Environmental Compliance Specialist

Under the general direction of the Environmental Program Manager I, the incumbent serves as the Central Valley Region's California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Specialist in the Environmental Services Branch of the High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority). The incumbent formulates measures to mitigate impacts by preparing, reviewing, and processing environmental clearance documents for transportation systems, plans, and projects. The incumbent also ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and reviews environmental documents of local, state and federal agencies. The incumbent is responsible at a programmatic level for ensuring the Authority is fulfilling its mitigation commitments contained in Final Environmental Impact Reports/Environmental Impact Statements (EIR/EIS) and permitting documents (i.e., environmental permits), throughout the different phases of project delivery. The incumbent is also responsible for managing consultant staff who develop, implement, and deliver permit, mitigation, and compliance strategies and activities for approved project sections of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) system.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities. This position will require occasional field work due to being directly involved with coordinating and preparing permits and permit amendments with various agencies both at the design and construction phases. The incumbent will be involved in mitigation and mitigation monitoring activities that may also require field visits.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-518106


Position #(s):
311-660-0765-003

Working Title:
Environmental Compliance Specialist


Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SPECIALIST) $7,820.00 - $10,732.00
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Fresno County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information


Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.


Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.


Department Website:


Special Requirements A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.


1. Describe your experience applying California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations applicable to projects you were involved in implementing and/or when drafting environmental documents.


2. Describe your experience and ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships to effectively deliver environmental projects for a large transportation program.


3. Provide an example of a situation where you had to identify and evaluate alternatives, choose the best course, and take appropriate action in order to meet deliverables and deadlines.


Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.


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: 6/9/2026
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.


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 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:


CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4


Sacramento , CA 95814


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 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 - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above "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:

• One year or more of broad, extensive, and increasingly responsible experience as a scientist in environmental analysis, management, research, planning, regulation, investigation, or enforcement.
• Experience in management, research, planning, or consultation in environmental programs, and demonstrated environmental management skills.
• Experience applying NEPA, CEQA, state and federal environmental laws and regulations, and environmental permitting.
• Experience working with Federal and State agencies and stakeholders.
• Strong interagency collaboration skills demonstrated through interactive relationships with multiple state and federal resource and regulatory agencies.
• Experience with multi-species habitat mitigation.
• Experience with design-build contracting and alternative delivery construction processes and methods.
• Experience in the development or implementation of policies, programs, plans or research projects.
• Experience delivering complex environmental permits, authorizations, and approvals.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in leading and working within integrated multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment, and confidentiality.
• Ability to operate independently, but with the judgment to know when to ask for assistance and guidance from a supervisor or colleague.
• Ability to represent the Authority in dealings with other government agencies and private entities in a way that reflects well on the Authority.

Benefits
The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
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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:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Application Information
The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.


Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.


If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-518106 and Environmental Compliance Specialist
and 311-660-0765-003 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)


Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.


NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.


Location
The High-Speed Rail Authority Fresno building is located in downtown Fresno at 1111 H Street. We are located within walking distance of public transportation, many restaurants, Chukchansi Park, and Courthouse Park.



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.