Summer Bridge Program Jobs in Merced, CA (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 Bridge Engineer (Supervisor) in Structure Construction.
In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist Transportation Engineers in a field setting, performs soil calculations, establishes surveying control line and grade as required by established OSC Practices and Procedures, ensures that the contractor materials are in compliance and as required by the contract documents, verifies field dimensions. The student assistant must be present for concrete pours and assure that the concrete is cured properly. Oversees removal and replacement of existing materials. Confers with contractors regarding compliance with plans, quality of work, construction activity and CAL-OSHA regulations.
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
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.
• Demonstrate knowledge of stress analysis, strength of materials, properties of construction materials, and their applications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of mathematics as applied to civil engineering principles and practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of transportation structures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of surveying principles and practices, including the methods used in proportioning, mixing, placing, and handling Portland cement concrete.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate written correspondence, reports, and technical documentation.
• Ability to locate, interpret, reference, and apply Bridge Construction Records and Procedures, OSC manuals, Construction Manuals, Caltrans Safety Manuals, and other applicable technical guidance.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow and apply Director's Policies and Deputy Directives applicable to the Office of Structure Construction (OSC).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and other engineering-related computer programs and software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional communication and working relationships with individuals contacted in the course of work.

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.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid driver's license is desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist in performing construction inspection of public works projects involving bridges, buildings, walls, barriers, drainage structures, sign structures and other structures.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist in preparation of contract change orders, contract estimates and other documents, such as response to contractor's claims, and reports and letters involved in the construction of engineering projects. Assist in identifying the need for Contract Change Orders (CCOs).
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist in performing calculations such as grade, deflection, stress, alignment, and quantity estimates.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist in performing calculations to check the various elements of structures (i.e., beams, columns, etc.) as used in the contractor's temporary works.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist in reviewing falsework plans, shoring plans, demolition plans, concrete mix designs and other submittals provided by the contractor as required by the contract documents.
• In a learning capacity, the student assistant will assist sampling and performing controlled tests to check the performance of construction materials in accordance with CTM or ASTM procedures.

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 in a 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: September 12, 2026