Air Monitoring Site Operator - Central Valley

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.

• 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.
• Must be able to move/transport monitoring equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Requires driving to field sites, working outdoors and climbing wall mounted and extension ladders to access rooftops, working at heights.