Decarbonization Specialist

Are you looking to contribute to a world-class program at the center of global climate policy? The Cap-and-Trade Program (Program) is seeking an enthusiastic team member with expertise in the natural gas sector and utility regulation to develop and implement Cap-and-Trade Program allowance allocation policy and assess and support decarbonization efforts, primarily in the natural gas sector.

Within the Industrial Strategies Division, the Climate Change Program Evaluation Branch (CCPEB) is seeking a motivated Air Pollution Specialist (APS) in the Program Development Section, which is responsible for technical and economic analyses of industrial, natural gas, electricity, and allowance allocation policy for the Cap-and-Trade Program. The section also provides ongoing evaluations for associated strategies, regulations, and programs, including efforts to decarbonize cement use in California.

Under the direction of an Air Resources Supervisor I (ARSI), the APS will work with a highly motivated internal team with a diverse skill set and will be responsible for assessing and implementing approaches to decarbonizing the natural gas and other sectors, protecting consumers from cost impacts, and mitigating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions leakage risk associated with the Program. The APS will primarily work in concert with colleagues and stakeholders to perform technical, economic, and scientific evaluations related to Program allowance allocation and to develop, assess, and interpret regulations, policy concepts, and other Program-related information.

This position requires scientific and technical analysis of environmental policies; understanding and use of technical, economic, financial, and market data; consultation with stakeholders; interpretation and application of regulatory requirements; evaluation of environmental policies; and project management skills. Specific duties for this position include:

• evaluating, developing, and implementing recommendations for the natural gas and other sectors and emerging technologies and fuels in California’s climate programs;

• assessing and monitoring industrial sector GHG emissions leakage risks associated with the Program;

• ensuring the quality of data and information reported to the Program;

• recommending creative solutions to policy challenges;

• developing and reviewing materials to communicate Program information and requirements;

• interacting with stakeholders and other agencies to ensure alignment on GHG measures and other activities.

Additional tasks will include preparing briefing papers, correspondence, and presentations to describe regulatory programs, articulate policy positions, and solicit feedback; providing regulatory guidance and interpretation; and meeting with and responding to inquiries from industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders and other jurisdictions. Especially as it relates to regulating natural gas and industrial GHG emissions, the APS will consult with local, State, and Federal agencies and international forums involved in GHG and climate policy. The APS may act in a lead capacity or as part of a team, and this position may require occasional travel.

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. 

Beginning July 1st, 2025, per Executive Order N-22-25, CARB employees will be required to report into office four days a week.

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.

• 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.