Standards Laboratory Section Supervisor (Air Resources Supervisor I)

Job Description and Duties The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking a highly qualified and effective leader to serve as Section Manager for the Standards Laboratory Section (SLS) within the Quality Management Branch of the Monitoring & Laboratory Division. The SLS plays a central role in CARB’s quality assurance framework to support the State’s ambient air monitoring program and ensure compliance with applicable federal and State regulatory requirements. The Standards Laboratory provides metrological certification and verification services for air measurement standards used to perform quality assurance activities, such as calibrations, QC checks, and audits of air monitoring equipment. The use of common certification and verification facilities and standardized procedures is essential to ensuring that data generated by monitoring organizations within CARB’s Primary Quality Assurance Organization are consistent, comparable, and of uniformly high quality. As the Section Supervisor, you will lead a team of technical professionals tasked with ensuring the accuracy and regulatory compliance of California’s ambient air monitoring network. Responsibilities include directing testing & scientific evaluations, managing laboratory operations, and coordinating with local, State, and federal partners—including the U.S. EPA—to promote consistency in quality assurance practices and support CARB’s commitment to produce accurate, timely, and relevant ambient air quality data for public awareness, regulatory purposes, and research studies. The selected candidate will also provide oversight of CARB’s environmental test chamber, which is utilized to evaluate emerging air sensor technologies. These evaluations are essential to improving localized air quality assessments, including in disadvantaged communities, and advancing CARB’s broader air quality and public health objectives. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals with strong technical expertise, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and a commitment to advancing high quality air monitoring in service of public health and environmental protection. Some travel will be required. 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 the applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience, qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. CARB will not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application. Resumes do not take place of the SOQ. • Require Name on SOQ • Require Job Control Number on SOQ • Maximum number of pages: 2 Describe your education, training, experience and skills that enable you to perform the duties listed in the Duty Statement. 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: The ideal candidate is a self starter with strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to lead and mentor staff engaged in air monitoring equipment testing and laboratory operations. Success in this position requires the capacity to work collaboratively, provide clear technical guidance, and manage all aspects of Standards Laboratory Section projects. Candidates should possess the ability to identify, justify, and champion procurement needs to support laboratory operations, as well as ensure that all test data and staff assignments meet established quality standards. Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a technically diverse team are essential. A scientific background is highly desirable, including experience operating analytical instrumentation, applying recognized test methodologies, and interpreting data in accordance with regulatory requirements. Exceptional understanding of air monitoring equipment, associated quality assurance procedures, and monitoring programs is strongly preferred. The most competitive candidates will have excellent organizational skills and strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities. The ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is critical for addressing programmatic needs and resolving operational issues. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate data, engage with staff on technical matters, and develop solutions to testing challenges as they arise. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed.