Staff Air Pollution Specialist

Join the Fight Against Climate Change and become a Staff Air Pollution Specialist in the F-Gas Reduction Strategy Section at the California Air Resources Board.

Are you ready to take on one of the most powerful greenhouse gases threatening our climate? The Fluorinated Gas Reduction Strategy Section is looking for a highly motivated, forward-thinking technical principal (Staff Air Pollution Specialist) to lead groundbreaking efforts to slash emissions of fluorinated gases (F-gases), particularly hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
 

As the lead technical staff, under the supervision of the manager, you’ll work closely with the team to guide the development and implementation of California’s F-gas mitigation strategies. This includes designing and managing incentive and regulatory programs targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other fluorinated gases to meet the state’s near- and long-term climate goals.

About the Role

As the lead technical expert on our team, you’ll be at the forefront of California’s efforts to combat climate change by:

• Designing and implementing cutting-edge strategies to reduce the use of high global warming potential (GWP) F-gases.

• Developing and implementing both regulatory and incentive-based programs to phase out harmful refrigerants in sectors like refrigeration and air conditioning.

• Driving research into emerging low- and no-GWP alternatives.

• Helping meet critical climate mandates under SB 1383, SB 32, SB 1206, and California’s ambitious carbon neutrality target (AB 1279). 

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of emission reduction strategies.

• Shape and manage CARB's F-Gas Reduction Incentive Program.

• Evaluate the technical and market feasibility of climate-friendly alternatives.

• Draft and present scientific and policy documents to stakeholders and leadership.

• Collaborate with a diverse network of industry experts, engineers, scientists, and policymakers at the state, national, and international levels.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

This is your opportunity to make a real impact on the future of our planet by addressing one of the most potent categories of greenhouse gases. You’ll join a mission-driven team working on innovative solutions at the intersection of science, policy, and industry in this role, you won’t just be part of a team—you’ll be part of California’s climate leadership, helping to design solutions that shape a sustainable future. You’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues, engage directly with key decision-makers, and see your ideas drive real environmental progress.

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.