Job Posting: Staff Air Pollution Specialist

State Air Resources Board

JC-534118
-
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: 10/19/2026

Job Description and Duties

The mission of the Chemical Analysis and Emissions Research Branch is to timely provide accurate measurements of mobile source emissions and fuels and technical expertise to support the California Air Resources Board (CARB) motor vehicle and clean fuels programs.

 

The Fuel Analysis and Methods Evaluation Section (FAMES) is looking for an individual with strong work ethics, strong background in analytical chemistry, and good communication skills. The section analyzes motor vehicle fuels at the Southern California Head Quarters in Riverside. The results are used in determining compliance with the cleaner burning gasoline and clean diesel regulations. FAMES also provides support to the Motor Vehicle Program by analyzing fuels used in emissions testing and providing expertise on the impact of fuel properties on emissions. Both functions require the evaluation, development, and implementation of more precise and accurate methods of analysis. FAMES is also responsible for proposing the adoption of new and updated methods into California regulations.

 

Under the direction of the FAMES Manager, the Staff Air Pollution Specialist serves as an independent technical expert to oversee fuels analyses and methods. In addition, the incumbent will apply engineering principles to perform the more complex work of evaluating fuel effects on vehicle emissions and develop test methods for the fuel regulations when the need arises. Duties include evaluating and improving fuel analysis test methods; conducting fuel sample analysis; and overseeing the fuel analysis work conducted by other staff, conducting second-level quality control on reported data, reviewing literature studies related to fuel effect issues, and developing test plans to investigate fuel impacts. The incumbent will be responsible for data analysis, interpretation, reports, and oral presentations to stakeholders. The incumbent may also act as an expert witness for CARB or any related court action.

The following are requirements of the position:

• Must maintain a good driving record.

• A certification of completed Defensive Driver Training.

• Participation in the DMV Pull Notice Program and a sustained good driving record.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position is not currently eligible for telework. The incumbent will be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

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.
  • Travel may be required.
  • Must be able to move/transport testing equipment weighing up to 35 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-534118
Position #(s):
673-930-3875-005
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:
Riverside County
Telework:
In Office
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.

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.

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: 4 (Arial 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

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: 10/19/2026

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.
  • 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:

A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and hands-on experience with analytical instruments—particularly gas chromatographs—are highly desirable. Candidates must possess a solid understanding of instrumental analysis, laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices, and statistical data analysis. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.

 

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate a direct, work-related experience in mobile source laboratory operations; a specialized expertise in fuel analysis and fuel related regulations; and the ability to manage, interpret, and evaluate large datasets and technical reports.

 

Successful applicants will be capable of working both independently and collaboratively with staff, stakeholders, and clients. They must exercise sound judgment when analyzing fuel property data, interacting with peers and partners, applying effective customer service practices, and performing reliably under pressure.

 

Applications will be screened, and only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
  • Convenient to public transportation
  • Free Parking

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-534118
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