Job Posting: Carbon Strategies Lead

State Air Resources Board

JC-522393
-
Carbon Strategies Lead
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: 7/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Industrial Strategies Division within the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to help lead a team of staff supporting the deployment of Carbon Capture, Uitlization and Sequestration (CCUS) and Direct Air Capture technologies and projects, as required by Senate Bill 905 (Caballero, 2022). As the Carbon Strategies Lead (CSL) in the Carbon Strategies Section of the Carbon Management Branch, you will serve as a technical and project lead on California’s most complex and forward looking climate programs. In this role, you will guide the development of a statewide carbon neutrality accounting framework, lead expert analyses of emerging CCUS and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, project types, and pathways, and develop the carbon protocols and technical foundations that drive California’s progress toward its net zero goals. The CSL will also play a critical role in quantifying the role of CCS and CDR within California's progress towards carbon neutrality.

 

The CSL will lead multidisciplinary technical efforts from concept to completion, developing rigorous analytical products, supporting regulatory development, and delivering policy recommendations aligned with CARB’s climate mission. This work will span CDR and CCUS topics including technological, hybrid and nature-based solutions.The individual in this role will serve as a key technical representative for CARB, coordinating with internal teams, other state and federal agencies, and a wide range of external stakeholders. The CSL will represent the section at meetings, briefings, workshops, and public forums, communicating technical findings and program insights to diverse audiences and supporting transparency and public trust. The CSL will also manage external contracts; draft and publish reports, and briefings; and support statewide and national collaboration on carbon removal strategies. The position requires staying current with scientific literature and policy developments in CCUS and CDR, ensuring that California’s approaches are both technically robust and broadly replicable. The CSL will mentor and provide technical guidance to staff and will help respond to priority assignments from upper management, contributing to high impact analyses and program updates.

 

NOTE: IF SELECTED FOR THE POSITION, YOUR SALARY OFFER IS DETERMINED BY WHAT YOU INCLUDE ON YOUR STANDARD STATE APPLICATION (STD. 678).  PLEASE INCLUDE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION IN YOUR STATE APPLICATION (STD.678) WHEN APPLYING

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 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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-522393
Position #(s):
673-450-3875-030
Working Title:
Carbon Strategies Lead
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. 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)

1. Describe your experience serving as a lead or managing high-profile projects related to CCUS, CDR, carbon accounting, or other climate aligned program. In your response, explain:

• the analytical, technical, or policy approach you used;
• how you ensured scientific rigor, transparency, and stakeholder trust;
• how you coordinated with multidisciplinary teams or external partners; and
• how you would apply this experience to leading statewide CCUS/CDR strategy and carbon neutrality accounting at CARB.

2. Describe a situation in which you had to communicate complex or sensitive technical information to diverse stakeholders (e.g., technical experts, community groups, policymakers, leadership). In your response, explain:

• the communication strategies you used;
• how you navigated differing perspectives or concerns;
• how you incorporated or addressed equity or environmental justice considerations; and
• how this experience would support your role as a technical representative for CARB on CCUS/CDR topics.

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: 7/12/2026

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
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
  • 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 candidates will demonstrate the following:

 

•  Collaborative Leadership and Project Management: Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, motivating stakeholders, managing complex workstreams, and guiding collaborative problem solving across diverse technical and policy backgrounds to achieve collective goals.

•  Technical Expertise: Background in carbon accounting frameworks, mechanical or nature-based carbon removal and GHG emission reduction and other climate programs.

•  Policy and Regulatory Development/Analysis Experience: Experience developing regulations or policies, or implementing regulatory programs related to engineered carbon management and/or other climate programs.

•  Knowledge of California Specific Policy: Demonstrable knowledge of how California will achieve carbon neutrality, and the policy mechanisms available to CARB that can ensure those objectives are met.

•  Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication abilities, with experience translating complex technical information into clear policy guidance for diverse audiences.

•  Interpersonal Skills: Ability to manage internal and external stakeholder relationships with diplomacy, clarity, and sensitivity to team dynamics, while fostering collaboration and maintaining alignment across diverse groups.

•  Environmental Justice and Equity: Familiarity with integrating equity considerations into environmental programs and policies.

•  Strategic Thinking: Capacity to articulate a high-level vision for how CCUS and CDR technologies fit into California’s broader climate portfolio, including sensitive messaging to various audiences and leadership.

Benefits

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

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:
Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(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-522393
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