The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is looking for a highly adaptable and technically capable scientist to join the Fire Emission Inventory team ("the Team") in the Emission Inventory Analysis Section of the Air Quality Planning and Science Division. The Team is responsible for developing a comprehensive emission inventory of fire activities across California, including wildfire, prescribed fire, Tribal cultural fire, agricultural burn, and structural/automobile fire incidents. The Team's data products are part of the official emission inventory of the State of California. The data are used in various applications such as air quality planning, exceptional event demonstration, tracking progress towards pollutant reduction goals, and assessment of fire's impact on air quality and health.
The project portfolio of this position includes estimating air pollutant emissions generated by wildfire, as well as participating in related emission inventory activities supporting the development of vegetation/fuels datasets and analysis of other intentional/accidental fires on the landscape. The projects have a strong emphasis on geospatial analysis, emission modeling, developing workflow using programming languages, and applying science in continual refinements of inventory methodology.
The position's responsibilities include: quantifying the amount of criteria pollutant, greenhouse gas, and air toxics emissions generated by fire activities; compiling, collating, and reconciling fire activity datasets collected by state and federal government agencies; characterizing the vegetation fuel and human-made materials consumed by fire; working with government agency partners and researchers in developing emission inventory methodology and ongoing data improvements; developing efficient workflow pipelines using programming languages; evaluating scientific publication and emerging datasets for potential use in continual inventory refinements; conducting data QAQC; performing routine and custom analyses related to fire emissions, responding to requests from internal/external stakeholders; and participating in related emission inventory activities such as vegetation/fuels datasets and intentional/accidental fires on the landscape. Other duties include writing technical reports and documentation; preparing briefing papers and summaries; giving presentations to staff, management, other government agencies, and the general public; and assisting the manager in the planning, organizing, and implementation of the Team's responsibilities.
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.
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.
- 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.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-505151
Position #(s):
673-710-3887-082
Working Title:
Fire Emission Inventory Specialist
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:
Sacramento County
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 Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ documents each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Candidates whose applications do not include the required SOQ will not be considered for this position. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
- Require Name on SOQ
- Require Job Control Number on SOQ
- Maximum number of pages: 2 (Arial 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)
Please describe relevant project experience and technical skills as they are related to the description in the Desirable Qualifications section and the project tasks listed in the Job Description and Duties section. In addition to an SOQ, the application package should also include an example of a past project as indicated in the Desirable Qualifications section.
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: 2/22/2026
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
Essam Gad
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
Essam Gad
Classification and Certification Unit
1001 I Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
The drop-off location is 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
- Statement of Qualifications -
Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
- Other -
An example of a past project
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:
We are looking for an agile thinker who is mission-driven, motivated, willing to learn new things, and can adapt to new project tasks and expand their areas of expertise as program mission continues to evolve over time. Candidates must have a strong scientific background in ecology, forestry, atmospheric science, earth sciences, or related fields. Highly desirable qualifications include: prior experience in fire emission estimation and emission inventory; familiarity with fire emission models or fuel consumption framework (e.g., FOFEM, CONSUME, or similar); programming experience in R, Python, or similar languages for data processing, analysis, and visualization; advanced skills in Geographical Information System (GIS) or other geospatial analytical tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIs); experience in independently developing methodology for geospatial analysis at the regional/landscape scale; and is comfortable processing large, disparate datasets at regional or statewide scale. Experience with cloud computing and web-based content presentation is a plus. Being able to present information effectively orally, graphically, and in writing is essential. The candidate will need to be able to explain complex technical concepts and calculations in less technical language, interact effectively with people at all levels of government and the public, handle rapidly changing priorities, work under time constraints, and handle sensitive and confidential assignments with tact and diplomacy.
Applications will be screened based on the desirable qualifications listed above. A Statement of Qualification and an example of past project are required as part of the application package. In the Statement of Qualification, please describe relevant project experience and technical skills as they are related to the Desirable Qualifications and the Job Description and Duties sections. An example of a past project may include: a copy of a paper published in academic journal, a report that the candidate has prepared for current/previous employment or as part of their formal education, or other written material or multi-media content describing the candidate's work. A cover letter is optional.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
- Nearby (third-party) Parking
- Convenient to public transportation
- Gym
- Daycare facility
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:
Jake Rivas
(000) -
jake.rivas@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:
EEOP@arb.ca.gov
(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.
Address for Mailing or Drop-Off Application Packages Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Essam.Gad@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.
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.
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
California Environmental Protection Agency/State Air Resources Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch/ Classification & Certification unit, JC-505151
1001 I Street, 5th Floor/P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95814
Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date. The drop-off location is non-operational on weekends and holidays.
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.
