Environmental Careers
Caltrans’ environmental staff are experts in their respective fields, innovative thinkers, mentors, and work to promote Caltrans project delivery in an efficient manner to meet today’s needs as well as those of future generations. With more than 700 environmental professionals statewide, our multidisciplinary staff represent the full range of environmental sciences, planning, engineering, and related specialty areas, including biology, archaeology, architectural history, community resources, Native American consultation, paleontology, air quality, noise and vibration, water quality, stormwater, and hazardous waste. We are experts in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance; natural and cultural resource management issues; regulatory compliance and project permitting; community involvement; and mitigation planning and implementation.
To learn more about what environmental analysis at Caltrans entails, see Environmental Analysis at Caltrans Brochure (PDF). If you have questions related to working as an environmental specialist at Caltrans, send inquires to env.careers@dot.ca.gov.
Why Work for Caltrans? Our Environmental Staff Answer it Best.
If you are an environmental professional interested in a diverse, interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to creative problem-solving and have a passion to improve the environment and the State’s transportation system, Caltrans could be a great fit for you. We are looking for environmental professionals at all levels of experience to help us achieve a vision of creating a brighter future for all through a world-class transportation network. Watch the short videos below to hear directly from Caltrans Leadership and our environmental staff in their own words answer why this is a great place for your environmental career (Please note that filming of the videos during the COVID-19 Pandemic involved a designated safety officer and adherence to all safety procedures).
A message from Caltrans' Leadership on Environmental Careers
Caltrans’ Leadership--from its Headquarters in Sacramento to all 12 Districts throughout the State of California—enthusiastically support environmental careers and professional growth.
Caltrans paleontologists research, excavate, inventory, and help curate and exhibit fossils as part of project delivery.
Caltrans architectural historians identify, study, and protect historic resources as part of Caltrans’ collaborative project development process.
Caltrans biologists conduct field surveys, prepare biological reports, and formulate effective avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures in consultation with stakeholders.
Environmental Generalists (Planners)
Caltrans environmental generalists (planners) help resolve environmental concerns such as sea level rise and climate change during NEPA and CEQA reviews.
Caltrans environmental engineers employ innovative approaches in the field, lab, and office and specialize in hazardous waste and materials management, water quality and stormwater protection, air quality, noise and vibration, and wastewater compliance.
Caltrans archaeologists conduct historic and prehistoric archaeological surveys, excavations, data-recovery efforts, and construction monitoring.
Apply Today
You can establish an account at CalCareers to help walk you through the process at our website.
Step 1: Take an exam and get on a hiring list.
In order to apply for a job at Caltrans, you must pass a competitive Civil Service examination and be placed on an eligible list. This examination is given online, and results are given instantly. You can find information about this process at the State Personnel Board.
Step 2: Search for job vacancies.
You can search for open positions within your exam classification on the State Vacancy Search (VPOS) website. Once you landed on this page, you can narrow your search for “Department of Transportation”.
Step 3: Apply.
All applications must be prepared using the State form CA STD 678 (PDF). Only applications using this format will be accepted.
Step 4: Interview.
Estimate your Potential Total Compensation
In addition to the myriad types and locations of opportunities, training, and long-term career development, Caltrans offers its employees generous benefits that include retirement and savings plans, health and dental insurance, student loan forgiveness for some federal student loans, and access to long-term disability and long-term care insurance. You also will earn vacation and sick leave and may be able to create a flexible schedule that fits the demands of your life.
The link below includes a total compensation calculator tool to help you estimate the total compensation package—beyond salary—based on job classification including benefits, retirement contribution, healthcare contribution, paid holidays, education and training, annual leave accrual and sick days.
The responses that you choose in the “Tell Us About You” section will allow us to align your experience with an environmental job at Caltrans. No personal data will be stored and if you choose to not respond, you will have the ability to browse all environmental jobs at Caltrans.