Air Resources Engineer

The Fuel Project Evaluation Section (FPES) within the Transportation Fuels Branch is seeking to recruit an Air Resources Engineer to support the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The LCFS is a key program to promote alternative fuels and achieve GHG emission reductions in the transportation sector. FPES is responsible for evaluating project-based applications that will reduce the carbon intensity (CI) in conventional petroleum fuels supply chains, including innovative crude projects, refinery investment projects, renewable hydrogen refinery projects, and low complexity/low- energy-use refinery projects. The section is also responsible for providing support of fuel pathways involving co-processing of low-CI feedstock, dairy/swine digester projects producing renewable natural gas or electricity for transportation use, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and direct air capture. Expertise in the section extends to CI calculation of conventional fuel supply chains using tools such as the Oil Production Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimator (OPGEE).

This position requires a highly motivated and technically skilled professional to lead the Refinery Investment Credit Program within the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). This program supports refinery projects that achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions through process improvements, renewable energy integration, and emissions control. Under direction of the section supervisor, the Air Resources Engineer will conduct modeling and life cycle analysis for petroleum-based and alternative fuels, contribute to the regulatory amendments, and use engineering principles to evaluate the technical accuracy and completeness of proposed projects (e.g. innovative crude, refinery investment, CCS) and pathways (e.g. co-processing, renewable natural gas) to ensure compliance with the LCFS regulation.

The position also requires completing both short and long-term tasks that will sometimes involve critical assignments under tight timeframes. Staff in this position will communicate technical and policy analysis to a broad set of stakeholders in common, easy-to-understand terminology that includes verbal discussions, reports and presentations. Demonstrating adherence to the regulation while maintaining good working relationships with stakeholders is essential skill for this position. The ARE represents the branch in their area of expertise at agency meetings, public workshops, stakeholder forums, etc.

May require occasional travel in-state and out-of- state for site visits, meetings and workshops.

*NOTE* This is an open advertisement and anyone can apply. The State of California requires applicants to take the Air Resources Engineer "exam" to get on the eligibility list for this position. The "exam" is not a test in the traditional sense; rather, it is designed to assess the candidates’ background, training and experience related to the needs of the position through an online self-assessment of your knowledge and experience. Details on the exam can be found at: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/3PB06.PDF for the Air Resources Engineer position.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• 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.
• May require to travel in-state and out-of-state for site visits, workshops and meetings.