Methane Policy Strategist

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Essam.Gad@arb.ca.gov to confirm submission.

The Project Assessment Branch is seeking a highly motivated and creative Staff Air Pollution Specialist (SAPS) to lead the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Policy Section.

The SLCP Policy Section develops and implements programs and policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from California’s waste sector and natural and working lands. Within the Project Assessment Branch, this section provides technical and policy support for the implementation of the Climate Change Scoping Plan. The section oversees programs to reduce methane emissions, tracks the State’s progress towards methane emissions reduction targets, manages the Landfill Methane Regulation, collaborates with Cal Recycle to increase organics waste recycling, supports the development of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, evaluates methane reduction program benefits and impacts, and coordinates SLCP emissions reductions strategies within the Calfornia Air Resources Board (CARB) and across agencies.

The SAPS is a team leader responsible for guiding the development and implementation of methane emission reduction strategies across various sectors, including landfills, agriculture, anaerobic digestion, composting, and other organic waste recycling operations. As a Methane Policy Strategist, you will translate science into action, providing cross-cutting recommendations related to biomethane and recovered organic waste products to support climate programs and regulations.

The successful candidate will lead the development of strategies to reduce emissions from municipal solid waste landfills, the second-largest source of methane emissions in California. The SAPS will provide technical expertise in evaluating new emission reduction technologies, leak detection and repair, and organic waste recycling into bioproducts and advanced biofuels. Under the direction of the Air Resources Supervisor I (SLCP Policy supervisor), the SAPS will collaborate across divisions, providing guidance to State agencies on CARB’s climate policy portfolio to promote the beneficial uses of waste-derived resources and other emission reduction strategies aligned with the State’s priorities.

Responsibilities include planning and coordinating rulemaking efforts, synthesizing data and research to support policy decisions, conducting modeling to assess the feasibility and environmental impacts of GHG reduction strategies, tracking progress towards emission reduction targets, and overseeing the development of systems to collect, manage, and analyze data from the waste sector. The SAPS will lead staff in developing correspondence, briefing papers, technical reports, issue papers, and presentations, ensuring high quality and accuracy in the team’s final work products. As a team leader, they will assist the supervisor in planning, organizing, and tracking the completion of assigned tasks. The SAPS will represent the program in meetings with other Divisions, the Executive Office, the Chair’s Office, the Board, CalEPA, and other State agencies, building constructive relationships with State, Federal, and local agencies, academic experts, non-governmental advocates, and other stakeholders. They will serve as a resource and point of contact on CARB’s methane emissions reductions efforts and waste policy matters. Occasional travel within California may be required.

For an overview of SLCP strategies and the work of this team, please visit https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/slcp  

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.

• 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.