Air Pollution Specialist

This is an opportunity to work on a new program that will implement new regulations that will ensure that leaks from oil and gas wells operations are repaired rapidly to reduce health impact to those living in proximity of such operations. The Monitoring and Laboratory Division seeks three enthusiastic Air Pollution Specialists for the newly formed, Oil and Gas Emission Monitoring Section. Duties include 1) providing technical and scientific input in the review of leak detection and response plans (LDRP) and determining whether air quality analyses and meteorological data are applied correctly, 2) defending LDRP findings to CARB management, CalGEM, community groups, oil and gas operators, and the public, 3) supporting rulemaking activities such as preparing draft regulatory language, economic analysis, environmental assessments, technical support documents, and initial statements of reasons, 4) explaining the regulations in plain English that easily understood by the community group, operators, other government agencies, and the public,5) reviewing the literature and conducting field studies, if necessary, to identify chemical compositions of leaks from California oil and gas operations, including determining if a specific compound is better serving as a surrogate for air toxic emissions, and 6) participating in field studies with others to audit the effective of the current regulations in detecting leaks.

This position will require the candidate to possess a driver license and to pass training courses (including periodic refresher courses) in first aid/CPR/Fall Prevention and defensive driving, enroll in the DMV Pull Notice Program and maintain a “good” driver status. Additionally, the candidate must be willing to travel more than 25 percent of the time, to work in an industrial environment including exposure to air emissions, fumes, heat, and vehicle traffic, to lift up to 50 pounds, to climb and work at elevated heights, and to wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to a hard hat, safety shoes with toe protection, reflective vest, Nomex overalls, hearing protections, gloves, and safety glasses. This position will require the employee to pass a pre-employment physical.

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.

• Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods
• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone
• Must be able to move/transport items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position will require the candidate to pass training courses (including periodic refresher courses) in first aid/CPR/Fall Prevention and defensive driving, enroll in the DMV Pull Notice Program and maintain a “good” driver status. Additionally, the candidate must be willing to travel more than 25 percent of the time, to work in an industrial environment including exposure to air emissions, fumes, heat, and vehicle traffic, to lift up to 50 pounds, to climb and work at elevated heights, and to wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to a hard hat, safety shoes with toe protection, reflective vest, Nomex overalls, hearing protections, gloves, and safety glasses. This position will require the employee to pass a pre-employment physical.