LCFS Staff Policy Lead

Revolutionize transportation and become a Staff Air Pollution Specialist with the flagship greenhouse gas reduction program of the California Air Resources Board — the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

The Alternative Fuels Section is seeking a highly motivated and experienced technical principal (Staff Air Pollution Specialist/SAPS) to function as the staff policy lead for the program. This position is part of a team involved in policy and technical areas of the program including: leading regulatory changes, analyzing alternative fuel trends, designing provisions to better promote alternative fuels and zero emission vehicle (ZEV) deployment, investigating the economics of alternative fuel production technologies, developing policy to address inequity, assessing the supply and demand of the LCFS credit market, and monitoring the LCFS credit market to deter and detect manipulation.

As a SAPS, the ideal candidate for this position is an independent policy and technical specialist that is capable of managing broad, high-profile program and project responsibilities with extreme sensitivity and complexity. The position requires policy and technical skills to evaluate the complexities of the fuels market, understand California’s transportation programs and goals, and develop policy recommendations based on past trends and future needs.

About the Role

As the lead technical expert on our team, you’ll work closely with the team to shape the pathway to decarbonizing transportation by:

• Developing policy recommendations and analyzing policy concepts, and at times, briefing senior CARB leadership of the findings;
• Representing CARB in external-facing presentations, workshops, and meetings related to policy aspects of the LCFS;
• Coordinating rulemaking efforts and leading major projects, and developing recommendations for policies consistent with State and program goals;
• Overseeing modeling efforts to evaluate the feasibility, cost effectiveness, environmental impacts, sustainability and socio-economic impacts of various policy concepts;
• Supporting implementation of the LCFS, including reviewing new, innovative, and complex fuel pathway applications in the LCFS;
• Successfully communicating the success and benefits of the program to external stakeholders, including other jurisdictions;
• Closely interacting with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including other California Air Resources Board (CARB) divisions, government agencies, policymakers, industry, environmental organizations, and the public to support CARB’s clean air goals;
• Representing the agency in various joint operations, speak before groups, answer inquiries, and prepare reports and correspondence.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

This is your opportunity to make a real impact on the future of our planet by addressing the sector with the greatest greenhouse gas emissions in the state. 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.

*NOTE* This is an open advertisement, and anyone can apply. The State of California requires applicants to take the Staff Air Pollution Specialist "exam" to get on the eligibility list for this position. The "exam" is designed to assess an individual’s background, training, and experience related to the needs of the position through an online self-assessment of your knowledge and experience.

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 Board’s (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.
• Travel may be required.