Environmental Scientist

Job Posting:
Environmental Scientist

Department of Transportation

JC-507385

Environmental Scientist

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

Final Filing Date: 2/21/2026

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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 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, and excellent writing skills are preferable.

Eligibility may be determined by your score on the Environmental Scientist exam. Those without current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) or new to state civil services employment must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, search the classification title on the examination list.

Position located at 111 Grand Ave, Oakland, Alameda County.

Telework is permitted at the discretion of the Department; employees may be required to attend the headquarters site with short notice. Business travel may be required. Commute expenses to the headquarters are the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum requirements are detailed in the Class Specification. They can be viewed by accessing the job’s duty statement.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a state‑owned or leased vehicle.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. The SOQ must be typed, one page in length, in 12‑point Arial font, and answer each numbered question in order with sufficient detail to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience.

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or post‑marked by the Final Filing Date to be considered. Applications may be submitted electronically through your Cal Career account. If submitting a hard copy, include a completed copy of the application package listing.

Required application documents include:

• State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) or electronic equivalent.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).
• Optional resume.

BS/MA in Biology with coursework in botany, mammalogy, field surveys, marine and estuarine ecology, aquatic resources, and/or habitat restoration, or at least three years of related work experience with increasing complexity. Familiarity with state and federal environmental laws and permitting in California. Advanced attention to detail, analytical and critical‑thinking and writing skills, and the ability to identify discrepancies, develop solutions, and work interdependently as part of a team.

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

Human Resources Contact:
David Maxwell (279) 234‑2433

Hiring Unit Contact:
Leigh Anne Kuehnel (510) 286‑6009

EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office (844) 368‑3367

California Relay Service: 1‑800‑735‑2929 (TTY), 1‑800‑735‑2922 (Voice)

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, family care, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, 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 state law, Civil Service rules, and the special trust placed in public servants.