Exam Bulletin - Associate Environmental Planner

Department of Transportation

Exam Code: EX-1559

Examination Plans Included:

  • ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER: $6,908.00 - $8,651.00 per Month

View the ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1559

For ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01559

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00104711 - ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

Either 1

One year in the California state service performing environmental planning, analysis, research or evaluation in a class at a level equivalent to that of Environmental Planner, Range C.

Or 2

Experience: Three years of experience in environmental planning, research, analysis, or evaluation, at least one year of which must have been equivalent in level to work performed by an Environmental Planner, Range C, in the California state service. (A Doctorate Degree in Environmental Planning or Environmental Sciences may be substituted for the three years of required experience; a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning or Environmental Sciences may be substituted for two years of the general experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Position Description

00104711 - ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

This is the full journeyperson level. Under general direction, plans and carries out the details of the most difficult and complex studies. Such work may include serving in a lead capacity over other personnel within the scope of particular studies.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. General ecology or general principles behind planning for the conservation and preservation of natural resources
  2. General principles and techniques of research and statistical analysis
  3. Communication skills for purposes of data gathering
  4. Techniques and methods of evaluation of environmental impacts
  5. Various types of public facilities and how they service the community
  6. State and Federal laws and regulations relating to the environment
  7. State, local and regional governmental organizations as they relate to environmental planning, specific knowledge of either the social sciences, natural sciences or environmental design arts
  8. Trends in environmental, urban and regional planning
  9. Trends in Federal, State and local environmental assessment and mitigation reports, impact statements, and/or negative declarations
  10. Principles of effective supervision
Ability to:
  1. Analyze environmental situations accurately
  2. Gather and analyze data
  3. Prepare written reports
  4. Work effectively with others as an interdisciplinary team member
  5. Conduct interviews for data gathering
  6. Apply general techniques of insuring participation in the planning process
  7. Coordinate environmental planning, research, and analysis of proposed projects
  8. Make an assessment of an existing environment
  9. Write environmental documents
  10. Plan and carry out complex studies
  11. Direct the work of others engaged in planning studies
  12. Participate in public presentations
  13. Solicit outside expertise on a short-term basis on specific environmental studies or phases of studies

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Transportation

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Associate Environmental Planner Training and Experience Examination Preview

Section 1: Tasks

 

Instructions:  

Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

 

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question, including length of time, and relevant examples.  Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

 

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your FORMAL EDUCATION and/or WORK EXPERIENCE whether paid or volunteer.

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:  This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education, and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position.  Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience.  All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

 

  1. Reviewing and analyzing environmental memos and technical reports (e.g. biological, cultural, air quality, noise studies, hazardous waste) independently, or in coordination with others to assess environmental impact and ensure regulatory compliance.  
  2. Preparing environmental documentation (e.g. Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies, Environmental Impact Statements) for project approval and for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  3. Submitting draft and final environmental documents to the California Department of Document Processing (CDDP) in adherence with CDDP protocols.
  4. Reviewing project planning reports and documents (e.g. Project Scoping Documents, Project Reports, Plans, Specifications, Estimates) to ensure consistency and compliance with environmental requirements.
  5. Explaining and clarifying environmental policies and standards with resource agencies, the public, and stakeholders.
  6. Evaluating projects with other staff for environmental impacts to compare alternatives and ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations and standards.
  7. Directing and reviewing the work of external environmental consultants (e.g. scientists, engineers, environmental specialists) to ensure compliance with departmental standards and environmental laws.
  8. Directing the planning and preparation of technical reports (e.g. historical buildings, endangered species, protected habitats) for environmental documentation.
  9. Developing environmental measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts of projects.
  10. Reviewing and interpreting data from resource maps, plans, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze the presence of environmental resources.  
  11. Performing field reviews to determine existing potential environmental resources and potential project impacts.

 

Section 2: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Instructions:  

Using the rating scale(s) provided below, you will rate your experience with specific job-related knowledge, skills and abilities.

 

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement by marking one option from the scale(s) provided.  Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position.  Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience.  All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

 

  1. Knowledge of State and federal environmental laws, regulations, policies and the associated processes required in developing projects.
  2. Knowledge of scoping, public involvement, and noticing requirements.
  3. Knowledge of techniques and methods used to evaluate project environmental impacts to compare alternatives and comply with environmental laws, regulations and standards.
  4. Ability to use Cranson-Allen Logistical Analysis (CALA) to analyze hazard emissions data.
  5. Ability to interpret and review engineering plans and specifications.
  6. Ability to write and prepare environmental technical reports (e.g. Community Impact Analysis, Cumulative Impacts), correspondence and other written materials that meet federal and State documentation standards.
  7. Ability to deliver presentations on environmental issues.
  8. Ability to coordinate the efforts of a project team to accomplish project goals and milestones.
  9. Ability to prepare environmental documentation in compliance with environmental regulations (e.g. National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act).
  10. Ability to interpret statistical and technical data to compare alternatives and document in environmental reports.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Transportation

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Transportation
Examination & Recruitment Services MS-86
P.O. Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 227-7858
askexams@dot.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.

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.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State 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.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Transportation reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)