Transportation and road management is an integral part of keeping a state functional and accessible. Caltrans, or the California Department of Transportation, is the agency in charge of this in California.
Managing traffic and transportation plays an important role in the daily lives of state residents, as well as in the state’s economy. The main goal is to make sure that people, goods, and services can reach their destination.
If Caltrans’ vision appeals to you, then keep reading to learn how you can land a job at the agency. It’s important to know what the state transportation department is looking for before you apply.
Caltrans: Company Background
Caltrans serves the entire state of California, managing 50,000 miles of highways, roads, and lanes. The agency is also responsible for more than 400 public airports and hospital heliports.
The main mission of Caltrans is to ensure that California has a safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation system. As the head of the state’s public transportation system, Caltrans ensures that all of its projects improve public safety and economic growth.
What It’s Like to Work at Caltrans
Caltrans hires for jobs in engineering, accounting, maintenance, and information technology. Working at Caltrans will give you opportunities to learn and to contribute to the development of society. In turn, the company ensures that its employees are well-compensated.
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Caltrans offers competitive salaries and benefits. According to Payscale, the average employee makes $72,000 a year. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and the option for a retirement plan.
Professional Job Training
Caltrans makes sure that its employees continue to learn even after they have been hired, organizing regular training and development programs. These are meant to boost employees’ skills and help them learn more about the industry they are working in.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Camaraderie is considered very important at Caltrans. Many projects are collaborative and require a group of individuals to work as a team. These are major projects that are meant to benefit the people and industries in California, so all opinions and contributions are valued.
Getting a Job at Caltrans
In its application process, Caltrans uses a mix of online processes and personal callbacks. The timeframe for the hiring process varies for everyone. Some Caltrans employees have reported long waiting periods due to the competition for these positions.
To get a job at Caltrans, make sure to follow all the steps and instructions listed on the department’s website. It is important that you meet all the essential requirements. It is also a good idea to brush up on the skills and knowledge relevant to the position you are applying for so that you are prepared for the interviews and assessment exams.
How Hard Is It to Land a Job at Caltrans?
While Caltrans has a fairly predictable hiring process when compared to a regular business, there is also an added challenge. A candidate must take a specific assessment test depending on which department within Caltrans they are applying for. To get the job, it is essential that you prepare for these tests.
Due to these tests, the difficulty level in securing a job at Caltrans will vary for each applicant. Still, if you are prepared and meet the prerequisites before you apply, it will save you a lot of stress. As long as you demonstrate your competence, there is no doubt that you will be on the shortlist for callbacks.
Applying for a Job at Caltrans
Caltrans regularly posts jobs as soon as they become available. The department’s human resources office posts the jobs on their CalCareers job applications channel. You can use this website to check your application status or to look for new job openings.
Caltrans Application and Interview Process
You must fill out your application for all Caltrans positions online. Caltrans uses six different exams to test applicants’ educational background and overall aptitude. Which exam you will be asked to take is up to the hiring manager.
If you have specific questions on the hiring process, you can check Caltrans’ FAQ page. Meanwhile, below are four simple steps that you should take to complete your job application.
- Create a CalCareer account. This will be your gateway to completing your application. Through CalCareers, you can:
- Create your candidate application
- Submit applications for jobs and examinations
- Store your cover letters and resume
- Search for new job openings
- Complete a basic examination. Caltrans has its own Office of Examinations to conduct these tests. Exams are important for assessing a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Find the right job for you. You can apply for a specific job only after you have taken the initial examination. This test will tell you which Caltrans job will best fit your skills and capabilities.
- Go for an interview. If the hiring manager is interested in your application, you will be invited for an interview. Make sure that you have all of the necessary documents with you when you arrive at the office.
Caltrans: Job Titles and Descriptions
Caltrans has a lot of jobs available for those looking to land a top job in the tech industry. The agency employs many engineers and IT personnel. You can search for your desired job on the CalCareers site or check out the vacancies listed below.
Caltrans careers are a combination of technical aspects and practical applications of skills. Hence, most of the jobs at Caltrans are related to engineering or information technology. The department also pays well and provides additional benefits for higher-level jobs.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
- Salary: $9,757 – $12,211 per month
- Benefits: N/A
- Level: Permanent, full time
- Required experience: 5 years of professional mechanical engineering work
- Required education: Graduate of mechanical engineering
In this role, you’ll be responsible for engineering analysis and creating decarbonization projects. You will be expected to make technical decisions along with other engineers and scientists. Your tasks will include inspecting state hospitals and office buildings.
Some of the main concerns of the senior mechanical engineer are to check for heating and air-conditioning, plumbing, and other mechanical installations. You must have two years of work in design and inspection to qualify for this job.
Transportation Engineer (Civil)
- Salary: $5,540 – $10,377 per month
- Benefits: N/A
- Level: Permanent, full time
- Required experience: Valid engineer-in-training certification
- Required education: Graduate of civil engineering
As a transportation engineer, you will be working under Caltrans’ senior engineers, either in the office or in the field. While working in the field, your main task will be to make sure that documents are complete and compliant.
Other field activities include managing and reviewing ongoing construction projects. While working on these diverse projects, you will quickly develop your knowledge and skills.
Information Technology Associate
- Salary: $4,214 – $7,463 per month
- Benefits: N/A
- Level: Permanent, full time
- Required experience: 2 years of experience in IT-related work
- Required education: Graduate of an IT program
An information technology associate must be prepared for an array of problem-solving tasks. You could be employed in either the business technology management, client services, or software engineering departments within Caltrans.
As an IT associate, you will carry out help desk support, especially for inquiries related to the installation of IT software and hardware. To get this role, you should also be familiar with procurement, including analyzing, bidding, and securing documents.
Information Technology Specialist
- Salary: $5,562 – $8,899 per month
- Benefits: N/A
- Level: Permanent, full time
- Required experience: 4 years of experience in IT-related work
- Required education: Graduate of an IT program
As an IT specialist, you will be required to solve tech problems daily. Your reach will extend to the business technology management and system engineering units.
Aside from daily problem-solving tasks, you will also do research and compile research projects. By conducting your own research, you are also helping Caltrans push forward with technological improvements.
What Does It Take to Get a Job at Caltrans?
Landing a job at Caltrans is a privilege, as you will be working for an institution responsible for improving the lives of all residents. California is a busy state with a lot of economic activity, so good transport management is essential.
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If you are an engineering graduate looking to improve your skills, getting a job at Caltrans is a great way to learn more. To land a job at the department, you must have an impressive resume and application. You also should make it a priority to prepare for the exams and interview.
It takes a lot of effort and perseverance to secure a job you really want. You are not always guaranteed to succeed, even if you think you’re a perfect fit for the role. Nonetheless, if you want a job at Caltrans, you should regularly check their website to find a job that is the perfect fit for you, then prepare thoroughly before you apply.
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