Graduate Student Project Assistant Jobs in Davis, CA

The Office of Human Resources, Testing and Selection Unit (TSU) is seeking a highly motivated Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) with an interest in the areas of Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, or closely related fields with an emphasis in selection methods in pre-employment hiring. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience in the field of pre-employment hiring and examination processes by assisting with the development and validation of many different types of selection tools, such as structured interviews, practical exercises, work sample exercises, multiple-choice tests, and minimum qualifications reviews. The GSA will learn skills related to developing tests, interview questions, and other assessments. They will also learn valuable consulting skills through assisting with, planning, and conducting meetings with hiring managers and subject matter experts, and by supporting TSU consultants.
The selected candidate will be assigned to one of two teams, the Examinations Team or the Assessment Consultation Team:
Examinations Team: This team is responsible for administering examinations for the Department of Justice (DOJ). This includes conducting job analyses, facilitating stakeholder meetings, developing examination content, administering examinations, reviewing minimum qualifications, and establishing eligibility lists for hire. Examination development includes interviews, presentations, in-basket exercises, multiple choice written examinations, training and experience assessments, and Statement of Qualifications. In addition, this team completes minimum qualifications reviews for non-DOJ administered examinations and collaborates with other teams on special projects in the fields of pre-employment hiring. Working within the Examinations team allows team members the opportunity to learn about pre-employment examination processes including item development, development of application materials, and understanding of the laws and regulations governing state hiring.
Assessment Consultation Team: The Assessment Consultation Team (ACT) supports department hiring managers in the selection portion of the hiring process by providing consultation and creating hiring assessments to evaluate applicant knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform job functions, applying best practices in selection and I-O psychology. ACT creates selection tools such as structured interviews, writing exercises, work sample and performance tests, and multiple-choice tests. ACT also conducts psychometric evaluation of test performance where applicable. Working in ACT provides the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of assessment modalities, learn item and test analysis, and gain experience in a consultative role.
Working Conditions: This position has been designated as eligible for telework and is currently a remote centered position. The position will however require in-person attendance on a recurring basis. The selected candidate would report to DOJ headquarters in Sacramento when required for job functions, in-person meetings, trainings, etc. Expenses related to travel to the office when required are the responsibility of the employee. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT
• STUDENT ASSISTANT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524221
Position #(s):
420-057-4872-901
Working Title:
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT
Classification:
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT $3,724.00 - $4,141.00 A
$4,021.00 - $4,471.00 B
$4,167.00 - $4,679.00 C
$4,340.00 - $4,873.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
STUDENT ASSISTANT
$3,167.00 - $3,480.00 A
$3,389.00 - $3,724.00 B
$3,623.00 - $3,988.00 C
$3,878.00 - $4,268.00 D
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Student Assistant
Department Information

• This position is located in the Division of Administrative Services, Office of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Testing and Selection Unit.
• This position will be filled as a Temporary Appointment Authorization (TAU), intermittent appointment.
• For more information about the Department please visit the Attorney General's website at www.oag.ca.gov .

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-524221) and the title of this position in the "Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section located on the first page of your State Application.
• Students who are currently enrolled in at least six (6) semester units or the equivalent of college courses at an accredited college or university, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher may apply for this position. Please submit a copy of your transcript with your application package. Your official transcript(s) will be required prior to employment and after completion of each semester thereafter.

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: 8/14/2026
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating "preference under Government Code section 18220". Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility. 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 Justice
OHR-Yvonne Salas
Attn: Yvonne Salas (JC-524221)
Office of Human Resources
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Justice
OHR-Yvonne Salas
Yvonne Salas (JC-524221)
Office of Human Resources
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento , CA 95814
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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please review the team descriptions and duty statements on the Job Control and write a one-page narrative indicating your team preference and describe how working in that team aligns with your current college major, interests, and/or career goals. Additionally, describe how your education thus far has prepared you for our Graduate/Student Assistant position. If you have any applicable professional or volunteer experience, please include that as well.
  Important Note: Assignment into the Examination or Assessment Teams will be determined based on team needs and job fit; selected candidates are therefore not guaranteed placement into their preferred team.

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.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Outlook.
• Ability to articulate information in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Experience working independently and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to reason logically, analyze data, and recommend solutions.
• Interest in human resources, I/O psychology, s tatistical methodologies, or closely related fields, particularly focused on valid testing and selection methods.
• High level of attention to detail in work products.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Please access this link for information on benefits afforded to employees who work for the State of California - https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Yvonne Salas
(916) 210-7200
yvonne.salas@doj.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:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
EERROffice@doj.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.
Additional Job Related Information
Additional Application Filing Information: Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date.
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.