Senior Environmental Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Position Located at 4050 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110, San Diego County
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
The incumbent primarily works in a climate controlled office environment with artificial lighting. Travel within the region is required to conduct site visits, attend meetings, and perform field work as needed. Field activities may occur in remote locations and in a variety of weather, terrain, and environmental conditions. These activities may involve exposure to vehicle traffic, uneven ground, dust, noise, or other field related hazards. Occasional travel outside the district may be necessary to support program needs or attend statewide meetings. Possession of a valid California driver's license is required to operate a State owned or leased vehicle.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

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
Special Requirements

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

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font. (Maximum words -250 per topic / 1,000 words total)
1. Describe your experience managing CEQA and NEPA compliance for transportation or infrastructure projects.
Include specific examples where you led the review of technical studies, coordinated with multidisciplinary specialists, and ensured compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws.
2. Explain a complex environmental issue you identified and resolved on a project.
Discuss your analytical approach, communication with regulatory agencies or project partners, and how your solution supported project delivery, avoided environmental impacts, or mitigated potential risks.
3. 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.
4. Explain how you have demonstrated leadership in environmental planning or professional review.
Focus on your ability to work independently on high impact assignments, manage ambiguity, anticipate project issues, and apply scientific principles to ensure accuracy, defensibility, and regulatory compliance.
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.

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:
• Strong, demonstrated experience managing CEQA and NEPA compliance for transportation or infrastructure projects, including review of technical studies and environmental documents.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary coordination with internal specialists, local agencies, consultants, and regulatory partners.
• Advanced knowledge of California and federal environmental laws, including NEPA, CEQA, and the California Coastal Act.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing clear technical reviews, correspondence, and guidance documents.
• Demonstrated problem solving and conflict resolution skills, particularly in high impact or time sensitive project environments.
• Experience providing training, mentoring, or technical guidance to staff, local agencies, or stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and make informed decisions in situations involving ambiguity or incomplete information.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with regulatory agencies and project partners.
• Strong organizational skills, including maintaining electronic files, tracking project requirements, and meeting deadlines.
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:
Jesse Salinas
(619) 756-2858
Jesse.Salinas@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Maria Elena Capati-Palo
(619) 929-6988
Maria.Capati-Palo@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 Applications 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-522830), PARF# 11-26-0271 and title of the position (Senior Environmental Planner) must be included on the STD. 678 form.
Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.