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Caltrans Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Staff Biologist

Monterey, CA · On-site

Assessments and surveys will support California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) biological monitoring, Fort Ord Munitions and Explosives Cleanup biological monitoring, and compliance with ...

TERRACON

Field Biologist

Monterey, CA · On-site

$30.30 - $42.30/hr

Assessments and surveys will support California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) biological monitoring, Fort Ord Munitions and Explosives Cleanup biological monitoring, and compliance with ...

TERRACON

Field Biologist

Monterey, CA

Assessments and surveys will support California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) biological monitoring, Fort Ord Munitions and Explosives Cleanup biological monitoring, and compliance with ...

Mark Thomas

Senior Biologist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Act as a key point of contact for Caltrans District 4, leveraging deep familiarity with expectations, processes, and approval pathways to successfully deliver and obtain approval for biological ...

Department of Transportation

Branch Chief

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$10K - $13K/mo

... but not limited to biological, cultural, CEQA/NEPA specialists who complete environmental ... The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in ...

Skanska USA

Environmental Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$126K - $130K/yr

Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP), Caltrans Water ... General understanding of environmental issues related to biological, cultural and paleontological ...

Skanska USA

Environmental Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$126K - $130K/yr

Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP), Caltrans Water ... General understanding of environmental issues related to biological, cultural and paleontological ...

ICF

Senior Botanist/Wetland Ecologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Prepare botanical and aquatic resources sections of CEQA documents and Caltrans NES reports Basic Qualifications * BS in Botany, Biology, or Ecology, or related field * 10 or more years of wetland ...

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Caltrans Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do caltrans biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for caltrans biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Caltrans Biologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltrans Biologist, you need a strong background in biological sciences, environmental regulations, and field survey techniques, often backed by a relevant degree or professional certification. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and reporting systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills make you stand out in collaborative project environments. These abilities are vital for ensuring regulatory compliance, effective project delivery, and the protection of natural resources within transportation projects.

What are some of the main responsibilities of a Caltrans Biologist on a typical project?

As a Caltrans Biologist, you will be responsible for conducting field surveys to identify sensitive species and habitats, preparing technical reports and environmental documents, and ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies to minimize and mitigate environmental impacts of transportation projects. Your days may include both independent research and teamwork, and you may frequently visit project sites throughout California. This role requires balancing scientific rigor with practical project constraints to support timely and environmentally responsible infrastructure improvements.

What is a Caltrans Biologist job?

A Caltrans Biologist is responsible for evaluating the environmental impact of transportation projects, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. They conduct biological surveys, assess habitats, and identify potential effects on wildlife and plant species. Their work supports environmental permits and helps mitigate ecological impacts. They collaborate with engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies to integrate environmental considerations into project development.

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What cities are hiring for Caltrans Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Caltrans Biologist job openings:
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Caltrans Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caltrans Biologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Staff Biologist

Staff Biologist

TERRACON

Monterey, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Terracon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

Terracon Consultants is seeking to hire a Seasonal Staff Biologist to report to our Monterey, CA office. The ideal candidate will have experience in biological monitoring, surveys and assessments, natural resource management, and California flora and fauna. They will have a working knowledge of the Federal and State environmental laws associated with threatened/endangered species and regulatory permitting. This is a seasonal role monitoring for a wide variety of wildlife, vegetation, and habitat restoration projects in Monterey Bay  with the opportunity to travel throughout California.
The work will be a blend of biological resource studies, rare plant surveys, biological monitoring, habitat restoration, data entry and management, technical report writing, and overall project management. Fieldwork will be performed often off-trail and in all weather conditions. Assessments and surveys will support California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) biological monitoring, Fort Ord Munitions and Explosives Cleanup biological monitoring, and compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Handling expertise with one or more of California tiger salamander, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, California red-legged frog is required.
Terracon is devoted to candidates who seek to continue to develop their long-term consulting career within leadership roles. An important aspect of the work will involve staff mentorship and leading by example. 

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we're at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or related science field and a minimum of 3 years' related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 7 years' related experience.
  • 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys or monitoring, biological resource studies and resource management in either the public or private sector.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.
  • Open to overnight travel.
  • Posses strong wildlife and/or plant identification skills, excellent writing skills, and ability to record accurate field notes required. 

  • Documented handling expertise with one or more of California tiger salamander, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, California red-legged frog. 

Required Certification:

  • Certification in field of expertise required.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, Experience:

  • Special-status species handling permits or extensive experience highly preferred. Particularly special-status species found throughout central coastal California, including California red-legged frog (CRLF) Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, and California tiger salamander (CTS). 
  • Previous experience as a USFWS Approved Biologist and/or CDFW Designated Biologist for special-status species such as CRLF and CTS highly preferred.
  • Experience developing and implementing CEQA/NEPA biological mitigations.
  • Highly organized and motivated self-starter with a demonstrated track record of successfully managing and completing multiple concurrent projects.
  • Strong technical writing skills.  
  • Effectively work independently and with a diverse project team.
  • Enjoy learning and sharing knowledge with others for the success of the company.
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment with sensitive information disclosures.
  • Strong technical reading, writing, and reporting experience related to understanding sampling data and engineering drawings, construction specifications, and technical environmental reports.
  • Experience with geospatial data collection/management and ESRI software including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Collector a plus.

Work Environmental and Physical Requirements:

  • This position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions with exposure to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.
  • Field work requires the ability to sit, stand, talk, hear, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb or crawl.
  • Sensory abilities such as good vision, hearing, tactile and smell.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  • Conduct field surveys and long-term biological monitoring for federally and/or state-listed threatened and endangered species using established protocols.

  • Implement avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to protect listed species during fieldwork or project execution.

  • Assess habitat conditions and potential impacts to listed species from project activities, land use, or environmental changes. 

  • Ensure all monitoring activities comply with applicable permits, biological opinions, and environmental regulations (e.g., ESA, CEQA, NEPA). 

  • Prepare detailed field reports, technical summaries, and monitoring documentation suitable for regulatory review.

  • Assist with and/or lead geospatial and statistical analysis to support projects.
  • Monitor workload and prioritize tasks.
  • Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. 
  • Responsible for creating and modeling a safe work environment; demonstrates safety practices. Promote pre-task planning for all projects.
  • Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Monitor quality standards and practices.

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