Air Pollution Specialist

Overview

Job Posting:
Fire Emission Inventory Specialist

State Air Resources Board

JC-505151

Fire Emission Inventory Specialist

AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

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

Final Filing Date: 2/12/2026

Application Methods:
Electronic (Cal Career), By Mail, Drop-off, Print Job, Save Job

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is looking for a scientist to join the Fire Emission Inventory team in the Emission Inventory Analysis Section of the Air Quality Planning and Science Division. The Team develops a comprehensive emission inventory of fire activities across California (wildfire, prescribed fire, Tribal cultural fire, agricultural burn, and structural/automobile fire incidents). Data products are part of the official California emission inventory and are used in air quality planning, exceptional event demonstration, tracking progress toward pollutant reduction goals, and assessing fire impacts on air quality and health.

The project portfolio includes estimating emissions from wildfire and supporting related emission inventory activities for vegetation/fuels datasets and analysis of other fires. Projects emphasize geospatial analysis, emission modeling, workflow development using programming languages, and continual refinements of inventory methodology.

Responsibilities include quantifying emissions of criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics from fire activities; compiling, collating, and reconciling fire activity datasets; characterizing fuels consumed by fire; collaborating with government partners and researchers to develop methodologies and data improvements; developing efficient workflow pipelines using programming languages; evaluating publications and new datasets for inventory refinements; conducting QA/QC; performing analyses related to fire emissions;

responding to stakeholder requests; and participating in related vegetation/fuels and fire analyses. Other duties include writing technical reports, preparing briefing papers, presenting to staff and external audiences, and assisting the manager with planning and execution of Team responsibilities.

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

Hybrid in-office work and in-state telework may be available. Telework policies are at the agency’s discretion. Some in-person attendance may be required. Telework eligibility is based on operational needs and CalEPA policy; in-state applicants residing outside California are not eligible for telework. All employees may be required to report to the designated headquarters location at their own expense.

Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR PLP 2025 directs a 3 percent pay reduction in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits; salary ranges in this ad do not reflect the 3% reduction.

Minimum requirements are stated in the Class Specification. Position: AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST.

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Job Code #: JC-505151

Position #:

-082

Working Title:

Fire Emission Inventory Specialist

Classification: AIR POLLUTION SPECIALIST

Salary Ranges: $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.

Number of Positions:
Multiple

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer. EEO information and drug-free workplace statements apply.

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ is a narrative describing how skills, knowledge, and experience qualify the candidate. SOQ documents the ability to present information clearly in writing. Resumes do not replace the SOQ.

• Require Name on SOQ
• Require Job Control Number on SOQ
• Maximum 2 pages (Arial 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

Please describe relevant project experience and technical skills related to the Desirable Qualifications and Job Description. Include an example of a past project as indicated.

We seek an agile, mission-driven thinker with a strong scientific background in ecology, forestry, atmospheric science, earth sciences, or related fields. Highly desirable qualifications include:

• Experience in fire emission estimation and emission inventory
• Familiarity with fire emission models or fuel consumption frameworks (e.g., FOFEM, CONSUME, or similar)
• Programming in R, Python, or similar for data processing and visualization
• Advanced GIS/geospatial skills (ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Experience developing methodology for geospatial analysis at regional/landscape scale
• Ability to process large, disparate datasets at regional or statewide scale
• Cloud computing and web-based content presentation experience is a plus
• Effective oral, graphical, and written communication; ability to explain complex concepts…