Air Pollution Specialist

Job Description and Duties

The Industrial Strategies Division is recruiting a highly motivated Air Pollution Specialist (APS) to join a team of scientists, geologists, and engineers in the Greenhouse Gas Measures Section (GGMS) of the Carbon Management Branch (CMB) who are designing and implementing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) programs to help achieve California’s ambitious climate goals. The Greenhouse Gas Measures Section is responsible for developing and implementing regulations and protocols for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).

Under the direction of the Air Resources Supervisor I, the APS will provide scientific analysis to support the development and implementation of regulations and protocols for certification of CCS projects, while ensuring the environmental integrity of those projects. The APS coordinates with program staff from, and develops familiarity with, the Senate Bill 905 CCUS program, the Nature-Based Strategies program, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, the Cap-and-Invest program, and other California Air Resources Board (CARB) programs. The APS will also work with other CARB divisions, CalEPA, and other State agencies, and external organizations, including industry, environmental organizations, and community groups, while developing complex and technical programs and regulations to support CARB’s climate and clean air goals. This position is primarily focused on CCS, though support of other projects and programs in the Carbon Management Branch and Industrial Strategies Division will be expected.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

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.

Special Requirements

Applicants must include a Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) for this recruitment. Applications without an SQ or including an SQ that does not directly answer all the items below will not be considered. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SQ.

• Require Name on SQ
• Require Job Control Number on SQ
• Maximum number of pages: 2 (Arial font, 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

Please describe your education and work experience involving technical evaluations for projects or programs related to carbon capture and sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, geology, air quality, or another environmental topic.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The most highly qualified candidate will possess an education in geology, engineering, or environmental science, and a background in CCS, geology, oil and gas production and operations, or cementing and well design.

The ideal candidate has experience or familiarity with developing and implementing climate regulations in California; analyzing CCS processes and emissions; evaluating compatibility of well materials with carbon dioxide (CO2) or other fluids; evaluating suitability of reservoirs and surrounding geology for injection or production of CO2 or other fluids; simulating fluid dynamics in subsurface reservoirs; monitoring CO2 in the subsurface or atmosphere; or engaging in other relevant activity related to greenhouse gas emissions analysis and reduction.

The successful candidate has demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and perform technical evaluations of highly complex data; writes effectively using direct, concise, and non-technical language; successfully negotiate solutions to sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy; thinks strategically and speaks articulately; is able to work independently or in a team setting and has excellent interpersonal skills; is able to work with regulators, policy-makers, industry and environmental organizations, and community groups; and recommends and advocates on State policy on climate or air quality related issues.

The successful candidate has knowledge of local, State, and federal programs for climate and air quality, especially knowledge of CARB’s climate programs; is confident dealing with all levels of management; is comfortable with a flexible management structure based on project teams; readily adapts to changing priorities; and is available to travel as needed.

Applicants must provide a detailed description of all work experience, education, training, and knowledge relevant to the job description, job duties, and desirable qualifications for this position in the applicant’s STD 678 submission as part of the application.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Nearby (third-party) Parking
• Convenient to public transportation
• Gym
• Daycare facility

Experience and Education

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times, and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of the United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at

Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Other - Cover Letter: One page cover letter describing your interest in working for CARB and in the carbon capture and sequestration program.
• Supplemental Application -

  Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SQ submission.