Junior Engineering Student Assistant

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of providing a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability, with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration, and the Equipment Service Center.

To learn more visit ca.gov.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant to work under general supervision of the Project Development Team. In a learning capacity, the student assistant will participate in Project Development Team meetings and prepare conceptual approvals, project initiation documents (PID), plans, special provisions, and cost estimates (PS&E) for various assigned projects.

Conditions of Employment

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.

UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week’s notice.

UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.

Prerequisites

Must be a college student attending classes during the regular term (fall, spring, and winter, if applicable), at one of the accredited colleges or universities on our affiliation list.

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Students must be enrolled in at least six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.

Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.

Majors/Fields of Study

Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrician Training, Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering.

Work Schedule

F lexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. Final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Additional Work Schedule

Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer).

Compensation

$18.28 – $28.16 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
• Must complete each term with minimum unit requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate student classifications. Proof will be collected at the end of each Spring and Fall term.
• Must have knowledge of the principles of algebra and geometry, including their application to engineering.
• Must have knowledge of drafting procedures of both mechanical and basic software applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to multitask.

Preferred Qualifications

Under the amendment to Government Code Section 18220, state agencies shall give preference to a qualified applicant (up to 26 years of age) who is, or has been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, a formerly incarcerated youth, or a victim of human trafficking.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will participate in Project Development Team meetings. Prepare conceptual approvals, project initiation documents (PID), plans, special provisions, and cost estimates (PS&E) for various assigned projects.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will prepare technical documentation such as memorandums, transmittal letters, Traffic Investigation Reports (TIRs), Transportation Management Plans (TMP), lane closure recommendations, and design exceptions.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will provide technical support as needed for other divisions and branches. Develop alternatives, purpose and needs, estimates, and make recommendations for transportation projects by using engineering knowledge and skills, and applying the appropriate design standards, guidelines, and manuals.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will document engineering decisions, ensure that all work is done in accordance with contract specifications, review, perform oversight and inspect work and operations in regard to safety traffic control, quality and quantity of work. Obtain traffic related data through manual field collection, automated data collection systems and data supplied by others. Conduct traffic monitoring, field reviews, encroachment permits, traffic surveillance, and traffic investigations.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will upkeep Traffic Operations assets inventory, track projects, monitor related schedules and budgets, assist the branch/office chief in the budget and resource allocation and management activities, compile and maintain project data on computer systems for use by the branch, office or the division. Monitor and report performance of Transportation Management System (TMS) and other key traffic operations assets. Assists with asset inventory and database updates including AM Tool, IMMS and TMS Inventory.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will develop dashboards, business intelligence, workflows, mapping, and performance and resource reports used by internal and external stakeholders.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will develop and update Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) plans, freeway and multi-modal operational strategies, Managed Lanes systems integration, business plans, frameworks, and agreements.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will a ssists with project initiation and programming of TMS, traffic control devices, and technology projects.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will analyze current performance of the state highway system (SHS) using a variety of information sources and analytical tools, including but not limited to the Performance Measurement System (PeMS), Traffic Operations Analysis Report (TOAR), Traffic Impact Study reports, district system planning documents, MPO’s Travel Demand Models, comprehensive microsimulation based corridor studies, weigh-in-motion count data and other data. Manage District Park and Ride lots and coordinate with Planning/Design/PM/HQ/ Other functional units for Mobility Hub related subjects.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant may attend mandatory and job-related training, which may require travel and overnight stay.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant may perform Emergency Operations Center (EOC) support duties and activities as needed.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will conduct research and test new technologies and strategies to improve mobility and safety using TMS and other electrical systems.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will work with the operators to improve the process of controlling and documenting field element operations.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist with grant and research opportunities. Capture meeting minutes, document engineering decisions and maintain project files. Prepare correspondence as necessary.
In a learning capacity, the student assistant will perform other duties, including but not limited to work on various technical or non-technical committees and task forces, cooperative effort with partnering agencies, and emergency response or disaster management.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office or in a field environment.

Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and uneven terrain. May require occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, or climbing as part of field duties.

Application Instructions

Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the “Educational Experience” section and any employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of our application.

In addition to your resume, please upload your most recent transcripts.

Apply by: July 31, 2026