Air Pollution Specialist

Job Description and Duties

CARB offers various modern interview options including remote phone and video interviews

Are you passionate about improving air quality for millions of Californians? The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking a dedicated and forward thinking Air Pollution Specialist (APS) to join the South Coast Air Quality Planning Section (SCAQPS). This is a unique opportunity to help shape statewide strategies that reduce air pollution, support public health, and advance California’s ambitious clean air goals.

SCAQPS leads statewide efforts to develop ozone and particulate matter State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for Southern California under the federal Clean Air Act. The team partners closely with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, other air districts, U.S. EPA, internal CARB programs, and a wide range of public and private stakeholders. We support statewide planning efforts, track compliance with air quality commitments, and ensure that district rules and CARB regulations are properly submitted and approved in the California SIP.

Under the direction of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the Air Pollution Specialist will apply scientific and analytical expertise to develop effective strategies, policies, and technical analyses that support California’s air quality planning work. This position provides an opportunity to lead or support major planning efforts, participate in statewide policy development, and serve as a subject-matter expert on air district planning issues in Southern California. Key Responsibilities include:

• Assist in developing and implementing State and federal air quality plans, including the California SIP for ozone and particulate matter.

• Analyze current control programs and identify needed emission reductions from mobile sources, fuels, land use, and local government activities. Develop policy options for sources where California does not have direct regulatory authority.

• Lead or participate in branch- and division-level projects related to statewide air quality programs and policy. Prepare correspondence, briefing papers, fact sheets, reports, and testimony for CARB leadership and Administration officials.

• Serve as CARB’s staff expert on policy and technical issues for assigned air districts. Identify key local issues, prepare analyses, propose solutions, and represent CARB at district board and committee meetings.

• Coordinate the transmittal of air district rules to U.S. EPA and track approval of SIP actions. Monitor CARB’s and air districts’ progress in meeting emission reduction and planning commitments.

• Analyze emerging statutory, legal, and regulatory requirements and work with partners across agencies to develop CARB’s response.

• Represent CARB at statewide meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events; advocate for CARB’s policies and build consensus when possible.

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 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.

Special Requirements

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ documents each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Candidates whose applications do not include the required SOQ will not be considered for this position. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

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

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:

• Have strong analytical, scientific, or policy based skills related to air quality or environmental issues.

• Be an effective communicator—capable of presenting complex concepts clearly to technical and non technical audiences.

• Demonstrate collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and resilience in a fast paced policy environment.

• Thrive in both independent and team based work.

• Be comfortable representing CARB in public settings and working with diverse stakeholder groups.

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
• Statement of Qualifications -

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