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As a new graduate (May `01) Whitney didn't think immediately about a government job, but values job security and flexibility more highly than a substantial paycheck, especially now that she's on the US National Rowing Team. Whitney will be one of seven Cal alumni competing for Team USA at the eight-day world rowing championships, which begin Sunday in Seville, Spain.

Career Center (CC): What did you do while you were a student at Cal?

Whitney Webber (WW): I was a double major in Environmental Sciences (ES) and Integrative Biology (IB). In the fall semester of my final year at Cal, I participated in the Health Services Internship. I wish I had found out about this opportunity earlier. As a Health Services Intern, I worked for the Children's Environmental Health Network which, along with my research seminar as an ES major, convinced me that I wanted to continue working on children's environmental health issues. Something else that I'm very glad I did as a student at Cal was seek out a variety of work experiences. Having worked for government (Dept. of Mental Health), private industry (environmental consulting), and the nonprofit sector, I had a better idea of what jobs I wanted to apply for and what kind of companies I wanted to be a part of.

Unhappy at Dartmouth College, I applied to Cal and was accepted as a transfer student. I found my niche at Cal as a student-athlete. I was a varsity athlete on the Women's Rowing Team.

CC: Why did you major in ES?

WW: There are many reasons why I decided to major in ES.

1. I was enticed by the major because I could see that what ES students were doing in the classroom extended beyond the classroom walls to the real world.
2. I wanted to gain some hands-on experience designing my own research project.
3. The ES major can be tailor-made to suit the interests of the individual student and the major allowed me to incorporate a public health emphasis into my education.
4. I liked the faculty and subject matter.
5. I sensed that ES was a major where hard work would really pay off. You have to take the initiative, be self-motivated, and be a self-starter when it comes to designing your own research project and completing it on time.
6. I felt that being an ES major would help me gain insight into what I wanted to do after graduation, and it most certainly did.
7. Lastly, I had a hard time getting to know my professors as an IB major. As an ES student, I felt developing a relationship with my professors would come easier because the major is much smaller. Sure enough, my ES 196 professor became my mentor and helped me tremendously throughout the course of the year. The smaller feel of the major also helped me get to know other students majoring in ES.

CC: What is The California Air Resources Board (ARB)?

WW: As it says on the ARB website: "The ARB mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through the effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the state."

The ARB is one of six agencies under the umbrella of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA). The others include the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment, and the State Water Resources Control Board. The ARB works closely with all of these agencies.

CC: What were you hired to do? What are your main job responsibilities?

WW: I was hired to work for the ARB's Research Division, Indoor Exposure Assessment Section, as an Air Pollution Specialist (APS).

Most students right out of college with a science background start off in my classification or as an Air Resources Engineer. The responsibilities of an APS depend on what division he/she works for e.g., Enforcement, Mobile Source Control, Stationary Source Control, Planning, Research, etc.

Initially, my primary job responsibility was to assist with the California Portable Classrooms Study - a survey of 1,000 schools measuring the levels of formaldehyde and related gases, other gaseous pollutants such as benzene and chloroform, real-time particle counts, molds and allergens, carbon monoxide, and temperature and humidity in 210 classrooms. My other responsibilities included reviewing indoor air quality guidelines and conducting public education and outreach.

CC: What is your current position?

WW: Because I decided to pursue training with the US Rowing National Team, my job scope has changed since I was first hired. I now live in Princeton, NJ, and telecommute from my home office on a part-time basis. I no longer assist with the Portable Classrooms Study. (Had I remained in Sacramento, I would have started work on meeting planning and preparation for the PCS, and this is something that could not be handled outside of California.) Instead, I will focus more of my time on guideline review, report writing, editing, data analysis, writing monthly highlights for the division, and some public education and outreach.

CC: What do you like about your work?

WW: I enjoy working for the ARB because I believe the work is making an important contribution to the health of the environment and the public. The ARB manages programs in: Air Quality and Transportation Planning, Air Toxics, Coatings, Community Health, Consumer Products, Enforcement, Energy-Related Activities, Fuels, Mobile Sources, Permitting, Research Activities, Smoke Management and Gasoline Vapor Recovery. If students are interested in learning more about these programs, they can access the ARB website.

The ARB also takes care of its employees. I feel safe at work. I feel that my hard work will be rewarded. I respect and get along with my coworkers. ARB would like its employees to practice what they preach. They care if you smoke at the entrance to the building and encourage their employees to bike to work. They also encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. There is a fitness room, bike lockers, a locker room, and a weight room in the building. There is ample opportunity for ARB employees to take a proactive approach in their work and everyday lives. I am very impressed with the Employee Transportation Program. Some of the great things this program does include participating in the Great American River Clean Up, advocating for safe bike routes, and promoting the Smogbusters Trek Team.

Also, I feel extremely fortunate that my manager has found a way to keep me on board while I continue my training thousands of miles away. I work with great people.

CC: How did you learn of the job opening? What was the hiring process like?

WW: I did not know of the ARB until I started applying for jobs my last year at Cal. A family friend, who worked for ARB at the time, suggested I try to get my name on the list through the application process.

For those students interested in applying for a job as an APS, go to the ARB website to learn more about career opportunities with the ARB. Request the supplemental application, fill it out, and send it in. Within a month to two months, you will find out about your placement on the list and whether or not you are eligible to apply for a position with the ARB. At that time, return to the website to find out about job vacancies. If you see a job that interests you, submit a resume and cover letter to the contact for the position. Following submittal of the resume, there is an interview process. Before I was hired, I had a phone interview, in-person interview, and written exam.

Right now, due to the hiring freeze, it is more difficult to get a job with the State. ARB is still taking applications because they need to hire and want to be prepared to fill positions as soon as the freeze is lifted. Current seniors in physical and life sciences and/or engineering, may complete an application. Just be persistent. Other agencies may be hiring in the near future. Bay Area Air Quality Management District will soon be hiring for Air Quality Inspectors, entry-level positions for science and engineering graduates.

CC: Do you have any tips regarding what Cal undergraduates can do to prepare for a career at ARB? Any suggestions for navigating the hiring process?

WW: If you know what job interests you, see if you possess the knowledge, abilities, experience, education, training, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. This will give you something to work toward. Do not let anything deter you from applying for a job that interests you. My manager was looking for a candidate with a professional degree, but decided to hire me.

Take a tour of the Cal/EPA building and the ARB. The recruiter for ARB, Cindy Francisco, can arrange a tour. You'll know if this is the place for you after you come for a visit. Also, a tour will help you familiarize yourself with the different BDOs. You might be able to make some important contacts that will help you navigate the hiring process.

CC: Any tips for Cal athletes?

WW: Any employer worth working for will not overlook your athletic experience. Try to highlight the things you learned by being an athlete at Cal.

Additional Resources

EPA - Region 9

EPA - Nationwide Job Opportunities

What Can I Do With a Major in - Environmental Sciences

What Can I Do With a Major in - Integrative Biology