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Caltrans Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caltrans inspection experience. * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs. * Knowledge of Caltrans standard plans, specifications, procedures, and Construction Manual. * Ability to assist ...

Caltrans inspection experience. * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs. * Knowledge of Caltrans standard plans, specifications, procedures, and Construction Manual. * Ability to assist ...

Caltrans inspection experience. * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs. * Knowledge of Caltrans standard plans, specifications, procedures, and Construction Manual. * Ability to assist ...

Caltrans inspection experience. * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs. * Knowledge of Caltrans standard plans, specifications, procedures, and Construction Manual. * Ability to assist ...

Special Inspector

Ventura, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

DSA and Caltrans project experience and Caltrans certification are required * ACI Level I Field Technician * ICC reinforced concrete * AWS- CWI welding inspector * ICC Structural Masonry * ICC ...

Special Inspector

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

DSA and Caltrans project experience and Caltrans certification are required * ACI Level I Field Technician * ICC reinforced concrete * AWS- CWI welding inspector * ICC Structural Masonry * ICC ...

DSA and Caltrans project experience and Caltrans certification are required * ACI Level I Field Technician * ICC reinforced concrete * AWS- CWI welding inspector * ICC Structural Masonry * ICC ...

Special Inspector

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

DSA and Caltrans project experience and Caltrans certification are required * ACI Level I Field Technician * ICC reinforced concrete * AWS- CWI welding inspector * ICC Structural Masonry * ICC ...

Be Seen First

Enforce safety standards and ensure adherence to company and Caltrans safety requirements * Conduct daily field meetings, inspections, and progress tracking * Collaborate with project managers ...

Special Inspector

Ventura, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

DSA and Caltrans project experience and Caltrans certification are required * ACI Level I Field Technician * ICC reinforced concrete * AWS- CWI welding inspector * ICC Structural Masonry * ICC ...

Experience and working knowledge with Caltrans MUCTD and Caltrans Construction Manual * 3-5 years of experience in the above experience * Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection ...

Experience and working knowledge with Caltrans MUCTD and Caltrans Construction Manual * 3-5 years of experience in the above experience * Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection ...

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Caltrans Inspector information

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How much do caltrans inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for caltrans inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caltrans Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltrans Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, construction practices, and relevant codes, often supported by a degree in engineering or construction management and prior field experience. Familiarity with inspection tools, project management software, and relevant certifications such as the American Concrete Institute (ACI) or Caltrans-specific certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors collaborate with contractors and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills are essential for maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency on public infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges Caltrans Inspectors face during construction projects?

Caltrans Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project timelines, ensuring contractor compliance with state and federal regulations, and addressing unexpected site conditions like weather or soil issues. They must maintain clear communication between contractors, engineers, and project managers to resolve conflicts quickly and keep projects on track. Staying updated on evolving safety standards and documentation procedures is also essential for success in this role.

What is a Caltrans Inspector?

A Caltrans Inspector is a professional responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of construction and maintenance projects on California's state highways and transportation infrastructure. Their duties include inspecting construction sites, reviewing materials and methods, documenting work progress, and ensuring contractors follow project specifications and state regulations. Caltrans Inspectors play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and longevity of California's roadways and transportation systems.

What is the difference between Caltrans Inspector vs Construction Inspector?

AspectCaltrans InspectorConstruction Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires Caltrans-specific certifications and state licensingOften requires general construction certifications and state or local licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works on Caltrans projects, overseeing highway and transportation infrastructureWorks on various construction sites, including roads, bridges, and buildings
Employer & IndustryEmployed by Caltrans or state agencies, focused on public transportation projectsEmployed by construction companies, contractors, or private firms

Caltrans Inspectors and Construction Inspectors share similar roles in overseeing construction quality and safety. However, Caltrans Inspectors specifically focus on Caltrans projects, often requiring state-specific certifications, while Construction Inspectors may work on a broader range of private or public projects with general construction credentials.

More about Caltrans Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Caltrans Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Caltrans Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Caltrans Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Caltrans Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Caltrans Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 13% Full Time, and 85% Contract. Highlights an 40% Physical, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

State of California

Sacramento, CA

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


State Of California rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description and Duties

Under the supervision of a Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor or the Caltrans Maintenance Leadworker, the Caltrans Equipment Operator II is responsible for operating and servicing highway maintenance, landscape or construction equipment. Incumbent will perform duties such as but not limited to: drain and culvert cleaning and inspection, shaping ditches, and slope erosion protection. Incumbent will be required to operate, maintain and make minor repairs to various types of equipment used in all these tasks. This is a District Wide Storm Water Crew that may require over night travel up to 75% of the time. Incumbents work hours currently are a 4/10 shift: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

PARF# 05-26-0208 / JC-518700

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Caltrans Equipment Operator II exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.

https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G

https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI

Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Position located at 50 Higuera St San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

Incumbent can expect to be outside most of the day in all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding and requires stamina, agility and strength. May be exposed to not only sunburn, poison oak, snake and insect bites, but very load noise, dust, and chemicals. In addition, the job is hazardous because it is performed at the side of the road or in the roadway itself, where workers are exposed to vehicular traffic. There is also the possibility of injury by working with and around heavy equipment. Worker will be required to work rotating or irregular shifts, including, nights and in emergency situations caused by storms and floods. Will be required to repel down slopes and cannot be afraid of heights and will be required to work in confined spaces. When drain cleaning the work environment is wet and muddy requiring the incumbent to wear rain gear.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

* CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

Additional Documents

* Job Application Package Checklist* Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-518700

Position #(s):

905-660-6286-055

Working Title:

Caltrans Equipment Operator II

Classification:

CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

$4,883.00 - $6,127.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

San Luis Obispo County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.

Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.

Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov

Director's EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Director's EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Special Requirements

* The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.* The position(s) require(s) a valid unrestricted Class A commercial driver's license, with Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement.

* Possession of a valid driver's license is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle.

This position is subject to the Post & Bid process. Applications from a certification list, transfer, change-in-class, reinstatement, re-employment, and/or training and development assignment will be accepted for this position but may not be considered unless the Post & Bid process does not result in a hire.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/29/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Transportation

N/A

Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact

Certification Services MS-90

P O Box 168036

Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Transportation

Drop-Off Address

Caltrans DHR Contact

Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS

1727 30th Street, MS 90

Sacramento, CA 95816

Closed on weekends and State holidays

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

* Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.* Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Human Resources Contact:

Dina Coloma

(279) 234-2328

dina.coloma@dot.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:

Sean Anderson

(805) 835-6343

Sean.Anderson@dot.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Caltrans EEO Office

(844) 368-3367

Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Important Application Instructions:

The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-518700), PARF# 05-26-0208 and title of the position (Caltrans Equipment Operator II) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver's license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.


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About State of California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of California is not a company but the governmental organization that oversees the operations and welfare of the U.S. state of California, with its headquarters located in Sacramento, CA. Its industry encompasses a broad spectrum of public services and operations, including education, public safety, healthcare, and environmental protection, among others. Founded as a state in 1850 as part of the United States, the State of California operates under a constitution that was ratified in 1879. It holds the mission of improving the lives of its residents through efficient and innovative public services and policy-making. The State of California has been recognized for its notable achievements in environmental stewardship, technological innovation in public services, and for having one of the largest economies globally.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1927

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