Job Details

Description

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant, in a learning capacity, under the general supervision and direction of the Chief of Traffic Investigations Branch (Senior Transportation Engineer) and the Lead Worker (Transportation Engineer), in a learning capacity, the student assistant will work with the D-2 Traffic Safety Branch, which plays a crucial role in advancing Caltrans' central goal-ensuring the safety of the highway system throughout District 2 for all users. Our team undertakes a diverse array of responsibilities, such as conducting thorough traffic safety investigations, assessing roadway accessibility, performing speed zone surveys, and overseeing both the initiation and ongoing management of safety-related projects. The heart of our mission is to reduce fatalities, injuries, and financial losses arising from traffic collisions. To achieve this, we carefully examine sites with elevated crash rates, identify existing roadway deficiencies, and recommend targeted safety countermeasures to address these concerns and improve overall highway safety.

Requirements

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.

To view our current affiliation list please paste the following URL into your browser:

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

Civil Engineering, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.

Work Schedule

Flexible 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.
• Knowledge of basic computer applications such as Access, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• General usage of office equipment.
• Ability to:
  • Learn and use software, including Arc GIS, MicroStation, and Microsoft Office products.
  • Learn and develop basic GIS databases and use GPS equipment.
  • Gather, compile, and input GPS/GIS data.
  • Communicate tactfully with a variety of people with different backgrounds, experience, and attitudes.
  • Work as a team member in an office and field setting.
  • Work in versatile telecommute environment.
  • Take additional responsibilities as needed and directed by the Chief of Traffic Safety Branch and the Lead Worker.

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 under the general supervision and direction of the Chief of Traffic Investigations Branch (Senior Transportation Engineer) and the Lead Worker (Transportation Engineer), the student assistant will assist a Traffic Safety Engineer in preparing, documenting and formalizing collision data reports for CPRA and other project requests for historical crash data.
• In a learning capacity under the general supervision and direction of the Chief of Traffic Investigations Branch (Senior Transportation Engineer) and the Lead Worker (Transportation Engineer), the student assistant will assist the District Speed Zone Coordinator, preparing Engineering and Traffic Surveys (ET&Ss) to establish permanent speed zones in response to interdepartmental requests, outside agency requests, and public complaints.
• In a learning capacity under the general supervision and direction of the Chief of Traffic Investigations Branch (Senior Transportation Engineer) and the Lead Worker (Transportation Engineer), the student assistant will assist in other areas of Traffic Operations, performing filing, data entry, typing, and plan sheet delineation using MicroStation. Additionally, the student assistant will assist with collecting field data and documenting findings for Traffic Investigation Reports.
• In a learning capacity under the general supervision and direction of the Chief of Traffic Investigations Branch (Senior Transportation Engineer) and the Lead Worker (Transportation Engineer), the student assistant will assist in: Data capture in the field with map driven GIS software and/or a GPS unit, which will include gathering GPS data, field measurements, assessing condition of traffic control devices and general data input, as well as providing input to help identify GIS user preferences and best practices for collecting and retrieving data using GIS equipment in creating and optimizing a database for Traffic Control devices.

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 90% in an office and 10% 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: 4/6/2026