Air Pollution Specialist

Job Posting:
Air Pollution Specialist

Agency: State Air Resources Board (CARB)

Salary: $5,918.00 - $11,455.00 per Month

Location: Sacramento County, Depot Park Facility, 8311 Galena Ave., Sacramento, CA 95828

Final Filing Date: March 4, 2026

Position Type:
Permanent, Full Time. Telework:
Hybrid.

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 work groups, 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.

• Conduct laboratory emissions testing using a heavy‑duty chassis dynamometer.
• Perform on‑road emissions measurements with portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS).
• Ensure compliance with established test procedures, data quality objectives, and safety protocols.
• Develop and apply analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation.
• Analyze large datasets using computational tools.
• Design and execute test plans.
• Operate advanced emissions measurement systems.
• Coordinate test resources.
• Prepare technical reports in support of regulatory programs, research initiatives, and emissions assessments.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support CARB’s mission to protect air quality.

Minimum Requirements are specified in the Class Specification.

Desirable qualifications for this position include knowledge of heavy‑duty engines, vehicles, and emissions control systems, experience conducting emissions testing in both laboratory and on‑road settings using chassis dynamometer and portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS), the ability to develop and apply analytical methods for emissions data processing, validation, and interpretation, and the capability to analyze large datasets and prepare technical reports to support regulatory programs and research initiatives.

Strong project management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations are essential. Programming or scripting skills for database management, instrument communication, and data post‑processing are desirable, as is hands‑on experience installing sampling systems, operating measurement instruments, and supporting vehicle test setups.

Familiarity with experimental design, test planning, troubleshooting measurement systems, and emerging emissions measurement technologies is also preferred. A bachelor’s or higher degree in science or engineering is desirable.

• Free Parking.

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace.

Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Margo Liner

EEO Contact: