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State of California, CARB, seeks an Air Pollution Specialist to lead in-use emissions testing programs, review data, and drive compliance actions. The role involves planning, coordinating with CARB, EPA, and manufacturers, and producing concise technical reports.
The candidate must manage test plans, travel up to 10%, and collaborate with multiple CARB groups to support enforcement and rulemaking efforts.
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST
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: 10/27/2026
The Emissions Certification and Compliance Division is recruiting an Air Pollution Specialist (APS) for the Heavy-Duty In-Use Compliance (HDIUC) Section. This section is responsible for the largest heavy-duty engine recall in history. For an engineer or scientist, this is the stuff of dreams: getting out of the ordinary and ...
This job requires the APS to be a project manager for the in-use engine/equipment emissions testing programs, review in-use testing data submitted by manufactureres, conduct emissions compliance and defeat device analysis, review and process recalls to correct noncompliance, and support CARB enforcement actions and rulemaking efforts. The APS will be working with various California Air Resources Board (CARB) groups, manufacturers, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support testing, facilitate discussions, and investigate emissions noncompliance issues.
For the CARB-run in-use compliance programs, the APS will create test plans, direct procurement of vehicles/off-road equipment (evaluating proper operation and maintenance), collaborate with various CARB sections to have vehicles instrumented, and coordinate testing. The successful candidate will perform engineering analysis of emissions test data and complex technical information, generate clear and concise technical reports, and organize/present the results.
For the manufacturer-run in-use testing programs, the APS will review and process in-use compliance test reports and coordinate with manufacturers on the completion and compliance of the testing. The APS may also travel to testing sites and manufacturer's emissions test facilities to perform laboratory audits and verify compliance. Travel is expected to be up to 10% of the time and may include overnight or multi-day trips. Depending on the activity, travel may involve flying or driving a car or truck. In some cases, work outside of normal hours may also be required. Safety footwear and safety glasses are required.
Throughout these processes, the APS will communicate and coordinate with the engine manufacturer to support testing and when necessary, develop corrective actions, review and process voluntary/influenced recalls, and track their implementation. The APS will support CARB enforcement staff with litigation or settlement actions for in-use compliance investigations when necessary. The APS will aso support CARB ruelmaking efforts related to in-use compliance requirements.
In addition, the APS may be called upon to serve as a lead staff person for work groups and technical meetings, and to engage in outreach events with industry, government organizations, and the public.
The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders, as well as create and review technical documents.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
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 positionunder 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.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
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
Work Location:
Multiple
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
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. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
Describe your education, training, experience, and skills that enable you to perform the duties listedin the Duty Statement.
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 be able to act as a project manager for in-use compliance programs and defeat device investigations, prepare and execute emissions test plans, perform engineering analysis of emissions test data, review and process recalls, support CARB enforcement and rulemaking, and audit emissions test laboratories.
The candidate must have the ability to collect and analyze data, develop solutions, and present information effectively both verbally and in writing.
The most competitive candidate will possess the technical background with vehicle / engine emissions control systems especially aftertreament systems and experience with emissions testing. A California Driver’s License highly desirable
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
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) -
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.
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.
NOTE:Applicants must not include Social Security Numbers, LEAPstatus information or paperwork, Equal Employment Opportunity information, examresult notices or scores, or medical or criminal history information on anydocument within their application package.
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.