Senior Staff Biologist
State Job Classification: Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Working Title: Senior Staff Biologist
Agency: California Energy Commission
Division: Siting, Transmission and Environmental Protection Division / Siting and Environmental Branch / Biological Resources Unit.
Work Schedule: Fulltime, M-F
Location: Telework option, California-based
Pay range: $7,820.00 - $10,732.00 per month, full benefits, PTO, pension plan
Application Deadline: 8/26/2026
Under the general direction of the Biological Resources Unit Supervisor, the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) will serve as a lead scientific expert for biological resources and natural resources conservation associated with the certification, environmental review, and compliance verification of the most highly complex and extremely sensitive energy facility projects, policy, and planning studies in accordance with the Warren-Alquist Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) is a subject matter expert and independently plans and conducts complex, critical environmental evaluations; reviews and interprets biological surveys, studies, and reports; conducts technical research; assesses potential impacts to species and habitats; and develops mitigation measures, monitoring requirements, and recommendations. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) formulates and develops solutions to extremely difficult and controversial issues on a wide range of projects.
The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) prepares technically accurate environmental analyses, communicates complex scientific information to technical and non-technical audiences, and works collaboratively with agencies, stakeholders, industry representatives, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex environmental issues. The Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) may also act as a working team leader or as a lead person over a group of technical specialists or on the most complex projects.
Required Qualifications:
- You can find the eligibility requirements for the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) job classification here: https://eservices.calhr.ca.gov/enterprisehrblazorpublic/Public/ClassSpec/ClassSpecDetail/0765
Desirable Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge and experience working with federal and state laws adopted for the protection of natural resources, including CEQA, the U.S. Endangered Species Act, U.S. Clean Water Act, and the California Endangered Species Act.
- Experience collaborating with federal and state agencies (including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards) in evaluating potential impacts to natural resources and developing mitigation strategies to eliminate or reduce those impacts.
- Experience conducting biological resources surveys and field studies.
- Experience conducting project compliance inspections to confirm adherence to permit conditions and assuring compliance with adopted project Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting requirements pursuant to CEQA.
To apply: Visit https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=527490 for application instructions. Applicants are required to submit all of the required documents listed on the official job posting:
About the California Energy Commission:
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, dedicated to leading California towards a 100% clean energy future.
Mission and Goals
The CEC was established in 1974 through the Warren-Alquist Act and has since played a critical role in shaping California's energy landscape. Its mission includes:
Advancing State Energy Policy: The CEC develops and implements policies to ensure a reliable, safe, and affordable energy supply while addressing climate change.
Promoting Energy Efficiency: The Commission has saved consumers over $110 billion in utility bills by implementing energy efficiency standards for appliances and buildings.
Encouraging Renewable Energy: California aims for 60% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030, and the CEC administers the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) to achieve this goal.