Air Pollution Specialist

Job Description and Duties

The Measurement Assessment and Research Section (MARS) operates one of the Mobile Source Emissions Testing Facilities within the Mobile Source Laboratory Division (MSLD), equipped with Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) and Portable Emissions Acquisition Systems (PEAQS) to generate high-quality, legally defensible emissions data. MARS’s mission is to support the development and implementation of heavy-duty on-road and off-road vehicle regulations, strengthen emissions inventories, inform enforcement actions, advance the Clean Truck Check program, and support innovative emissions research. Through surveillance testing of in-use on-road and off-road heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, MARS provides critical insights into real-world emissions performance and regulatory effectiveness. MARS also serves as a platform for evaluating and demonstrating new testing approaches, developing innovative methods for measuring in-use emissions, and expanding CARB’s testing capabilities. In collaboration with CARB mobile source workgroups, MARS develops and executes comprehensive test plans, conducts emissions testing, and performs robust data analyses to inform policy and regulatory decisions. Collectively, these efforts provide a scientific foundation for reducing criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and toxic air contaminants from the heavy-duty sector and protecting public health and air quality.

MARS is seeking an Air Pollution Specialist to perform complex technical work related to in-use emissions characterization of heavy-duty (HD) on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment. The incumbent will perform on-road emissions measurements with portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and the Portable Emissions Acquisition System (PEAQS), and ensure compliance with established test procedures, data quality objectives, and safety protocols. Duties include developing and applying analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation; analyzing large datasets using computational tools; designing and executing test plans; operating advanced emissions measurement systems; coordinating test resources; and preparing technical reports in support of regulatory programs, research initiatives, and emissions assessments, while working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support CARB’s mission to protect air quality.

This position offers a balanced mix of laboratory, field, and office-based work and supports CARB’s mission by advancing in-use emissions measurement techniques and evaluating emerging heavy-duty vehicle technologies. The incumbent's position may require Statewide travel up to 30% of the time for fieldwork, training or for meetings.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is not currently eligible for telework. The incumbent will be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

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.
• Travel may be required.
• Requires repetitive movement of heavy objects and/or operation of heavy machinery or motorized vehicles.

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 their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ documents each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Candidates whose applications do not include the required SOQ will not be considered for this position. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

• Require Name on SOQ
• Require Job Control Number on SOQ
• Maximum number of pages: 2 (Arial 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

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 ideal candidate will have knowledge of heavy-duty engines, vehicles, and emissions control systems, with experience conducting emissions testing in both laboratory and on-road settings using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and Portable Emissions Acquisition System (PEAQS). The incumbent should be able to develop and apply analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation, analyze large datasets, and prepare technical reports to support regulatory programs and research initiatives. Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations are essential. Programming or scripting skills for database management, instrument communication, and data post-processing are desirable, as is hands-on experience installing sampling systems, operating measurement instruments, and supporting vehicle test setups. Familiarity with experimental design, test planning, troubleshooting measurement systems, and emerging emissions measurement technologies is also preferred. A bachelor’s or higher degree in science or engineering is desirable.

Possesses a driver license and maintain a good driving record.     

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 -

  Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.