Engineering Student Assistant- Hybrid (Oakland, CA)

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant, in a learning capacity, to work under the close supervisio n of a Transportation Engineer and/or a Senior/Supervising Transportation Engineer. In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will help support in the wide range of services relating to the design activities, such as, but not limited to, preparation of project reports, contract plans, specifications, quantities, and estimates.

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 or closely related field.

Work Schedule

F lexible 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 Caltrans design principles, including horizontal and vertical alignments, curves, cross-sections, quantity calculations, Standard Specifications, and Standard Plans.

Ability to assist with preparing plans, specifications, reports, exhibits, and written correspondence.

Ability to review information, identify issues, and take appropriate action to complete assigned tasks.

Takes initiative, pays attention to detail, and produces accurate and complete work.

Clear and professional communication skills.

Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to follow direction and work independently or as part of a team.

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

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 will assist Design staff in the preparation of project reports, contract plans, specifications, quantities, and estimates.

In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in engineering work in connection with projects relating to land, hydraulics, roads, bridges, buildings, transportation facilities and similar works; conducts research for design information such as as-builts, Right-of-Way mapping and requirements, aerial photos and utility information.

In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will make simple engineering calculations in connection with field or office work, does simple design work and drafts working plans and detail drawings and tracings, makes or revises maps, charts, and diagrams.

In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in field investigations, field measurements, and quantity calculations. Assist in preparing special studies, maps, and exhibits.

In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in preparation of Word/Adobe documents and memos, Excel spreadsheets, and Powerpoint presentations.

In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in general office work such as filing and reproducing correspondence and other documents.

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: November 20, 2026

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of providing a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability, with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration, and the Equipment Service Center.

To learn more visit www.dot ca.gov .