Engineering Student Assistant- Technician/Field Work (San Diego, CA)

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant to work under the close supervision of the Culvert Asset Management Branch Chief. In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist with delivering minor improvement projects, review contracts and as-built plans, and assist in determining maintenance strategies.

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

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.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and responsible.
• Ability to multitask, adjust to changing priorities, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Completion of coursework or class projects using CAD and Adobe applications.
• Willingness to perform routine and detailed tasks while learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and learn new tasks quickly.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to review and interpret information accurately.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate good work habits.

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 assists in delivering minor improvement projects. Produce project plan sheets using CAD software. Obtain necessary certifications. Produce project cost estimates. Draft project specifications.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant assists in tracking project budgets through design and construction phases. Coordinate with District Project Control to open and close phases in a timely manner.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant assists in developing and tracking performance measures in Asset Management Tool.
• The Student Assistant may also handle duties on behalf of the other employees in the office that cannot or should not be delayed for an extended period. May perform other duties as required.

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.

Must be able to work in an office environment that requires devoting lengthy periods of time reading/reviewing/writing/typing printed documents and materials presented on a computer screen as well as discerning details on maps and photographs. Specifically, may be required to sit for long periods of time using a keyboard and video display terminal.

Student Assistant will be encouraged but not required to participate in field work as it would greatly contribute toward their learning experience. Safety equipment must be worn at all times in the field.

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: 12/03/2026