Air Pollution Specialist

The Monitoring and Laboratory Division (MLD) is seeking highly qualified applicants to work in the Inorganic Laboratory Section (ILS) of the Laboratory Analysis Branch. ILS is a fast-paced production laboratory responsible for the timely analyses of ambient air quality samples collected throughout the state for criteria, toxic, and potentially toxic air pollutants. These include gravimetric analysis of particulate matter (PM10, PM Coarse, PM2.5), PM2.5 chemical speciation (trace elements, ions, and carbon), toxic metals, and hexavalent chromium to support federal, state, local and community air monitoring programs. The section utilizes various analytical instruments including, but not limited to, analytical microbalance, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, ion chromatography, thermal/optical carbon analyzer, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.     

ILS staff are responsible for chemical analysis, analytical data review and reporting, sample management, maintaining chain-of-custody, quality control and assurance, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, procurements, and contracts. ILS staff also develop, validate and implement analytical methods, as well as write and revise standard operating procedures. ILS staff work with other branches within MLD, other California Air Resources Board (CARB) divisions, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and local monitoring organizations throughout California to support existing and special air monitoring programs.  

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 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.

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.

• 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.