Source Test Engineer

Job Description and Duties

The Source Testing and Verification Section (STVS) within the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Monitoring and Laboratory Division (MLD) has a vacancy for an Air Resources Engineer (ARE) who will reestablish and modernize the stationary source testing program; evaluate and certify independent contractors that test stationary sources in CA; conduct tests at gasoline terminals, gas stations, and various stationary sources; update existing criteria and toxic air pollutant source test methods; develop new source test methods to support the development of new air toxics regulations; prepare standard operating procedures for sample collections and analysis, and perform certification testing of abrasive products used for permissible dry outdoor blasting.

The candidate must be physically able to work in an industrial environment including exposure to air emissions, fumes and heat, perform heavy lifting, climb and work at elevated heights, and handle heavy equipment and gas cylinders.

This position will require the employee to pass a pre-placement physical examination as a condition of employment and to be certified annually to wear a full-mask respirator.

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.

• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)  
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• Must be able to move/transport samples and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May be required to work overtime. 
• May require travel to remote locations or facilities throughout the state.

Special Requirements

• 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 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

Applicant must submit two (2) different source test reports where the applicant is author and testing lead. The report must include the name of industrial facilities, date of test, name of criteria pollutants and air toxic pollutants measured and test results. Air toxic pollutants must include metals, hexavalent chromium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB).

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:

The successful candidate will have 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. The candidate must have demonstrated source testing experience in determining criteria and air toxics pollutants and should have computer programming experience; familiarity with quality assurance and quality control techniques; strong mechanical aptitude; ability to respond appropriately to technical problems in the field; and be comfortable with operating heavy-duty vehicles as well as a forklift. A degree in chemical engineering is preferred.

Benefits

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

• Free parking
• Nearby (third-party) parking
• 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 -
  • Cover Letter
• Other -
  • Statement of Qualifications (See Special Requirements section for further information)