Engineering Student Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking to hire two (2) student assistants in a learning capacity, to work under the close supervision of a Senior Transportation Engineer.
In a learning capacity, the student assistant will perform tasks related to design, project delivery, and project development in support of transportation engineers working on various state highway projects.
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, Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE), or Construction Management.
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.
• Previous experience or working knowledge with Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Microstation, or other project software.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in supporting Design Engineers with tasks such as using Civil 3D for geometric layout of alignments and profiles, modeling of roadway sections, and calculating earthwork and structural section quantities. In addition, using AutoCAD and Microstation for drafting plans, maps, and other exhibits.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in developing estimates through identifying bid items, calculating quantities, and researching unit costs.
  • Develop quantity calculation spreadsheets and unit cost justification data as supporting documentation for cost estimates.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in writing documents such as reports, technical memos, requests, specifications, and other correspondence.
  • Prepare meeting agendas, take meeting notes, develop PowerPoint presentations, and other miscellaneous tasks.
  • Research of roadway standards, best practices, policies and procedures, and other guides related to transportation engineering.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in field reviews when available to assess site conditions, take measurements, take photographs, or collect other types of information.
  • Assist in project peer reviews and oversight reviews of consultant prepared work products.

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 and/or in a field environment. A 10% field work may be required.
The office is located at 2885 S. Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
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.
NOTE: This role requires an in-office presence, particularly during the initial training period. As the student gains experience and demonstrates independence in the role, a hybrid schedule may be considered, based on operational needs and supervisor approval.
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: September 30, 2026