Environmental Scientist

Overview

Job Posting:
Environmental Scientist

Department:
Department of Transportation

JC-507385

Classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Salary: $4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 2/21/2026

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

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Under the supervision of a Branch Chief, Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Environmental Scientist will perform a wide variety of scientific and technical investigations. The Environmental Scientist is a key member of the District 4 Division of Environmental Planning and Engineering and Caltrans Project Development Team and is responsible for ensuring environmental compliance on transportation projects through the preparation of technical reports;

obtaining permits from state and federal regulatory agencies; and developing mitigation activities. The Environmental Scientist conducts biological surveys and habitat assessments; gathers data on natural resources; identifies and analyzes the impacts of transportation projects on biological resources; and develops measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate those impacts.

The Environmental Scientist will be expected to understand complex biological analysis methods and present their findings in detailed and comprehensive technical documents. These documents, often shared with the public and external agencies, serve as the foundation for CEQA and NEPA findings. The candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and adapt to changing workloads and deadlines. Candidates with multiple years of experience in Bay Area botany, ornithology, mammalogy, geomorphology, ichthyology, along with excellent writing skills are preferable.

PARF# 04-26-0010 / JC-507385

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Environmental Scientist exam. For those who do not have current eligibility 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  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.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

BS/MA in Biology with coursework in botany, mammalogy, field surveys, marine and estuarine ecology, aquatic resources, and/or habitat restoration, or having work experience in these areas for a minimum of three years with increased complexity. Be familiar with state and federal environmental laws and permitting in California. Strong attention to detail, analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team.

to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

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

The SOQ serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Follow the SOQ instructions; failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions. The SOQ must be typed, no more than one page in length, and 12-point Arial font.

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date to be considered. Final Filing Date: 2/21/2026.

Who May Apply:
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, or are in the process of obtaining eligibility may apply. SROA and/or Surplus candidates are given priority.

Complete Application Packages (STD 678) and applicable documents. Apply electronically through Cal Careers at , or submit a hard copy as instructed. See the posting for mailing/drop-off addresses and deadlines.

Equal Opportunity Employer. The State of California is an equal opportunity employer. The State application (STD. 678) is required, and all sections must be filled out completely. For mailed or hand delivered applications, include the Job Control number (JC-507385), PARF# 04-26-0010, and title. DOE:
Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers or birthdates on submitted documents. This posting contains standard EEO statements and contact information for questions.