Job Posting: Research Scientist

State Air Resources Board

JC-427125
-
Research Scientist
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

$5,633.00 - $10,903.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 5/6/2024

Job Description and Duties

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting a hardcopy application (mail/drop-off), please send an email to Essam.Gad@arb.ca.gov to confirm submission.

The Research Division of the California Air Resources Board is looking for an enthusiastic, personable, and technically inclined research scientist to design and lead research projects that improve our understanding of agricultural air pollution emissions (e.g., nitrogen emissions from soils, ammonia from dairy and livestock operations) and their impacts on ambient air quality in the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of the state. The candidate must be motivated to work closely with diverse interested parties and use effective communication to build strong partnerships. The candidate must also use in-house measurement tools (e.g., mobile platforms, PTR-MS, CRDS) to study air pollutant sources at or near population centers and to further evaluate air quality disparities between various regions. Duties include stakeholder engagement; report writing; presentations to technical and non-technical stakeholders; and fieldwork.

Under direction of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the successful candidate will work in the Atmospheric Processes Research Section with a similarly capable team of experts with breadths of experiences not limited to data analytics, ambient air monitoring, computer programming, air pollution-related modeling, fabrication, and communication. The section collectively supports the development of the State Implementation Plans (SIPs), evaluates the short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emission reduction strategies, improves the characterization of various air pollutant emission sources, and takes preemptive steps to study the effects of climate change on California’s air quality. The section also leads specialized projects by deploying multiple mobile platforms to understand local air quality challenges throughout California.

This position is for you if you want to use your scientific knowledge and creativity to solve complex air pollution challenges in a team environment!

The most competitive candidate will have fluency in animal science, dairy operations, air pollution emissions from agricultural activities, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, and ambient air monitoring; knowledge of various sources that emit volatile organic compounds; experiences in database development; demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; intuitive understanding of quality assessment and quality control techniques; data processing using computer programming languages (e.g., Python); expertise in GIS and source apportionment (e.g., Positive Matrix Factorization [PMF] models); experiences using mobile platforms to collect ambient data; ability to operate, Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS), Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometers (CRDS), among other air monitoring equipment; knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to air quality; understanding of the interconnect between air quality and climate change; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms; strong visual communication skills; experiences in writing technical and non-technical documents; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to independently complete tasks; works well in teams; excellent attention to details; and safe driving records. The candidate must use special safety equipment as needed.

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 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.

  • 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.
  • Driving long distances using state vehicle fleet, operating out of an equipment warehouse.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-427125
Position #(s):
673-310-3887-023
Working Title:
Research Scientist
Classification:
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST
$5,633.00 - $6,719.00 A
$6,748.00 - $8,445.00 B
$8,717.00 - $10,903.00 C
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify

CARB values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. CARB believes the diversity of our employees collectively makes up one of the world’s most respected environmental organizations. CARB offers various modern interview options, including remote phone and video interviews. Join CARB and help us improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

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
  • Maximum number of pages: 1 (Arial 12 pt)

Describe your education, training, experience, and skills that enable you to perform the duties listed in the Duty Statement.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/6/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Air Resources Board
Attn: Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Air Resources Board
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please drop off the applications with the security guard located at the front entrance.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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 competitive candidate will have: a background in animal science, dairy operations, air pollution emissions from agricultural activities, air quality, atmospheric chemistry and physics, environmental science, and ambient air monitoring; knowledge of various sources that emit volatile organic compounds; database development or management experiences; demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; intuitive understanding of quality assessment and quality control techniques; knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to air quality and climate; deep understanding of the interconnect between air quality and climate change; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms; experiences in writing technical and non-technical documents; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to independently complete tasks; works well in teams; excellent attention to details; and safe driving records. The candidate must be willing to use special safety equipment as needed.

The most competitive candidate will also possess technical skills in: MS Office Word and Power Point; data processing using computer programming languages (e.g. Python, Visual Basic, Matlab, R); data management softwares such as MS Access and Excel; visuilization tools such as Tableau and GIS; data analysis tools like Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model for source apportionment; strong understanding of the utility of mobile platforms; experiences with using mobile platforms; statistics; emission quantification methodologies; atmospheric chemistry; ability to operate Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS), Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometers (CRDS), among other air monitoring equipment.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
  • Nearby (third-party) Parking
  • Convenient to public transportation

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jackson Tran
(000) -
jackson.tran@arb.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Payam Ahmadi
(000) -
EEOP@arb.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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 https://www.naces.org

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

Address for Mailing or Drop-Off Application Packages

NOTE: Applicants must not include Social Security Numbers, LEAP status information or paperwork, Equal Employment Opportunity information, exam result notices or scores, or medical or criminal history information on any document within their application package.

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

California Environmental Protection Agency/State Air Resources Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch/ Classification & Certification unit, JC-427125
1001 I Street, 5th Floor/P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95814

Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date. The drop-off location is non-operational on weekends and holidays. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job