What are the responsibilities and job description for the SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER position at Caltrans?
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.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-522830
Position #(s):
911-820-4713-001
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Planner (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER
$8,678.00 - $10,783.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
In Office
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
Under the general direction of the Deputy District Director for Planning & Local Assistance, the Senior Environmental Planner (Specialist) serves as the District's lead environmental subject matter expert for Federal Highway Administration Agency (FHWA) - funded local agency transportation projects. The incumbent independently evaluates project impacts using established scientific methods and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local environmental requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the California Coastal Act. The position provides technical guidance to District 11 Local Assistance staff, local agencies, and regulatory partners; reviews environmental studies and documentation; and develops recommendations that support accurate, timely, and defensible environmental determinations. The incumbent leads coordination efforts across functional units, offers expert advice on environmental regulations and policies, and supports project delivery through problem solving, field assessments, and analytical review. The role requires effective communication, professional judgment, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
PARF 11-26-0271 / JC-522830
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Environmental Planner 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.
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.
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit 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 security numbers.
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: 7/7/2026
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
California Department of Transportation
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact JC-522830
1750 E. 4th Street, 1st Floor
Santa Ana , CA 92705
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
California Department of Transportation
Caltrans DHR Contact JC-522830
1750 E. 4th Street, 1st Floor
Santa Ana , CA 92705
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:
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.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-522830
Position #(s):
911-820-4713-001
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Planner (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER
$8,678.00 - $10,783.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
In Office
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
Under the general direction of the Deputy District Director for Planning & Local Assistance, the Senior Environmental Planner (Specialist) serves as the District's lead environmental subject matter expert for Federal Highway Administration Agency (FHWA) - funded local agency transportation projects. The incumbent independently evaluates project impacts using established scientific methods and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local environmental requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the California Coastal Act. The position provides technical guidance to District 11 Local Assistance staff, local agencies, and regulatory partners; reviews environmental studies and documentation; and develops recommendations that support accurate, timely, and defensible environmental determinations. The incumbent leads coordination efforts across functional units, offers expert advice on environmental regulations and policies, and supports project delivery through problem solving, field assessments, and analytical review. The role requires effective communication, professional judgment, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
PARF 11-26-0271 / JC-522830
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Environmental Planner 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.
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.
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
- Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.
- Describe your experience managing CEQA and NEPA compliance for transportation or infrastructure projects.
- Explain a complex environmental issue you identified and resolved on a project.
- Describe your experience providing technical guidance, training, or policy interpretation to internal or external partners. Highlight your ability to communicate scientific and regulatory information clearly, develop guidance materials, or lead collaborative problem solving with local agencies or project teams.
- Explain how you have demonstrated leadership in environmental planning or professional review.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit 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 security numbers.
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: 7/7/2026
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
California Department of Transportation
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact JC-522830
1750 E. 4th Street, 1st Floor
Santa Ana , CA 92705
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
California Department of Transportation
Caltrans DHR Contact JC-522830
1750 E. 4th Street, 1st Floor
Santa Ana , CA 92705
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.
Salary : $8,678 - $10,783