Staff Engineer

Job Description and Duties

Under the general supervision of the Senior Air Quality Engineer (Senior AQE) and project leadership of an Air Quality Engineer II (AQE II) where assigned, the Air Quality Engineer I (AQE I) performs staff level engineering work within the Program Evaluation and Referee Unit. Included among the AQE responsibilities are technical support for the Smog Check Program, evaluation and reporting of Smog Check Program effectiveness, support for BAR Enforcement-related activities, and support for the development and certification of new inspection equipment.

* Please refer to the "Application Instructions" and "Additional Information" for instructions on how to apply*.

In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.

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CalCareers Exams : Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

90% Office Work – The incumbent works in an office setting with artificial light and temperature control and uses a personal computer, laptop, copier, and other office equipment.

10% Laboratory and Field Work – The incumbent works in the Engineering laboratory under extreme temperatures (from 35 degrees to 100 degrees) or out in the field in varied weather conditions. Incumbent is required to wear safety equipment and apply safety procedures, stand for long periods of time, occasionally lift materials/equipment, not to exceed 50 pounds, set up and/or operate various machineries and equipment, drive a vehicle, and perform housekeeping in the laboratory. Oversee and aid in field studies as necessary.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Special Requirements

Medical Evaluation

The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

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:

• Positive attitude and highly motivated.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to analyze information and make decisions in a competent and timely manner.
• Ability to work well with others and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to ask effective questions, evaluates information, apply guidelines and procedures, and make accurate and timely decisions.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maximize utilization of computers to accomplish daily tasks.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Benefits

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

Additional Information

Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be completed with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification (), please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Please be aware that if you are selected for the position, you will be required to submit official sealed transcripts.

DO NOT include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, or LEAP information.

Electronic applications through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended.

Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application (STD 678), .

Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD 678 may be disqualified

• Multiple positions may become available.

Electronic Submission:
Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted electronically through Cal Career account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.

U.S. Postal Service Mail:
Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.

Hand Delivery:
Application and any applicable required documents may be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted for any reason. Do not submit applications to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). The drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.

Please note that the Cal Career system will not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application after you have submitted it, please contact the Recruitment Technician at [email protected] . For all other questions regarding your CalHR Cal Careers account, you may contact the Cal Career Unit at (866) 844-8671.

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) for the hiring manager’s review. Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position and applications submitted without the SOQ will not be considered. The SOQ must be able to stand alone and must be formatted as outlined in this advertisement.
  Specifically, the SOQ must:
  • Contain “Statement of Qualifications” on top of document.
  Please address the following:
  1. Describe how you, the applicant, meet the experience, education, and training necessary to perform the duties of the position for which you are applying.
  For example, if the duty statement indicates that the position involves writing reports, you will want to detail any relevant report writing experience you may have (may include school coursework) on your SOQ even if this experience is also detailed on your resume.
  While you may submit a resume and cover letter with your application, the SOQ and application will be used to determine whether the applicant meets the qualifications listed in the duty statement. Applications submitted without the required SOQ will be considered incomplete and therefore rejected from consideration.