Research Scientist

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.

Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-496437

Position #(s):

Working Title:
Research Scientist
Classification:
AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

$5, $7,059.00 A

$7, $8,872.00 B

$9, $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

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:

Job Description And Duties
The Research Division of the California Air Resources Board is looking for an enthusiastic, personable, and technically inclined Research Scientist to lead comprehensive research projects that update our understanding of the direct and indirect interactions between air quality, climate, and Natural and Working Lands (NWL) at the state, national, and international levels. The candidate will focus on advancing the methodologies for tracking GHG emissions and reductions, carbon sequestration, and other benefits from NWL, all of which are essential for demonstrating progress toward the 2045 carbon neutrality goal. Duties include data analysis, research planning, contract management, stakeholder engagement and outreach, report writing, and presenting to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Under supervision of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the successful candidate will work closely with a team of experts with breadths of experiences not limited to data analytics, contract management, ambient air monitoring, computer programming, air quality and emissions modeling, and communication. The section collectively evaluates the direct and indirect interactions between air quality, climate, and NWL in alignment with AB 1757, AB 617, the Scoping Plan, and the State Implementation Plan (SIP) objectives; supports the policy decisions related to Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) mitigation strategies; informs emission inventories, natural carbon sequestration efforts, and nature-based climate solutions programs; and conducts research to advance the methodologies for tracking GHG emissions and reductions, carbon sequestration, and other benefits from NWL.

This position is for you if you want to use your scientific knowledge and creative research to address complex climate change mitigation challenges for our future generations

The most competitive candidate will have fluency in AB 1757, AB 617, Scoping Plan, SIP, ecological principles, carbon stock, wildfires, forest ecosystems, agricultural burning, prescribed burning, climate change, greenhouse gases, satellite remote sensing, air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, cropland agriculture, wetlands, dairy and livestock operations, environmental science, Eddy-Covariance flux emission estimation methods, vegetation fuel types, and ambient air monitoring; knowledge of the interactions between air quality, climate, and NWL; various sources that emit volatile organic compounds and air toxics; experiences in database development; demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; intuitive understanding of quality assessment and quality control techniques; data processing using computer programming languages (e.g., Python); application development (e.g., Power App); expertise in GIS and source apportionment (e.g., Positive Matrix Factorization [PMF] models); expertise in DNDC, DAYCENT, MEGAN, and BDSNP; knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to air quality; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms; strong visual communication skills; experiences in writing technical and non-technical documents; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to independently complete tasks; works well in teams; excellent attention to details; supervision and mentoring experiences; conflict resolution training; team building; ability to travel.

You will find additional information about the job in the
Duty Statement
.

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. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Require Name on SOQ

Maximum number of pages: 2 (Arial font, 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

Describe your education, training, experience, and skills that enable you to perform the duties listed in the Duty Statement.
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: 11/12/2025

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 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

Rinporn Chaipant

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

Rinporn Chaipant

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 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.

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.