Environmental Scientist - Lead Worker

The California Department of Transportation is hiring a Lead Environmental Scientist in Sacramento, CA. The role involves conducting complex fieldwork, environmental analysis, and guiding consultants. The incumbent will mentor lower-level staff and manage project resources. Although the position is primarily based on-site, it may offer telework options at the Department's discretion, with in-person attendance required as needed.
Will Consider Environmental Scientist.

The incumbent will independently perform a variety of complex responsible professional scientific field work, including assigned environmental and natural resource analysis, research, surveys, investigations and studies. They will prepare and analyze methodologies for technical resource studies in compliance with various environmental laws and regulations, and will lead and conduct field surveys. This position also provides guidance to consultants carrying out environmental field and technical work; works with confidential and privileged information; and is responsible for managing cost, scope, schedule and project resources within their purview. The incumbent will work with Environmental Scientists and other staff to review field study methodologies and technical reports and will act as mentor to raise the professional expertise of lower-level staff.

PARF 06-26-0161 / JC-516643

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

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.

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

Working Conditions

Position located at 2015 E Shields Ave Ste 100-200, Fresno County

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

For further details about this position and/or a copy of the duty statement for Environmental Scientist, please contact Thomas Stockwell at (559) 383-5554 or email at thomas.stockwell@dot.ca.gov .



This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans's evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee's designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

Job Application Package ChecklistDuty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-516643

Position #(s):

906-156-0765-XXX

Working Title:

Environmental Scientist - Lead Worker

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.

Shall Consider:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A

$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B

$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Fresno 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


Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver's licenseis required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.

Statementof Qualifications (SOQ) is required.The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves asdocumentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and conciselyin writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include andcomplete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered andin disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered andaddressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, nomore than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.

1. What qualifications and experiences will you bring to this position?

2. Demonstrate your experience with preparing and reviewing complex biological studies, Natural Environment Study, Biological Assessment, Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Incidental Take Permit Application, as well as your role in the preparation of the supporting technical studies used for environmental compliance.

3. Describe your ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to deliver critical path items, explain key and complex environmental issues, and convey project delivery risks.

4. Describe your ability to identify problems and use logic, find information and understand cause to evaluate, and take action independently.

Possessionof Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/orappointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you mustinclude your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial,original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be requiredupon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must providea transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates thenumber of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Pleasevisit 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 securitynumbers

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order 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 for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/9/2026
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).

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. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Transportation

N/A

Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact

Certification Services MS-90

P O Box 168036

Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

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

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
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 listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required. Statement of Qualifications -
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is 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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of: Complex principles of environmental resources research; principles of ecology; statistical methods; California and Federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and requirements; principles of risk assessment and risk management; concepts employed in a variety of disciplines including environmental planning, economics, and resource management; geolocation and geo-referencing software applications, resource conservation program impacts and implementation strategies;

Ability to: Apply or modify scientific methods and principles; collect environmental data; analyze and evaluate data and reach sound conclusions; review, check, and interpret scientific and environmental reports; analyze situations and take appropriate actions; establish and maintain cooperative relations with all persons contacted; communicate effectively; prepare clear, complete, and technically accurate reports; apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements of California and Federal environmental protection and resource management programs; assess the impact of proposed State and Federal environmental legislation and regulations; understand principles of risk assessment and risk management; work with professionals from a variety of disciplines within and outside of State government; and review and understand technical research reports on emerging environmental issues.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

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.

Human Resources Contact:
Meg White
(279) 234-2243
meg.white@dot.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:
Thomas Stockwell
(559) 383-5554
thomas.stockwell@dot.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Important Application Instructions:

The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-516555), PARF# 06-26-0156 and title of the position (Insert Classification Title) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver's license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

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.