Air Pollution Specialist

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 supervision of the APRS Air Resources Supervisor I, the Air Pollution Specialist (APS) will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design, manage, and lead research projects that address California’s evolving air quality and climate change challenges. The APS will apply advanced measurement tools (e.g., mobile platforms, PTR-MS, CRDS, FMPS, LiDAR), analytical methods (e.g., programming, source apportionment, dispersion modeling), and existing datasets (e.g., emissions inventories, ambient pollutant concentrations) to characterize air pollution sources, assess regional and local air quality issues, and investigate statewide air pollution trends. The topic of research will evolve based on the agency’s needs. Additional responsibilities will include developing and managing research contracts, maintaining and troubleshooting air monitoring assets, engaging with stakeholders, preparing standard operating procedures, presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences, and leading or supporting field campaigns.

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 Resources Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

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.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• 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
• Driving long distances using state vehicle fleet, operating out of an equipment warehouse.