Find The RightJob.

Student Assistant - DRISI Planning Preliminary Investigations Support

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of providing a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability, with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.

To learn more visit www.dot ca.gov .

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant, i n a learning capacity, u nder the close supervision of the Office Chief, Planning, Policy and Program Development, in a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will provide analytical support on mixed methods research projects within subject areas that align with the student’s expertise and interests. The Student Assistant, in a learning capacity, will engage technical staff across multiple divisions to conduct supervised research on areas of critical need for the Department. This opportunity will allow the Student Assistant to develop their research skills (both quantitative and qualitative) and provide them with a high-level understanding of how Caltrans influences national transportation research programs.

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

Urban, City, Regional, Environmental Planning, Business Administration, Research, and Data Analytics, Communications.

Work Schedule

F lexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. The 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, summer).

Compensation

$18.27 – $24.62 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

Must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.

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 conduct independent research, under the supervision of the Office Chief and a Research Manager. They may use a variety of methods, tools, and software available by the Department, consistent with their knowledge level and comfort. They will work to connect their research results to the implementation phase, in consultation with DRISI staff.
In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in the research development process, including scope and problem statement development, researcher selection, budget creation, and alignment with Department strategic goals.
In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in development (or update) of the Department’s research roadmaps in the areas of planning, policy, programming, and modal research. The Student Assistant may also support research roadmaps in other areas based on their expertise and interest.

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 a reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment only.

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: April 13, 2026

Similar jobs