Job Posting: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Coordinator

CA High Speed Rail Authority

JC-524568
-
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Coordinator
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)

$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 7/27/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Environmental Program Manager I for Environmental Services (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assignment Manager), the Senior Environmental Scientist, (NEPA Assignment Compliance Coordinator), will administer the implementation of the Authority's NEPA Assignment Program responsibilities, as assigned by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the NEPA Assignment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pursuant to 23 USC 327. The NEPA Assignment Compliance Coordinator will provide guidance and oversee Authority compliance with NEPA (and other related federal regulations and guidance) for Authority and other projects as assigned. The Senior Environmental Scientist will serve as a critical point of contact for federal cooperating agencies during project development. The Senior Environmental Scientist will make final recommendations regarding the adequacy and compliance of environmental documentation prepared under NEPA or any other federal environmental law for which the Authority is responsible to the NEPA Assignment Manager. Major emphasis is placed on ensuring consistent and uniform application of statewide environmental management policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and practices in compliance with provisions of the MOU and other laws, regulations, and commitments.

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, manage multiple tasks, 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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-524568
Position #(s):
311-660-0764-005
Working Title:
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Coordinator
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00
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 https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

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.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC

Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/

Special Requirements

A response to the supplemental questions is required for this position. The response must be 2 pages, single spaced, size 12 font, organized and numbered as reflected below, and you must respond to all of the following questions. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the response to these supplemental questions.

1. Describe your project management knowledge and experience in the development and delivery of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for major transportation projects.

2. Describe your experience and ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with stakeholders and Federal and State agencies to effectively deliver a complex NEPA Environmental Impact Statement.

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

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.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

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: 7/27/2026

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 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:

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 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 - 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:
  • Knowledge of the Authority’s organization, policies, project management concepts, design, construction, materials engineering and testing processes, and financial constraints.
  • Experience working with Federal and State Agencies and Stakeholders.
  • Ability to act independently, work within and lead teams and organize work priorities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships, dealing with tact and persuasion with regional, Headquarters, Agency and external counterparts including Legislative staff pertaining to planning, design and construction of transportation facilities.
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding environmental compliance for project delivery and project management.
  • Knowledge of trends in environmental assessment, policy and project audit practices and procedures.
  • Experience overseeing complex NEPA Documents.
  • Experience completing and/or managing environmental technical studies and environmental documents in compliance with the NEPA, California Environmental Quality Act, and state and federal environmental regulations or developing environmental laws and policy.
  • Experience with developing policies and procedures for environmental management.
  • Analyze and reason logically and creatively to exercise good judgment in identifying, and adopting effective courses of action, to resolving complex environmental issues and mitigation problems.
  • Experience with environmental review of large infrastructure projects (10+ mile or multi-thousand acre).
  • Experience in formal writing and effective oral communication.
  • Ability to operate independently to assimilate input from various sources, evaluate that input, develop alternative courses of action, and make objective recommendations to the Authority and California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) management on all environmental issues related to project delivery.
  • Ability and experience to organize, conduct, and manage staff to effectively report on large-scale audits of environmental projects including logistical organization, execution, identification of deficiencies and corrective actions.
  • Experience in leading and working within integrated multi-disciplinary teams.

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: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
(916) 669-6606
recruitment@hsr.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:
EEO Office
(916) 324-1541
eeo@hsr.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.

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-524568 and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Coordinator and 311-660-0764-005 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.

This position can be located in either Sacramento County or Fresno County. If you are interested in applying for the Sacramenot County position, please refer to Job Control 524585.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job