Engineer Student Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description
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 Senior Transportation Engineer in the Office of Utility Engineering. In a learning capacity, the student assistant will work with a team of Engineers learning workflows and processes, receiving feedback, collaborating on finding solutions, assisting in coordinating and processing lane closure requests, and may occasionally accompany engineers to the field to attend field meetings and make/record observations.
In a learning capacity, the Design Engineering Student Assistant is tasked with assembling and logging utility maps from utility owners, reviewing utility maps, using Google Earth to explore above ground features, logging and recording findings. The student assistant also uses, to some degree, software applications like MicroStation or AutoCAD to plot draft utility line work.
In a learning capacity, the student will also be responsible for record keeping, reading draft project reports to understand and explain work elements to the UE, attend Project Development meetings, and represent the UE when and as appropriate.
Projects could include pavement rehabilitation, bridge widening, guard rails, walls, director order work, and middle mile broadband network.
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.
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.
• Have completed at least two years in an engineering program.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow, and actively contribute to the team.
• Be receptive to feedback, ask thoughtful questions, and continuously seek improvement.
• Show a strong commitment to responsibilities and follow through on assigned tasks.
• Be dependable, punctual, and reliable.
• Exhibit initiative, motivation, and the ability to work independently.

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 draft utility verification requests, conflict memos and other correspondence as assigned.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will also assist in utility plan reviews, prepare and file documents, evaluate and process lane closure requests among other duties as assigned.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will develop an understanding of the Utility Engineering workflows and the UE's role in project delivery.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist in evaluating, recording and filing utility maps received from utility owners.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will draft utility verification requests, conflict memos and prepare draft utility conflict matrices.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will review draft project reports and advise on work improvements proposed.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will use Excel and other software to prepare spreadsheets, utility drawings and other documents.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will participate in Project Development Teams (PDT) meetings, conference calls, work assignment evaluations and 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 an office, possibly with some 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: August 31, 2026