ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Please reference PARF 05-6-164. Standard State application (STD 678) is required. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed.

Under the direction of the Environmental Branch Chief, the incumbent is an interdisciplinary team member who will be responsible for preparing and reviewing complex environmental and biological documents, technical studies, and analytical reports to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and numerous state and federal environmental resource laws and regulations. The Incumbent is the Project Biologist on Department project and researches, prepares, and analyzes complex technical reports for compliance with CEQA/NEPA, CESA/FESA and Section 7 as well as many biologically related state and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to transportation projects. The incumbent must be able to lead and conduct protocol level field surveys for a variety of plant, animal and natural resources and to provide technical data for the biological analysis. This position requires GIS skills to prepare maps and conduct analysis to report both temporary and permanent impacts to varying resources of concern. The incumbent will conduct oversight and review of biological technical studies for local agency documents, Biological Assessments for FESA Section 7 consultation, and will identify and articulate impacts and recommended environmental mitigation measures. This position must demonstrate the ability to prepare permit applications for CESA compliance and complete and coordinate all necessary information for a complete permit application. This position must coordinate with appropriate internal and external experts to identify appropriate mitigation. The incumbent will work as a liaison with federal, State, and local regulatory entities, including Regulatory agencies such as USFWS, CDFW, NMFS, and the CA Coastal Commission for coordination, consultation and compliance with various environmental and biological regulations.

The Incumbent acts as a representative of the Department in negotiations with regulatory agency staff for permits and consultations, and independently manages consultant task orders. This position also works with confidential and privileged information and is responsible for managing cost, scope, schedule and project resources within their purview. The incumbent must establish and maintain a professional working relationship with internal project delivery partners, various 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. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the transportation project development process through construction, be able to complete job-related and job-required training as needed and respond to customer service inquiries. This work requires strong oral and written skills with the specific ability to prepare technical reports as well as written and verbal correspondence. This 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. Occasional overtime, travel and overnight stays may be required. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.

PARF# 05-6-164 / JC- 491745

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Environmental Scientist 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.

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

Working Conditions

Position located at 2885 S. Higuera, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County.

This is a reposting of JC-477227. If you have previously applied to this position, you do not have to re-apply. Your application will be considered.

The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled environment in a cubicle-based office setting; in a home office as part of an approved telework agreement between the incumbent and the employer; and in the field in locations ranging from office buildings to locations on/or adjacent to the State Highway System. These situations may expose the incumbent to potentially unsafe situations, and the incumbent will be required to take mandated trainings and adhere to safe work and field practices. Some fieldwork requires the ability to work in a variety of climatic, topographic, and geographical conditions.

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

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Department Information

Special Requirements

Application Instructions

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.