Air Pollution Specialist

The Measurement Assessment and Research Section (MARS) operates the Mobile Source Emissions Testing Facility in Sacramento, equipped with a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer, advanced laboratory analyzers, Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS), and the Portable Emissions Acquisition System (PEAQS) to produce high-quality, legally defensible emissions data. MARS’s mission is to support the development of heavy-duty on-road and off-road vehicle regulations, strengthen emissions inventories, inform enforcement actions, advance the Clean Truck Check program, and drive research initiatives. 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 test approaches, advancing innovative methods for measuring in-use emissions, and improving testing capabilities. Working collaboratively with CARB mobile source workgroups, MARS develops and executes test plans, conducts comprehensive emissions testing, and delivers robust data analyses to guide policy decisions and protect air quality. These efforts provide the scientific foundation to achieve reductions in criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and toxic air contaminants from the heavy-duty sector.

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 conduct laboratory emissions testing using a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer, perform on-road emissions measurements with portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS), 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 and reporting office is located at: CARB's - Depot Park Facility, 8311 Galena Ave., Sacramento, CA 95828. May require Statewide travel up to 20% of the time for fieldwork, training or for meetings.

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 Board’s (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.

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.
• Lab, field. May require Statewide travel up to 20% of the time for fieldwork, training or for meetings.