Job Posting: Forest Carbon Specialist

State Air Resources Board

JC-498695
-
Forest Carbon Specialist
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

$5,918.00 - $11,455.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/26/2025

Job Description and Duties

The Climate Change Program Evaluation Branch of the Industrial Strategies Division has an Air Pollution Specialist (APS) position available in the Program Operations Section for a motivated Forest Carbon Specialist with knowledge of forestry practices and greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting to conduct a variety of activities related to development, implementation, and analysis of the U.S. Forest Compliance Offset Protocol and associated compliance offset projects.

Under direction of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the incumbent will participate as a member of high level technical (engineering and scientific) teams established to address technical and policy issues associated with the development of plans and protocols for the reduction of GHG emissions as part of California's Cap-and-Invest Program.

The duties for this position are primarily focused on implementation of the U.S Forest Compliance Offset Protocol and overarching Compliance Offset Program development. The incumbent will assess U.S Forest Compliance Offset Protocol projects, including forest inventory methods, and assist offset project operators with compliance and verification matters. The incumbent will develop technical and statistical tools and approaches for assessing forest carbon quantification, monitoring, and reporting applicable to the offsets program and other forest-related and land conservation efforts. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting with the development of updates to the protocol and the associated regulatory provisions.

The incumbent will develop a variety of reports, briefing papers, speeches, and presentations, and will work with management to evaluate proposals and recommend creative solutions to climate change challenges. The incumbent may also be called upon to serve as a lead person for workgroups, technical meetings, and verification and project audits, and to engage in events with industry, environmental groups, government organizations, tribes, and the public. The incumbent may be called upon to assist with review of offset project types other than forest projects.

This position requires development and assessment of GHG reduction measures; understanding and use of technical, economic, financial, and market data; consultation with stakeholders; interpretation and application of regulatory requirements; evaluation of environmental policies; and project management skills. Additional tasks will include preparing briefing papers, correspondence, and presentations to describe regulatory programs, articulate policy positions, and solicit feedback; providing regulatory guidance and interpretation; and meeting with and responding to inquiries from industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This position requires occasional travel.

This position may be subject to a background check, for felonies and credit, to ensure the integrity of the carbon market program due to the position’s access to market sensitive information. 

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-498695
Position #(s):
673-450-3887-114
Working Title:
Forest Carbon Specialist
Classification:
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST
$5,918.00 - $7,059.00 A
$7,089.00 - $8,872.00 B
$9,158.00 - $11,455.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# 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 Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Please include a one-page cover letter explaining why you would like to work for CARB, how your experience and education qualifies you for the position, and describing any experience with the Cap-and-Invest and offsets programs.

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: 11/26/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

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
Essam Gad
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
Essam Gad
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
The drop-off location is non-operational on weekends and holidays.
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.
  • Other - Cover Letter
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 candidates will be highly motivated, self-starting, and enthusiastic, and will possess the ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of management, government, and industry. They will have experience demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills; the ability to handle sensitive and confidential assignments with tact, diplomacy, and strict adherence to confidentiality procedures; the ability to handle rapidly changing priorities; the ability to work under pressure and time constraints; and the ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during work. The incumbent must have demonstrated the ability to analyze data, including geospatial data, develop solutions and present information effectively both orally and in writing. The incumbent should have experience and/or knowledge about the Cap-and-Invest Program and/or other climate programs. The most competitive candidates will have experience and/or education in forest management, forestry, forest inventory methods, geospatial mapping or planning, or other land-based environmental fields. Experience with CARB's Compliance Offset Program or voluntary offset programs is also highly desirable. The ability to handle sensitive information and materials in a highly public setting is a must. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed.

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

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:
Rakesh Prasad
(000) -
rakesh.prasad@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

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Essam.Gad@arb.ca.gov with the JC number in the subject line to confirm submission. Your email will serve as a time stamp that a document was dropped off before the final filing date. Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date.

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-498695
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