STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 117,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Air Resources Board (CARB) seeks a Staff Air Pollution Specialist in Sacramento County for a 12-month limited-term position with hybrid in-office work. The role focuses on piloting repurposing of wells for energy storage and multi-agency collaboration to set testing and reporting standards. Some travel and safety training are required.

Salary ranges from $10,521 to $13,173 per month. Applicants must have a valid California CDL, pass medical clearance, and engage in ongoing safety

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements: STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST.
• CDL required; provide CDL number, class, expiration date, endorsements/restrictions.
• Medical clearance required prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead review and evaluation of monitoring technologies for continuous toxic air pollutant monitoring from leaks.
• Develop guidelines for the pilot program with engineers and specialists, including leak detection standards and data reporting.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement with community groups, oil/gas operators, and the public.
• Evaluate pilot results with CalGEM and SWRCB and advise on permanent adoption of Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program.

Job description

Job Posting: Staff Air Pollution Specialist

State Air Resources Board

JC-529471

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:

• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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.

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.

• STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-529471

Position #: 673-510-3875-XXX

Working Title: Staff Air Pollution Specialist

Classification: STAFF AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST $10,521.00 - $13,173.00

# 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.

Desirable Qualifications

• 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) - [e-mail]

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.

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.

Note on Application Package

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.