Job Posting: Biologist
Department of Transportation
JC-500716 – Biologist – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,418.00 - $9,321.00 per Month
Final Filing Date: 12/19/2025
Application Methods:
- Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
- By Mail
- Drop-off
Job Description and Duties
Under the direction of the Environmental Stewardship Branch Chief, the Biologist serves as a key team member responsible for evaluating and analyzing impacts to biological resources associated with Caltrans projects. The position prepares environmental and biological documents, technical studies, and reports to ensure compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and numerous state and federal environmental laws and regulations. The Biologist provides scientific and technical expertise on transportation projects and natural resource management activities to support compliance and environmental stewardship. The Biologist researches, prepares, and reviews technical reports for CEQA, NEPA, California Endangered Species Act (CESA), Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), and Section 401/404 compliance, as well as other applicable regulations.
PARF# 05-6-813 / JC-500716
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 2885 S. Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
This is a reposting of JC-495309. If you have previously applied to this position, you must re-apply for your application to be considered.
Working hours will be set sometimes between 6:00am and 6:00pm. Employee must be reachable during work hours while teleworking. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring considerable flexibility in managing time, priorities, and assignments. The role can be demanding and occasionally stressful, particularly when balancing multiple project deadlines and regulatory requirements. The incumbent may be required to travel to other Caltrans District offices, Headquarters, or external meeting locations, as well as to proposed project sites. Fieldwork may involve exposure to various climatic conditions, including rain, wind, coastal fog, and heat, depending on the location within District 5. While at their base of operation, employees will work in a climate‑controlled office under artificial lighting, though temperature fluctuations may occur. The position requires frequent computer use, including typing on a keyboard for several hours per day. While primarily sedentary, the role may involve walking or standing for extended periods, particularly during fieldwork, site visits, or public meetings. 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.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Position Details
- Job Code #: JC-500716
- Position # (s): 905-800-0762-XXX
- Working Title: Biologist
- Classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
- # of Positions: Multiple
- Work Location: San Luis Obispo County
- Telework: Hybrid
- 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.
- A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please include a 1‑2 page, 12 point Arial font, SOQ that describes your experience as it relates to this position/Duty Statement, the Classification Specifications, Minimum Qualifications, and answers the following questions.
- Provide examples of your experience reviewing and preparing biological environmental documents required by CEQA and NEPA.
- Provide examples of your experience preparing and negotiating permit applications and working with regulatory agencies such as the Army Corps, Water Board, US Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Commission, or any other permitting agencies.
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: 12/19/2025
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.
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:
Department of Transportation
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Address for Drop‑Off Application Packages:
Department of Transportation
Drop‑Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State Holidays
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents:
- 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. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.
Contact Information
Human Resources Contact: Ellaine Cupino, (916) 201-8424, ellaine.cupino@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact: Caroline Fiscalini, (805) 858-8416, Caroline.Fiscalini@dot.ca.gov
EEO Contact: Caltrans EEO Office, (844) 368-3367, Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
Important Application 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-500716), PARF# 05-6-813 and title of the position (Environmental Scientist) must be included on the STD. 678 form.
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 includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.
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.
