AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 66,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

California Air Resources Board seeks an Air Pollution Specialist to perform in-use emissions characterization of heavy-duty vehicles using PEMS and PEAQS, developing methods for data processing and reporting. The role may require up to 30% statewide travel and involves coordination within a multidisciplinary team to support regulatory programs and research initiatives.

The position combines laboratory, field, and office work while ensuring compliance with test procedures, data quality

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation.
• Analyze large datasets using computational tools.
• Design and execute test plans; operate emissions measurement systems.
• Prepare technical reports to support regulatory programs and research.

Job description

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: 9/16/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Measurement Assessment and Research Section (MARS) operates one of the Mobile Source Emissions Testing Facilities within the Mobile Source Laboratory Division (MSLD), equipped with Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) and Portable Emissions Acquisition Systems (PEAQS) to generate high-quality, legally defensible emissions data. MARS’s mission is to support the development and implementation of heavy-duty on-road and off-road vehicle regulations, strengthen emissions inventories, inform enforcement actions, advance the Clean Truck Check program, and support innovative emissions research. Through surveillance testing of in-use on-road and off-road heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, MARS provides critical insights into real-world emissions performance and regulatory effectiveness. MARS also serves as a platform for evaluating and demonstrating new testing approaches, developing innovative methods for measuring in-use emissions, and expanding CARB’s testing capabilities. In collaboration with CARB mobile source workgroups, MARS develops and executes comprehensive test plans, conducts emissions testing, and performs robust data analyses to inform policy and regulatory decisions. Collectively, these efforts provide a scientific foundation for reducing criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and toxic air contaminants from the heavy-duty sector and protecting public health and air quality.

MARS is seeking an Air Pollution Specialist to perform complex technical work related to in-use emissions characterization of heavy-duty (HD) on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment. The incumbent will perform on-road emissions measurements with portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and the Portable Emissions Acquisition System (PEAQS), and ensure compliance with established test procedures, data quality objectives, and safety protocols. Duties include developing and applying analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation; analyzing large datasets using computational tools; designing and executing test plans; operating advanced emissions measurement systems; coordinating test resources; and preparing technical reports in support of regulatory programs, research initiatives, and emissions assessments, while working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support CARB’s mission to protect air quality.

This position offers a balanced mix of laboratory, field, and office-based work and supports CARB’s mission by advancing in-use emissions measurement techniques and evaluating emerging heavy-duty vehicle technologies. The incumbent's position may require Statewide travel up to 30% of the time for fieldwork, training or for meetings.

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.

• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.).
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• Travel may be required.
• Requires repetitive movement of heavy objects and/or operation of heavy machinery or motorized vehicles.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST $5,918.00 - $7,059.00A $7,089.00 - $8,872.00B $9,158.00 - $11,455.00C New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

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.

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)

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 ideal candidate will have knowledge of heavy-duty engines, vehicles, and emissions control systems, with experience conducting emissions testing in both laboratory and on-road settings using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and Portable Emissions Acquisition System (PEAQS). The incumbent should be able to develop and apply analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation, analyze large datasets, and prepare technical reports to support regulatory programs and research initiatives. Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations are essential. Programming or scripting skills for database management, instrument communication, and data post-processing are desirable, as is hands‑on experience installing sampling systems, operating measurement instruments, and supporting vehicle test setups. Familiarity with experimental design, test planning, troubleshooting measurement systems, and emerging emissions measurement technologies is also preferred. A bachelor’s or higher degree in science or engineering is desirable.

Possesses a driver license and maintain a good driving record.

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

• Free Parking

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.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) -
[e-mail]

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.

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 the application package.

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

Drop-off location is non-operational on weekends and holidays. 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

California EnvironmentalProtection Agency/State Air Resources Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch/ Classification & Certification unit, JC-530727
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.