Job Posting: Air Monitoring Site Operator - Central Valley

State Air Resources Board

JC-528022
-
Air Monitoring Site Operator - Central Valley
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

$5,918.00 - $11,455.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Air Monitoring South Section (AMSS) within the Monitoring and Laboratory Division has an opening for an Air Pollution Specialist (APS) based in Bakersfield, CA.

 

Under the supervision of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the Air Pollution Specialist performs technical field and office work. Duties include operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting ambient air monitoring instruments. The APS also reviews and validates air quality data for submittal to the US EPA AQS Data Repository, performs quality control activities, and maintains technical records. Additional responsibilities include installing new equipment and assisting with special projects as needed. The position requires regular travel to air monitoring stations throughout Kern County and nearby counties for field maintenance, instrument calibrations, and upkeep of assigned monitoring stations.

 

Beyond core monitoring duties, the APS represents the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in joint operations and group presentations, sharing technical expertise, responding to inquiries, and preparing standard operating procedures. The APS works collaboratively with CARB staff, local air districts, and the US EPA to support California's ambient air monitoring program. This role also partners with equipment manufacturers to evaluate new technologies that improve ambient monitoring capabilities.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-528022
Position #(s):
673-510-3887-023
Working Title:
Air Monitoring Site Operator - Central Valley
Classification:
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST
$5,918.00 - $7,059.00 A
$7,089.00 - $8,872.00 B
$9,158.00 - $11,455.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify

CARB values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. CARB believes the diversity of our employees collectively makes up one of the world’s most respected environmental organizations. CARB offers various modern interview options, including remote phone and video interviews.  Join CARB and help us improve the lives of all Californians. 

Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience, qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. CARB will not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application. Resumes do not take place of the SOQ. 
  • Require Name on SOQ
  • Require Job Control Number on SOQ
  • Maximum number of pages: 1, Arial 12 pt font, single space, 1 inch margins
What makes you a strong candidate for this Air Pollution Specialist position, and what relevant experience or skills would you bring to the team?

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Air Resources Board
Veronica Sweeten
Attn: Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Air Resources Board
Veronica Sweeten
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Other -
    • Cover Letter 
  • Other -
    • Statement of Qualifications (See Special Requirements section for further information)
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong ability to work in an organized and thorough manner with attention to detail, along with the ability to learn new technical concepts and adapt to changing priorities. This person works independently, often at remote field sites, exercises sound judgment, and collaborates well as part of a team. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are important for this role. This person also enjoys fieldwork, traveling to monitoring stations throughout Kern County and nearby counties to operate and evaluate ambient air monitoring instrumentation. Day-to-day work also involves managing and analyzing data while contributing to branch efficiencies. Education or experience in environmental science, chemistry, engineering, electronics, instrumentation, atmospheric chemistry, or technical writing is a plus.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
  • Free parking
  • Located near: Restaurants and shopping

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.arb.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Daljeet Kour
(000) -
daljeet.kour@arb.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(000) -
EEOP@arb.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Experience and Education

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times, and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma.  Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of the United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.

Additional Instructions for Mailing or Drop-Off Application Packages

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Vee.Sweeten@arb.ca.gov with the JC number in the subject line to confirm submission. Your email will serve as a time stamp that a document was dropped off before the final filing date. Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date. Please Note: Drop-off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: Applicants must not include Social Security Numbers, LEAP status information or paperwork, Equal Employment Opportunity information, exam result notices or scores, or medical or criminal history information on any document within their application package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), 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 work place. 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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job