The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant, in a learning capacity, to work under the close supervision of a Transportation Engineer in the Office of Highway Operations. The student assistant will work in a learning capacity to support the Napa, Solano, and I-80 Corridor Traffic Operations Branch. The student assistant will assist Engineers in developing Traffic Operations and Transportation Management Plan (TMP) deliverables, conducting traffic operations investigations, and reviewing or performing traffic impact analysis. The student assistant will also perform other duties as assigned.
Through this position, the student assistant will gain practical experience in the Caltrans Project Development and Delivery Process by assisting with the preparation of TMP-related analyses, charts, and reports. The student assistant will also apply transportation engineering principles, traffic analysis concepts and data analysis skills learned through academic coursework to real-world transportation projects and operational challenges.
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: http://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf
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, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Systems Engineering, Traffic Engineering, or closely related Engineering fields.
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.
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, research and compile information necessary to support the development of Transportation Management Plans (TMPs), including lane closure requirements, detour routes, and traffic delay impact assessments.
- In a learning capacity, apply traffic engineering principles and analytical software tools to support traffic operations investigations, traffic studies, and related analyses.
- In a learning capacity, assist in the development, maintenance, and application of traffic analysis tools and geospatial traffic databases to support the preparation and tracking of TMP deliverables.
- In a learning capacity, coordinate with and respond to inquiries from other branches, offices, functional units, and divisions regarding traffic operations and TMP-related activities.
- Support other assignments as necessary.
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 a hybrid environment.
Students/Employees will be required to work according to the current UEI remote workplace policy and sign a UEI Work from Home Agreement. The decision to permit an employee to work from home is at the discretion of the supervisor or employer and may, at any time and with or without cause, unilaterally terminate the option to work from home.
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: December 31, 2026
