SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Caltrans; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 87,271 - 119,769; Full time

Job summary

A state transportation agency in California seeks an experienced Environmental Scientist - Lead Worker to oversee environmental compliance for transportation projects. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills and is knowledgeable about environmental laws. Responsibilities include conducting field analyses and preparing compliance documentation. This permanent, full-time position offers a hybrid work model based in Alameda County, with a salary range of $7,820 - $10,732 monthly. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and have considerable experience in the field.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in environmental science or a related field.
• Strong background in CEQA/NEPA documentation.
• Experience in environmental permitting and compliance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field analyses related to environmental impact.
• Prepare environmental documents and technical studies.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies.

Skills

Field analysis

Environmental laws compliance

Technical report writing

Problem-solving

Collaboration with regulatory agencies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

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. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free workplace. 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-512016
• Position #(s): 904-135-0765-005
• Working Title: Environmental Scientist - Lead Worker
• Classification: SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)
• Salary: $7,820.00 - $10,732.00 (New to State candidates hired into minimum salary)
• Number of Positions: Multiple
• Work Location: Alameda County
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

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

Caltrans Environmental Scientists perform a broad range of work concerning environmental issues related to protecting California's resources as related to transportation projects. Incumbents do field analyses; prepare environmental documents and technical studies, environmental permitting packages and regulatory permits; ensure compliance with various environmental laws and regulations; and conduct environmental protection, planning, and mitigation activities. Incumbents apply scientific methods and principles to analyze and evaluate available data on the effects of transportation projects on all aspects of the environment; prepare and review CEQA/NEPA and other technical documents to determine the effects; and implement mitigation strategies to lessen the impact of those projects.

Under the general direction of the Environmental Branch Chief, the incumbent is an interdisciplinary team member who must establish and maintain a professional working relationship with internal project delivery partners, various regulatory agencies, local partners and interested parties involved with Caltrans' projects. The incumbent must be solution oriented and will need to investigate innovative solutions to meet deliverables. This work requires strong oral and written skills with the specific ability to prepare technical reports as well as written and verbal correspondence. The position may require site visits, sometimes to remote areas, which may require driving a personal or state vehicle on public roadways or on uneven terrain.

The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) is the advanced journey level of the series. Decision making at this level has a higher consequence of error than that of an Environmental Scientist. Incumbents may be assigned lead responsibility for a specific project, program function, or area of expertise; may act as a mentor to lower level staff; and may act as consultants to other technical staff, management, and other agencies in those matters.

Eligibility

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) exam. For those without 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.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.

https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G

https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI

Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.
• Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is required.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Gothic font.

• Provide a brief summary of your upper or graduate-level coursework specific to Archaeology, Anthropology and/or Cultural Resource Management.
• Quantify in years/months your experience in the following areas, specific to California or Great Basin archaeology/sites: 1) field experience (survey and/or excavation); 2) laboratory experience; and 3) field experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Describe your experience consulting with Native American Tribes under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Assembly Bill 52 and any other laws/regulations in which you have experience.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates.

Final Filing Date: 4/2/2026

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 may apply. 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 eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered.

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. Hard copy application packages may be submitted via traditional mail using the addresses listed below.

Address for Mailing Application Packages:

Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
PO Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages:

Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications should be included.
• Resume is optional.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) – required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.

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.