Senior Environmental Scientist (JC-531341)

Caltrans; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltrans is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) to lead complex environmental analyses and permit coordination for coastal transportation projects. The role includes guiding project development teams, preparing permit applications, and ensuring mitigation measures align with the California Coastal Act and related policies.

The incumbent will stay current with evolving environmental laws, lead in coastal permit coordination, and help manage scope, cost, and schedule to meet

Qualifications

• Lead complex data analysis related to coastal resources.
• Prepare documents and applications for coastal permits.
• Apply changes in environmental laws and coastal plans to projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead PDTs to address coastal resource impacts and mitigation.
• Coordinate coastal permit processes with state and local agencies.
• Review Sea Level Rise analyses and climate adaptation measures.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects under program commitments.

Skills

Data analysis

Document preparation

Coastal resource evaluation

Job description

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Job Control: JC-531341

Classification: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Apply by: 9/29/2026

"At Caltrans, we foster a supportive environment that encourages open communication and mutual respect, empowering you to bring your best ideas forward. Our commitment to work-life balance ensures you have time to recharge and pursue personal passions, while our dedication to job security guarantees a stable and fulfilling career."

About the Position:

Under the general direction of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory). The incumbent is an interdisciplinary team member on Project Development Teams (PDT) performing the most complex tasks to facilitate timely delivery of transportation projects within the coastal zone. The incumbent shall lead, with minimal supervision, data analysis, document preparation and application preparation for addressing coastal resources as part of the California Coastal Act and Coastal Zone Management Act. The incumbent shall facilitate State and Local coastal permit coordination, obtain Coastal Development Permits, waivers, exclusions and represent North Region Environmental at coordination meetings and public hearings with coastal permitting agencies while closely tracking and reporting on the status of permits and complex mitigation packages. The incumbent must

stay informed of changes related to environmental laws, local coastal plans and policies, lead PDT’s in the applicability of such changes, existing law, plans and policies, and provide guidance and direction to PDT’s to ensure development of appropriate mitigation measures relative to coastal resource impacts such as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas, wetlands, water quality, public access, historic resources, cultural resources, critical viewsheds, and coastal hazards. Ensure and review inclusion of Sea Level Rise analysis and other Climate Adaptions Strategies, and associated avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. The incumbent is responsible for leading coordination efforts to manage the cost, scope and schedule of transportation projects within the coastal zone to ensure the Environmental Program meets its project delivery commitments under the Annual Delivery Plan (ADP) and the Contract for Delivery (CFD).