Air Pollution Specialist

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Data Quality Assurance Section in the Program Planning and Management Branch has a vacant Air Pollution Specialist (APS) position for which it is seeking highly competent candidates with experience and expertise in natural and working lands GHG quantification and emissions reduction methods. The Section is responsible for ensuring the impartiality and quality of third-party verifications and will oversee third-party verifications performed as required by Senate Bill 27: Carbon sequestration: state goals: natural and working lands: registry of projects (SB 27).

Under direction of the Air Resources I, the APS applies scientific methods and principles in the identification, study, and solution of air pollution problems. The APS designs, conducts, and evaluates methods to reduce GHG emissions from natural and working lands. The APS specifically focuses on forests, floodplains and wetlands, coastal habitats, agriculture, and urban lands. This candidate will work in coordination with the California Natural Resources Agency to develop the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy, as required by SB 27, and will also play a lead role in establishing carbon dioxide removal targets for 2030 and beyond, while considering the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy, science-based data, cost-effectiveness, and technological feasibility in setting the targets.

The candidate will support CARB’s efforts in developing policy through technical and policy analysis, and quantifying the costs, benefits, and equity implications of natural and working lands policies. Additionally, the candidate will identify research needs that advance CARB’s understanding of cutting-edge issues in natural and working lands. The candidate will engage and collaborate with relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to, public agencies, research institutions, equity stakeholders, developers, industry, and other CARB staff, management, and executive leadership teams. This candidate must understand the complexities of natural and working lands and the roles that policy, technology, and the natural environment play. The candidate should also be aware of the social equity implications of natural and workin glands policies and be able to develop strategies accordingly.

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.