Staff Air Pollution Specialist

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm work authorization in the U.S. CARB values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment for employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences.

About the Role

This is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) position that 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. Limited-term employees receive health, dental, and vision benefits, earn State Service, and accrue monthly leave credits.

The Regulatory Development Section (RDS) within the Monitoring and Laboratory Division (MLD) seeks 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. Under Senate Bill (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 to evaluate the pilot’s progress and recommend whether to continue the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction in the review and evaluation of monitoring technologies for continuous monitoring of toxic air pollutants from leaks.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and specialists within CARB to develop guidelines for the pilot program, including continuous leak detection performance standards, data reporting, and assisting CalGEM in reviewing operator compliance plans.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement activities, explaining complex technical requirements in plain language, and leading meetings with community groups, oil and gas operators, and the public.
• Collaborate with CalGEM and SWRCB to evaluate pilot program results and recommend whether the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program should be made permanent, including any conditions.

This position requires a valid driver license, passing defensive driving training, enrollment in the DMV Pull Notice Program, and maintaining a “good” driver status. The candidate must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time, work outdoors near oil and gas production equipment, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a hard hat, safety shoes, reflective vest, Nomex overalls, hearing protection, gloves, and safety glasses. A pre-employment physical is required.

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License (CDL).
• Medical clearance prior to hiring.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describing how your skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify you for the position. The SOQ must address experience with air quality monitoring, data analysis, oil and gas production, quality assurance/quality control, regulation development and implementation, and interaction with local, state, federal agencies, and community-based organizations. Maximum length: 2 pages.

Pay

$10,521.00 - $13,173.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month limited-term position with hybrid telework options.