Laboratory Analysis Branch (LAB) Chief

Job Description and Duties

This is a repost. If you have previously applied for this position, there is no need to reapply.

The Laboratory Analysis Branch (LAB) Chief leads a team of highly skilled scientists and supervisors dedicated to delivering high quality, reliable analytical data that supports California’s air quality and public health goals. This position oversees four specialized laboratory sections, manages cutting edge analytical instrumentation, and guides strategic planning, budgeting, and staff development. As a key leader within the Monitoring and Laboratory Division (MLD), the LAB Chief plays a central role in shaping laboratory operations, driving innovation, and maintaining excellence in scientific standards. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced laboratory professional who thrives in a dynamic, mission driven environment and is ready to influence statewide air quality decision making.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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. 

The p ositions 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.
  

Special Requirements

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience, qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. CARB will not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application. Resumes do not take place of the SOQ. 

• Require Name on SOQ
• Require Job Control Number on SOQ
• Maximum number of pages: 2, Arial 12 pt font, single spaced, 1-inch margins
• The SOQ must respond to each question and numbered in the same order listed below or you may be given a disqualifying score.

1) Describe your experience and understanding of the policy issues and challenges associated with ambient air quality monitoring and laboratory analysis to meet community, regional, state, and federal needs.

2) Detail your experience in developing/implementing policies to improve the effectiveness of laboratory and/or air monitoring-related operations. Please include examples of your leadership and management roles in these activities.

3) Describe your experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with representatives of local government agencies, environmental groups, environmental justice groups, community-based organizations, academia, businesses, and governmental agencies. Detail your strategies for cultivating and sustaining relationships with air monitoring clients (e.g., community-based organizations, local air districts, partner divisions, and senior/executive management).

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:

Desirable candidates must bring a strong blend of scientific expertise, leadership experience, and strategic vision. Ideal applicants have a deep understanding of analytical laboratory operations, including quality assurance principles, advanced instrumentation, and emerging scientific methodologies. They demonstrate exceptional managerial skills, with a proven ability to guide multidisciplinary teams, oversee complex projects, and foster a collaborative, solutions oriented work environment. Strong candidates excel at budget management, program planning, and navigating administrative processes to support laboratory infrastructure and technology advancements. Additionally, the most competitive applicants are effective communicators who can engage with internal and external partners, interpret regulatory developments, and represent the laboratory with professionalism, clarity, and scientific credibility.

Benefits

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

• Nearby (third-party) parking
• On site showers
• Convenient to public transportation
• Located near: Restaurants

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

Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other -
  • Statement of Qualifications (See Special Requirements section for further information)