Douglas Olsen
Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, offers a variety of opportunities for students, including internships, scholarships, and volunteer work. The organization is committed to improving lives and communities through transportation and values equity, innovation, and people-first policies. While Caltrans does not explicitly mention hiring international students, it emphasizes equal employment opportunities and has partnered with organizations like the Community College Foundation, which is inclusive of all applicants regardless of nationality. Additionally, Caltrans offers scholarships through the California Transportation Foundation (CTF), which are open to documented international students. Overall, Caltrans presents an inclusive environment with a range of options for those seeking to gain experience in the transportation sector.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hiring Process | Merit-based |
| Application | Requires a CalCareers account |
| Student Opportunities | Paid internships, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships |
| Student Assistant Program | Engineering, Planning and Archaeology, Business Administration and Communication students |
| Equal Employment Opportunity | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Caltrans' hiring process
Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, is a state agency that follows a merit-based hiring process. The hiring process at Caltrans involves several steps, including examinations, interviews, and meeting the necessary qualifications and requirements.
To begin the hiring process, applicants must first create a CalCareers account on the CalCareers website, which is created by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). This account allows applicants to search for jobs, take online examinations, and apply for job vacancies.
When applying for a position, it is important to review the job posting and associated attachments, which include the duty statement, job description, special requirements, and contact information. Additionally, understanding the classification specifications, including the duties, tasks, and minimum qualifications, is crucial for a successful application.
After submitting an application, the next step in the hiring process is typically an interview. The interview process at Caltrans can take around 2-3 weeks, and sometimes longer, as per some accounts.
Caltrans also offers paid student intern positions, providing a stepping stone into the transportation sector. These internships can serve as a great starting point for those who are not yet ready for full-time employment.
Furthermore, Caltrans offers benefits such as student loan forgiveness, demonstrating their commitment to supporting their employees' long-term career development and financial well-being.
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International student scholarship opportunities
Caltrans offers paid internship opportunities for students to gain experience in the transportation sector. While I could not find explicit information on whether Caltrans hires international students, international students are eligible for scholarships offered by the California Transportation Foundation (CTF). Since its founding in 1988, CTF has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to students intending to pursue a career in transportation. To qualify for CTF scholarships, international students must be permanent residents or documented. Each scholarship has additional qualifications, and financial need may be considered. Here are some examples of CTF scholarships:
- Undergraduate students in their junior or senior year or graduate students majoring in civil engineering or a transportation-related field at the University of California, Davis; Cal State University Sacramento; or the University of the Pacific are eligible for a scholarship.
- University and college undergraduate students majoring in human resources who are professionally affiliated with Caltrans (interns, volunteers, student assistants, employees) are eligible to apply for a scholarship in memory of Marian Smith Langsner, a Caltrans Personnel Officer.
- High school seniors or college undergraduates living in specific Caltrans Districts and sponsored by a District Caltrans employee are eligible for scholarships.
- The Wendy Tao International Smart Cities Scholarship supports graduate students and professionals in innovative research projects related to sustainable transport and smart cities.
In addition to CTF scholarships, international students can explore other scholarship opportunities in California. For example, The ACEC California Scholarships provide awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to students studying engineering at any university in California. Scholarships.com is a useful resource for finding scholarships tailored to students who are residents of California or plan to attend institutions in the state. Other notable scholarships include:
- The Hearts for Community Service Scholarship: Awards $5,000 annually to student residents who volunteer in their communities and are enrolled in post-secondary institutions.
- The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Student Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships to medical school students who graduated from a high school in El Dorado, Sacramento, or Yolo counties.
- The Hopi Tribe Scholarships: Offers a variety of scholarships and grants to enrolled members pursuing higher education, including recent high school graduates and graduate and professional degree candidates.
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Student assistant roles
Caltrans has a Student Assistant Program that provides part-time employment to students, allowing them to gain career development and on-the-job training while attending college. The program is designed to introduce students to work and employment opportunities within the Department. Student assistants are expected to work with integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively.
To be eligible for the program, students must be enrolled in a minimum of six semester units (or the quarter equivalent) in a related field of study and maintain a 2.0 GPA. During the school year, students may not work more than 20 hours per week, and their total work hours cannot exceed 1,500 hours in a 12-month period. Work hours can be increased during school breaks, depending on need, funding, and supervisor approval.
Student assistants at Caltrans perform technical work related to their field of study. For example, engineering students may collaborate with staff in areas such as design, construction, maintenance, new technology, and research related to California roadways and structures. Planning and archaeology students may assist with literature reviews, transportation publication reviews, internet searches, data acquisition and analysis, and report preparation.
Caltrans has partnered with the Community College Foundation (TCCF) for its student assistant roles. Applicants must follow the instructions outlined by TCCF, which will be their employer of record. TCCF handles employment-related issues and provides resources to help students with their job applications.
In addition to the Student Assistant Program, Caltrans also offers paid internships and volunteer opportunities for students interested in gaining experience in the transportation sector.
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Internships and volunteer opportunities
Caltrans offers a range of internships and volunteer opportunities for students, including international students.
Internships
The California Transportation Foundation (CTF) offers internships for students currently enrolled or registered at an accredited institution of higher learning. These internships provide an opportunity to gain professional work experience in transportation planning, finance, and operational projects. Interns can work in various departments, including Legislation and Public Affairs, Planning, Programming and Allocations, Traveler Coordination and Information, Highway and Arterial Operations, and Bridge Oversight and Operations.
CTF also offers internships through the MIP program, where interns work with the hiring department for up to two years. Additionally, internships are available at companies like Fehr & Peers, HDR, HNTB, Mark Thomas Company, and Michael Baker International. These internships are aimed at junior or senior-level students pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in transportation, civil or electrical engineering, urban and regional planning, or related fields.
Volunteer Opportunities
Caltrans' Volunteer Program offers non-paid training opportunities that help individuals fulfill their career development goals. Volunteers can work on a variable schedule to accommodate their needs and the needs of the Department.
Student Assistant Program
In partnership with the Community College Foundation (TCCF), Caltrans hires student assistants. Engineering students, for example, may work closely with staff in areas such as design, construction, maintenance, new technology, and research related to California roadways, structures, and highway equipment. Students in planning and archaeology (or related fields) may assist with literature reviews, internet searches, data analysis, responding to inquiries, providing logistical support, and more.
To be eligible for the Student Assistant Program, students must be enrolled in a minimum of six semester units (or the quarter equivalent) at an accredited higher education institution.
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Application requirements
Caltrans offers both paid and non-paid internship opportunities for students. The paid internships are offered through The InternSource, a program of the not-for-profit The Community College Foundation. The Community College Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer, and students of all nationalities are welcome to apply.
To apply for a student internship, you must follow the instructions outlined by the Community College Foundation. You will need to register with the TCCF, which will act as your employer of record. The TCCF handles employment issues such as workers' compensation and unemployment claims. They also offer guidance on editing your resume and interviewing tips. To be eligible for the internship, you must be enrolled in a minimum of six semester units at an accredited higher education institution.
For students interested in a career in transportation, the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) offers scholarships. To qualify for a scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or documented international student. The purpose of this program is to increase the participation of underrepresented populations in the transportation profession by supporting increased diversity at the undergraduate level.
To apply for a full-time position at Caltrans, you must create a CalCareers account. You can then create an application template and upload your resume, transcripts, cover letter, certificates, and degrees. Some jobs require a resume, cover letter, and/or a statement of qualifications. You can take as many exams as you qualify for, and you will receive your exam score immediately for online exams.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Caltrans hires international students through The InternSource, a program of the non-profit The Community College Foundation. The foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Students are hired for technical work that provides job experience in tasks related to their field of study. For example, engineering students may work with staff in areas such as design, construction, and research related to California roadways.
To apply, students must follow the instructions outlined by the Community College Foundation. This includes registering with the foundation and enrolling in a minimum of six semester units at an accredited higher education institution.
