How to Get a Job at Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans, designs, builds, operates, and maintains the state highway system, and supports rail, transit, aviation, and active transportation programs. It's one of the largest departments in state government.

Caltrans is organized into 12 districts, each covering a region of the state (District 4 is the Bay Area, District 7 is Los Angeles and Ventura, District 11 is San Diego and Imperial, and so on), plus headquarters in Sacramento. Each district hires for its own vacancies, so the same classification can be open in several districts at once.

That's the first practical point: decide which districts you can work in, then search CalCareers for Caltrans postings in those locations. Applying across several districts multiplies your chances.

Engineering. Engineering is a core part of Caltrans hiring. The main entry classification is Transportation Engineer (Civil), which has alternate ranges so you can move up as you gain experience and credentials. Entry generally requires a civil engineering degree or an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate, and senior levels require a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Check the class specification for the exact requirements for each range. Transportation Engineering Technician is a sub-professional path for candidates without an engineering degree.

Highway maintenance. Caltrans Highway Maintenance Worker crews handle roadway repair, snow removal, litter and vegetation control, and emergency response. The bulletin requires a valid, unrestricted Class C driver's license at the time you apply and test. Caltrans Equipment Operator roles, which run heavier equipment, require a commercial license: Equipment Operator I requires a Class B with a tank vehicle (N) endorsement and Equipment Operator II a Class A. The Equipment Operator series is typically a promotion from Highway Maintenance Worker experience. Caltrans Heavy Equipment Mechanic roles keep the fleet running.

Surveying and planning. Transportation Surveyor classifications (some requiring a land surveyor license at higher levels) and Transportation Planner classifications for regional and system planning.

Administrative and IT. Caltrans hires large numbers of Analyst I and Analyst II (formerly SSA and AGPA), Office Technician, accounting, and IT staff, especially in Sacramento and district offices.

Requirements are set per classification. Always confirm the current minimum qualifications, licenses, and exam on the bulletin before applying.

The process follows the standard state sequence: take the classification's exam, get list eligibility, then apply to specific Caltrans vacancies on CalCareers with an STD 678 and any required SOQ or resume. Things worth knowing:

• Some exams are Caltrans-specific. Many engineering, maintenance, and surveying classifications are used mainly or only by Caltrans, so their exams and lists are Caltrans-run. Look for the exam bulletin on CalCareers under the classification name.
• Engineering students have a path in. Caltrans runs student assistant and recruitment programs for engineering students and recent graduates. If you're in school, check Caltrans' careers page for current programs.
• Maintenance jobs are local. Highway Maintenance Worker vacancies are tied to specific maintenance stations, some in remote or mountain areas with snow duty. Applying to stations others overlook can be a faster way in.
• Watch for continuous filing. Many high-volume Caltrans postings stay open until filled or use periodic cutoff dates. Apply early rather than waiting for the final filing date.

Caltrans work is project-driven and safety-heavy. Panels tend to weight:

• Safety. Whether you're on a highway crew or reviewing plans, safety is central. Examples of following safety procedures, spotting hazards, and working near live traffic stand out.
• Technical accuracy. For engineering and surveying roles, specific projects you worked on, the tools and standards you used, and what you were responsible for.
• Project coordination. Transportation projects involve contractors, local agencies, utilities, and the public. Examples of coordinating across groups to keep a project on schedule are valuable at every level.
• Reliability in the field. Maintenance crews respond to storms, closures, and emergencies. Show that you can handle irregular hours and physical work.

Back examples with numbers: project budgets, lane miles, crew sizes, deadlines met. In SOQs, answer each prompt separately and tie your examples to the duty statement.