The California Department of Public Health is seeking to fill the position of Air Quality Project Coordinator within the Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS).
About the Center for Laboratory Sciences:
The Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) supports the CDPH mission to protect the health and well-being of the people and communities of California by providing state-of-the-art analytical services and leadership for the state Public Health Laboratory system. It assures accurate and reliable clinical, environmental, and public health laboratory services through the provision of support services, consultation, and regulatory compliance oversight to its independent public health laboratories.
About the Role:
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by strengthening the state environmental public health and laboratory testing program.
The Health Program Specialist (HPS) I functions as a highly skilled technical program specialist. The HPS I will assist in the planning, organizing, and carrying out of scientific research studies to reduce airborne pathogen transmission by improving air quality as mandated under Health and Safety Code §425, §105400 et seq.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a skilled, independent consultant and project manager, leading technically complex, politically sensitive, and time-constrained air quality projects and activities assigned by the Branch Chief of EHLB. Function as a subject matter expert and assist in research and air quality projects which include but are not limited to strategy design, policy recommendation, programmatic interventions, data collection and analysis, and evaluation methods to reduce airborne pathogen transmission by improving air quality. Define project scopes, deliverable and timelines on multiple projects and communicate their progress to the Branch Chief. Represent as a technical consultant on various projects and meetings, such as program updates and meetings related to specific programmatic issues.
- Independently assist and plan, prepare, coordinate, write, and participate in air quality procurement processes including requests for proposals, purchase and service orders, and applications, and local health department guidelines to procure services. Research and draft responses on behalf of Branch Chief that require in-depth knowledge; review and evaluate documents and processes for procurements, proposal reviews, and negotiations.
- Assist in preparing air quality research publications and pathogen transmission guidance and policy presentations to communicate with public health experts, scientists, and stakeholder communities. Assist in consultations and coordination with State, Federal, and local agencies in planning, implementation, evaluation, monitoring programs, and research studies on air quality research and guidance on airborne pathogen transmission.
- Prepare, monitor, and evaluate air quality contracts and expenses for compliance with health regulations; develop proposals for funding, and identify resources required before submitting to the Contracts & Purchasing Section for approval and processing. Prepare legislative proposals, bill analyses, memos, correspondence, federal grant applications, and reports related to air quality efforts. Coordinate these efforts with appropriate offices including the Office of Legislation and Governmental Affairs, the Office of Legal Services, the Office of Health Equity, and the Office of Communications. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
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:
- An Air Quality Project Coordinator serves as the central hub of an environmental project, effectively connecting field technicians, data analysts, regulatory partners, and stakeholders.
- Experience emphasizing overall project execution, including resource planning, workflow organization, and maintaining adherence to timelines and deliverables.
- Experience in strong project management capabilities, skillful coordination of technical activities, and clear, consistent communication.
- A solid understanding of environmental science, air quality concepts, and relevant regulatory frameworks enhances a coordinator’s ability to bridge technical and administrative needs
- Ability to support informed decision-making and keep complex environmental projects on track.
The deadline to apply is August 24th, 2026.
Link to Apply: https://bit.ly/4gf0f6D
Link to Minimum Qualifications: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1192
New to the State application process? To be considered for this role, you must follow the directions below. We do not accept applications from external platforms.
- Create a CalCareer account by going to CalCareers.ca.gov.
- Confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are wanting to apply for. A link to view minimum qualifications is listed on each job posting.
- After confirming that you meet the minimum qualifications, take, and pass the corresponding examination. Most exams are available online and can be found on CalCareers under the exam/assessment search tab.
- Apply! Follow all directions and be sure to submit all requested documentation.
Please reach out to Apply@cdph.ca.gov with any questions.
At CDPH equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.