Job Posting: Senior Advisor, Sustainable Communities Policy and Planning

State Air Resources Board

JC-512724
-
Senior Advisor, Sustainable Communities Policy and Planning
STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

$10,521.00 - $13,173.00 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: 4/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Sustainable Transportation and Communities Division (STCD) of CARB is recruiting for a Staff Air Pollution Specialist (SAPS) to work in its Sustainable Communities Policy and Planning Section. 

The Section is focused on reducing emissions by increasing opportunities to travel by bike, walking, and transit.

This position will be a senior policy lead on CARB’s work to advance implementation of land use and transportation system development strategies that reduce emissions and support the transition to a carbon-free transportation system in California.

In the near-term, this position will focus on several high-priority initiatives, including:

  • California's Senate Bill (SB) 375 program target updates and related policy work;
  • Supporting CARB's SB 375 Sustainable Communities Strategy Evaluation Guidelines update, including development of a new evaluation protocol; and
  • SB 150 policy reporting to the Legislature.

This individual will convene and facilitate partnerships between CARB and various State, regional, and local agency leaders, transit and other mobility service providers, builders, community interest groups, and a variety of other non-governmental stakholders on the development of strategies, regulations, and other policy initiatives with immediate and long-range impact. The Staff APS will work with sector experts to evaluate policy proposals and to connect project assignments to CARB’s broader objectives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, criteria pollutants, and air toxics. In addition, the Staff APS will prepare and present comprehensive reports on land use, transportation, and housing issues and policies to CARB management and external parties and will participate in high-profile meetings with Administration officials, legislative staff, local governments, as well as represent CARB at public forums and workshops.

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 Resources 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 in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods. 
  • Standard office environment (for example, artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)
  • Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-512724
Position #(s):
673-920-3875-011
Working Title:
Senior Advisor, Sustainable Communities Policy and Planning
Classification:
STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST
$10,521.00 - $13,173.00
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

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. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ. 

  • Require Name on SOQ 
  • Require Job Control Number on SOQ 
  • Maximum number of pages: 2

Please include a clear and concise narrative describing why you are interested in this position and how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to CARB’s objective to advance sustainable communities implementation through this position. This will be used for interview screening in addition to your application.

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: 4/12/2026

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.

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
Lisa Webb
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
Lisa Webb
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please drop-off applications with 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) - 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:

We are looking for a self-motivated, creative, and analytical individual with a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with diverse stakeholders including other government agencies, academics, non-governmental organizations, and the public. Knowledge of the following is critical for the position: land use and transportation planning, including State and local land use and housing policies and practice as well as regional transportation planning processes, policies, and implementing programs. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired: Climate, Transportation, Land Use, and/or Housing Policy; Urban, City and Regional, and/or Environmental Planning; Urban and/or Sustainable Environmental Design.  

The most competitive applicants will have demonstrated their ability to work productively leading and participating in project teams; anticipate program needs and initiate solutions; exercise sound judgment in complex, high-visibility, and multi-stakeholder policy contexts; communicate persuasively and gain cooperation from a wide variety of stakeholders; critically evaluate technical data and perform accurate analyses with available information; apply research to inform policy and technical recommendations; write concisely and effectively in everyday language; generate high-quality products in short timeframes; and maintain a positive, can-do attitude in a variety of work situations.

    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 (third-party)

    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:
    Lezlie Kimura Szeto
    (279) 208-7841
    lezlie.kimura@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:
    EEOP@arb.ca.gov
    (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 the following:

    California Environmental Protection Agency/State Air Resources Board
    Attn: Human Resources Branch/ Classification & Certification unit, JC#512724
    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. 

    After dropping off the application, please email lisa.webb@arb.ca.gov and mention the JC number in the subject line. Your email will serve as a time stamp that a document was dropped off before the final filing date. 

    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