Staff Air Pollution Specialist

Austin Community College; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A state environmental agency in California is seeking a Staff Air Pollution Specialist to lead carbon capture and sequestration policy development. This role involves technical review, regulation implementation, and stakeholder engagement to support California's carbon neutrality goals. Ideal candidates will possess technical expertise in climate policy and strong communication skills. Hybrid work options may be available, subject to agency policy.

Qualifications

• Experience in climate policy development.
• Knowledge of engineered carbon removal technologies.
• Ability to translate technical information into policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and policy reviews for CCS applications.
• Develop and implement CCS regulations and protocols.
• Conduct analyses on feasibility and impacts of carbon strategies.
• Coordinate activities with various stakeholders.
• Represent CARB at public engagements.
• Prepare high-level briefings and recommendations for CARB leadership and the Executive Office.

Skills

Technical depth in climate policy

Policy acumen in carbon capture

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Job description

The Industrial Strategies Division within the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking an experienced and visionary Staff Air Pollution Specialist (SAPS) to lead California’s Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) policy and regulatory development efforts. As the SAPS in the Greenhouse Gas Measures Section (GGMS) of the Oil and Gas and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Branch, you will serve as the staff lead for the CCS program — overseeing the most complex and high-profile assignments, guiding section staff, leading review of applications for Permanence Certification, and developing policies that are central to California’s carbon neutrality strategy.

If you are passionate about shaping and implementing climate policy, have a deep understanding of engineered carbon removal, and excel at translating technical expertise into actionable policy, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead technical and policy reviewer for Sequestration Site Certification and CCS Project Certification applications (collectively called Permanence Certification) under CARB's CCS Protocol for geologic sequestration.
• Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of CCS regulations and protocols.
• Direct and conduct analyses evaluating feasibility, cost-effectiveness, environmental impacts, and equity considerations of CCS and related carbon management strategies.
• Coordinate program activities with internal CARB teams, other state and federal agencies, industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations.
• Represent CARB at workshops, conferences, hearings, and stakeholder meetings, presenting technical and policy findings.
• Prepare high-level briefings and recommendations for CARB leadership and the Executive Office.

This position requires a combination of technical depth, policy acumen, and communication and leadership skills to advance one of California’s most innovative climate programs. Occasional in-state travel (up to 5%) is required.

NOTE: If selected for the position, your salary offer is determined by the information you include on your Standard State Application (STD. 678). Please include a detailed description of all relevant experience and education in your application when applying.

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 Resource 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.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• 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.