Life Cycle Analysis and Land Use Change Expert

The Fuels Evaluation Section (FES) of the Industrial Strategies Division (ISD) is responsible for using lifecycle emissions analysis to develop new fuel pathways and evaluate fuel pathway applications from fuel producers. Once a fuel pathway is certified, the pathway is available for reporting and credit generation under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). LCFS credits provide deficit generating regulated parties with greater flexibility in complying with the LCFS regulation designed to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuel. One major part of the lifecycle analysis is understanding the potential impacts of the LCFS program on domestic and international land use change (LUC) including indirect or market-mediated impacts of crop and waste/residue-based fuels. Key activities of the section related to new fuel pathways include reviewing fuel pathway applications for accuracy and completeness, assisting alternative fuel producers with the development of new or modified fuel pathways, and using lifecycle analysis models to develop fuel pathways with broad applicability. The inclusion of mandatory verification in the LCFS regulation, effective 2019 requires staff in the section to provide ongoing support to the LCFS verification team. This could include participating in verifier training sessions, assisting in verifier audits, traveling for California Air Resources Board (CARB) initiated on-site visits and working closely on enforcement actions resulting from audits and site visits.

Under the direction of the Air Resources Supervisor I (ARSI), the Air Pollution Specialist (APS) utilizes scientific and policy skills and expertise to review and analyze fuel pathway applications, prepares documents for senior management briefings, and assists with workshop and other events related to the program. The APS will also be knowledgeable of land use change modeling methods, participate in workshops and workgroups regarding land use change and biomass-based feedstock sustainability, and develop recommendations for best practice to include land use change accounting in lifecycle analysis of projects.

The position requires close collaboration and teamwork with other California Air Resources Board(CARB) staff, as well as diverse internal and external stakeholders, including other CARB divisions, government agencies, policymakers, industry, environmental organizations, and the public. The APS may also represent the agency in various joint operations, speak before groups, answer inquiries, and prepare reports and correspondence.

This position requires completing both short and long-term tasks, occasionally involving critical assignments with demanding time constraints. Staff in this position will communicate technical and policy analysis to a broad set of stakeholders using clear and accessible language in multiple formats including verbal discussions, reports and presentations. Demonstrating adherence to the regulation while fostering positive working relationships with stakeholders is an essential skill for this position. The APS represents the branch as a subject matter expert at agency meetings, public workshops, stakeholder forums, and similar events.
 

NOTE* This is an open advertisement and anyone can apply. The State of California requires applicants to take the AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST "exam" to get on the eligibility list for this position. The "exam" is designed to assess an individual’s 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://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1521

You can simultaneously take the exam and apply for the position, and both steps are required.

IF SELECTED FOR THE POSITION, YOUR SALARY OFFER IS DETERMINED BY WHAT YOU INCLUDE ON YOUR STANDARD STATE APPLICATION (STD. 678). PLEASE INCLUDE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION IN YOUR STATE APPLICATION (STD.678) WHEN APPLYING.

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

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 Resource 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 in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (for example, artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.) 
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• May require traveling in-state and out-of-state up to 5% for site visits, workshops and meetings.