Job Posting: Staff Air Pollution Specialist

State Air Resources Board

JC-529471
-
Staff Air Pollution Specialist
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: 9/10/2026

Job Description and Duties

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

If you have permanent status and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position/classification at the end of this LT appointment. You will be separated from state service if you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status. During this 12-month limited-term assignment, you may be entitled to receive health, dental, and vision benefits. You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

The Regulatory Development Section (RDS) within the Monitoring and Laboratory Division (MLD) is seeking a highly skilled Staff Air Pollution Specialist to help implement a multi-agency pilot program involving the repurposing of crude oil and natural gas wells and production infrastructure for energy storage and generation.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 567, authored by Senator Monique Limón and signed into law in October of 2025, establishes the Gravity Based Energy Storage Well Pilot Program, which will sunset on January 1, 2035. It authorizes the conversion of 250 idle crude oil and natural gas wells to gravity-based energy storage systems. Under SB 567, CARB will collaborate with the Department of Conservation, California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to establish criteria for mechanical integrity testing, continuous leak monitoring of air pollutants, and reporting protocols. CARB will also serve as a key technical and policy advisor alongside CalGEM, SWRCB, and interested parties to evaluate the pilot’s progress and to include recommendations whether to continue the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program.

 

Duties include: 1) providing leadership and direction in the review and evaluation of monitoring technologies which could be applied to the continuous monitoring of toxic air pollutants from leaks; 2) leading a multi disciplinary team of engineers and specialists within CARB to develop guidelines for the pilot program, which will include elements such as continuous leak detection performance standards, data reporting and assisting CalGEM in reviewing and determining if plans submitted by the operators comply with the guidelines; 3) facilitating stakeholder engagement activities, explaining complex technical requirements in plain english, leading meetings with interested stakeholders such as community groups, oil and gas operators, and the public; 4) working with CalGEM and SWRCB to evaluate the results of the pilot program and recommending if a Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program along with conditions should be made permanent.

 

This position will require the candidate to possess a driver license and to pass defensive driving training courses, enroll in the DMV Pull Notice Program, and maintain a “good” driver status. Additionally, the candidate must be willing to travel up to 25 percent of the time, climb ladders, work outdoors, in close proximity to oil and gas production equipment, where exposure to air emissions, fumes, heat, mechanical hazards, and vehicle traffic are present. The candidate must participate in appropriate field safety training and be willing to wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to a hard hat, safety shoes with toe protection, reflective vest, Nomex overalls, hearing protections, gloves, and safety glasses. This position will require the employee to pass a pre-employment physical.

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.

PLP Language:

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.

  • 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.
  • Climb ladders, work outdoors in and around oil and gas production equipment, with potential exposure to air emissions, fumes, heat, mechanical hazards, and vehicle traffic, and wear personal protective equipment.
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Will require the candidate to possess a driver license and to pass training courses (including periodic refresher courses) in defensive driving, enroll in the DMV Pull Notice Program and maintain a “good” driver status. 

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-529471
Position #(s):
673-510-3875-XXX
Working Title:
Staff Air Pollution Specialist
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:
12 Month Limited Term - 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) Medical Clearance 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. 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 describe how your educational background and work experience make you a good fit for this position. Please also describe your experience with air quality monitoring, data analysis, oil and gas production, quality assurance and quality control, regulation development and implementation, and interaction with local, state, federal agencies and community based organizations.

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: 9/10/2026

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
Veronica Sweeten
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
Veronica Sweeten
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please Note: Drop-off location may be 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 -
    • Statement of Qualifications (See Special Requirements section for further information)
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:

-excellent oral and written communication skills; work well independently or as part of a team; possess analytical and problem-solving skills; work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines; pay attention to detail; and have excellent time management skills

-an advanced degree in engineering (environmental, petroleum, chemical, or mechanical), environmental science, atmospheric science, or closely related field of study

-knowledge of California's upstream oil and gas industry including well/well head construction standards, production process, common processing equipment, sources of emissions, chemical composition of emissions, effectiveness of control measures, and leak detection and repair/response requirements

-familiarity with commercially available continuously operating emission detection systems suitable for use at oil and gas production facilities

-solid understanding of California's existing regulatory landscape as it pertains to oil and gas production including the roles and responsibilities of local, state, and federal agencies

-a proven track record of success with high profile, technically challenging, and multifaceted projects

-able to produce examples of prior work products involving the development of guidelines, standard operating procedures, test methods, and or rules/regulations at the local, state, or federal level

-experience with outreach to stakeholders such as community-based organizations, air districts, regulated entities, and the public

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
  • Nearby (third-party) parking
  • Convenient to public transportation
  • Located near: R street corridor, State Capitol, Restaurants, CalEPA Headquarters
  • Interior bicycle and scooter storage, on-site showers and storage lockers, accessible via class II bike lanes

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:
Daljeet Kour
(000) -
daljeet.kour@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.

Additional Instructions for Mailing or Drop-Off Application Packages

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Vee.Sweeten@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.

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