SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Caltrans; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltrans in California seeks a Senior Environmental Scientist (Coastal Resources Specialist) to lead complex coastal work within PDTs, coordinate with coastal permitting agencies, and guide mitigation and Sea Level Rise analyses under the California Coastal Act and Coastal Zone Management Act. The role involves coordinating permits, reporting on status, and ensuring delivery of projects within the ADP/ CFD.

A valid driver’s license is required, and an SOQ must be submitted with the application.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating state owned or leased vehicles.
• Statement of qualifications (SOQ) required.
• All interested applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications with the application.
• Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) exam.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Stay informed of changes related to environmental laws, lead PDTs in applicability of such changes, and provide guidance to PDTs to ensure mitigation measures for coastal resources.
• Manage the cost, scope and schedule of transportation projects within the coastal zone to meet Environmental Program delivery commitments under the ADP and CFD.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code # : JC-531341

Position #(s) : 927-801-0765-XXX

Working Title : Senior Environmental Scientist Coastal Resources Specialist

Classification : SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

$7,820.00 - $10,732.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions : Multiple

Work Location : Humboldt County

Telework : Hybrid

Job Type : Permanent, Full Time

Facility : California Department of Transportation

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.

Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.

Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov

Director’s EEO Policy : https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Job Description And Duties

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).

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating state owned or leased vehicles.
• Statement of qualifications (SOQ) required.

Statement Of Qualifications

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with the application . A Resume or Cover Letter does not substitute for the SOQ. The SOQ must specifically address the questions, be numbered in the same order as listed, 2 pages maximum and in 12-point font. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the SOQ. Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.

• Building strong, collaborative relationships is imperative for success in the position of Senior Coastal Liaison. Provide examples of partnerships that you have developed throughout your career and how those partnerships will help you succeed in this new role.
• There are various parts of the coastal act that are subjective, and decisions currently made are based off precedence. What would be your approach to making changes in working with California Coastal Commission staff? Explain your negotiating skills.
• In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing North Region Environmental as it pertains to the Coastal Act and what solutions do you propose to resolve these challenges?

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

Final Filing Date: 9/29/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.