Air Pollution Specialist

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 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.

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.