Enforcement Air Pollution Specialist

Job Description and Duties

The Enforcement Division’s (ED) Engine and Parts Enforcement Section (EPES) is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Air Pollution Specialist (APS). EPES is responsible for enforcing California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations designed to improve air quality by reducing emissions generated by (1) non-compliant engines, including large-spark ignition (LSI) engines and fleets, compression ignition (CI) engines, and small off-road engines (SOREs – engines rated less than 25 horsepower), (2) non-compliant aftermarket parts, including catalytic converters, fuel injectors, turbo chargers, superchargers, computer devices, sensors, and other engine performance enhancers, and (3) non-compliant portable fuel containers, marine fuel tanks, and refrigerant canisters. EPES is also responsible for the Laboratory and Certification Fraud Program.

Enforcement services provided by EPES focus primarily on investigating complaints, tips, and leads concerning potentially non- compliant engines, parts, specialty products, laboratory and certification fraud, initiating enforcement actions where violations are found, and resolving these cases, including providing support in cases that are referred for litigation.

This incumbent will investigate complaints, tips, and leads received from the public, industry, or affected stakeholders. In addition to laboratory and certification fraud, CARB has developed, mandated, implemented, and is invested in being the worldwide leader in On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) regulations to protect California's air quality. CARB's OBD Branch certifies manufacturer OBD systems in accordance with California regulatory requirements not only for California, but also for the United States, as EPA accepts, and at times, requires California OBD certification. The incumbent will work on Enforcement-related cases in the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) arena (such as stipulated penalties, telematics, and in-use OBD referrals).

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 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.

• 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

The incumbent primarily works in a smoke-free environment of a three-story office building in an enclosed, windowed office cubicle. The incumbent may conduct inspections at stores, shops, warehouses, and dealerships. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. Travel, including overnight travel, may be required locally and within the state.

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.

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.

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 most competitive candidates should have a strong automotive background and experience with environmental inspections and investigations. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of enforcement operations, enforcement processes, and mobile source regulations, including aspects of bringing a case from an investigation to an ultimate resolution. Applicants should be familiar with Microsoft Office Products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; have experience in database environments such as MySQL or Oracle; have a strong scientific background and experience relative to emissions compliance testing, inspection and maintenance testing (Smog Check), aftermarket parts, onboard diagnostics (OBD) functionality and monitoring requirements; have knowledge of emissions control system calibrations and emission control strategies; and have an understanding of tampering and associated emission impacts. Candidates should also have strong communication skills and experience interacting with industry professionals and stakeholders; possess strong organizational skills; the ability to work independently and cooperatively with other staff and outside parties; meet deadlines; follow written and verbal instructions; use tact and good judgment in dealing with people; apply good customer service techniques; and work effectively under a deadline.

Benefits

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

• Free Parking

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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Other - Cover Letter
• Statement of Qualifications -

  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
    

  Please describe your interest in this specific position and how your professional  experiences can contribute to the objectives of the program. Please describe  relevant professional experience and technical skills as they are related to the  Desirable Qualifications, the Job Description and Duties sections, and the Duty  Statement.