (for example, artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)
- Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
- Driving long distances using state vehicle fleet, operating out of an equipment warehouse.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify
CARB values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. CARB believes the diversity of our employees collectively makes up one of the world’s most respected environmental organizations. CARB offers various modern interview options, including remote phone and video interviews. Join CARB and help us improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov
Special Requirements
Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ documents each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Candidates whose applications do not include the required SOQ will not be considered for this position. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
- Require Name on SOQ
- Maximum number of pages: 2 (Arial font, 12 point font)
Describe your education, training, experience, and skills that enable you to perform the duties listed in the Duty Statement.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/16/2025Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Desirable Qualifications
The most competitive candidate will have: proven experience in conducting field campaigns; proficiency in operating advanced air analyzers such as mass spectrometers; knowledge of various sources of air pollutants including volatile organic compounds; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; background in ambient air quality, air toxics, and GHG sources; sound understanding of quality assessment and quality control techniques; knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to air quality and climate change mitigation; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms; experience preparing both technical and non-technical documents; excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with management; ability to work independently and complete tasks with minimal supervision; works well in teams; excellent attention to details; and safe driving records. The candidate must be willing to use special safety equipment as needed. Possession of a California Driver's License is highly desirable.
The most competitive candidate will also possess technical skills in: MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ambient air quality data processing using computer programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) or software such as Igor; data analysis tools like chemical transport model (CTM) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model for source apportionment; atmospheric chemistry and physics; statistical analysis; emission quantification methodologies.
Benefits
- Nearby (third-party) Parking
- Convenient to public transportation
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jackson Tran
(000) -
jackson.tran@arb.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Payam Ahmadi
(000) -
EEOP@arb.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Experience and Education
For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times, and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of the United States course/degree equivalency.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.
Additional Instructions for Mailing or Drop-Off Application Packages
Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Rinporn.Chaipant@arb.ca.gov with the JC number in the subject line to confirm submission. Your email will serve as a time stamp that a document was dropped off before the final filing date. Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date.
NOTE: Applicants must not include Social Security Numbers, LEAP status information or paperwork, Equal Employment Opportunity information, exam result notices or scores, or medical or criminal history information on any document within their application package.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
