Methane Satellite Data User Needs and System Architecture Lead

Applying electronically via CalCareers is highly recommended. If submitting hardcopy applications (mail/drop-off), please email Essam.Gad@arb.ca.gov to confirm submission.
 

Do you have a background in both science and information technology and want to apply it towards helping California fight climate change? California Air Resources Board's (CARB's) Research Division has an opening for an Air Pollution Specialist (APS) in the Remote Sensing Data Analysis Section (RSDAS). This newly formed section will serve as the central hub for methane data collected from remote sensing technology in order to support a variety of CARB programs and policies. Specifically, this section will develop and maintain the technical infrastructure for managing and analyzing satellite-based observations of methane plumes to support CARB’s goals to reduce emissions of this significant greenhouse gas and its co-pollutants. RSDAS will also be responsible for establishing effective communication mechanisms to mitigate methane emissions, provide data and results to various stakeholders, and support collaborative efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of California’s most vulnerable communities.

The incumbent will investigate and document the user needs and technical infrastructure required to support the agency’s adoption of satellite data for the purposes of identifying and mitigating emissions of methane and other co-emitted air pollutants. This position will work in the team developing and maintaining CARB’s satellite methane data pipeline infrastructure to ensure the program manages the data effectively and provides the best available end products to stakeholders. The APS will also coordinate testing of software components and data products to ensure they function as intended and serve the needs of users. The selected candidate will maintain a current working knowledge of available software frameworks and services and provide recommendations for those which can be applied to the use cases of the satellite methane data program. As needed, the APS will coordinate and participate in demonstrations and training related to the satellite methane data management system and proposed components. This includes documenting the system and its business processes to assist internal and external partners and other jurisdictions in understanding how the system is designed and operates.

This position will serve a valuable role as a bridge between the scientific vision of CARB’s satellite methane program and information technology processes necessary to accomplish it. Therefore, the APS must develop a thorough and continuous understanding of the requirements for determining, requesting, and deploying technology resources from both CARB’s Office of Information Services (OIS) and the California Department of Technology (CDT). This will involve formally documenting how the proposed design and architecture of CARB’s satellite methane data management system will satisfy all relevant security and software development requirements. This position will work with other members of the RSDAS development team to integrate features into the data management system and processing pipeline while remaining consistent with requirements and best practices of the software development lifecycle.

Effective collaboration will be a core responsibility of the position in order to understand the data and analysis needs of a diverse range of internal and external users and ensure RSDAS’s system can deliver them. This includes working closely with OIS to determine what information technology resources are available and best suited for CARB’s satellite methane program. The successful candidate must also coordinate closely with the RSDAS development team and external partners to ensure the satellite methane data management system complies with OIS and CDT standards and best practices. Discussions with external partners and other jurisdictions interested in leveraging or adapting CARB’s system should provide a clear understanding of our design principles and business process.  Active participation by this APS in agency-wide working groups to discuss and demonstrate software frameworks and applications will also benefit CARB’s collective growth and vision in regard to applying technology to science and policy.

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. 

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.