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-522830Eligibility 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 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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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.
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: or . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
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.
to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.
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.
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:
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.
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