State of California
Geotechnical Engineer
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL)
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/21/2025
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off
The Division of Engineering Services (DES), Geotechnical Services (GS) is looking to hire Transportation Engineers Civil (TE Civil) in the Office of Geotechnical Design Policy and Practice (OGDPP). Under the direction of a Senior Transportation Engineer, the TE Civil is expected to:
Perform quality review and provide technical support to Geotechnical Design offices.
Develop and update geotechnical design related standards, and guidelines for the Geotechnical Manual.
Develop geotechnical design and analysis tools.
Perform geotechnical investigation and engineering for projects.
Work on projects, including planning, design, construction, and operation phases of the State Transportation System, which may require traveling to the Districts and job sites for periods of several days to weeks.
Participate in Geotechnical Services (GS) technical teams and Division of Engineering Service’s technical committees.
PARF# 59-6-022 / JC-496551
Candidates are required to review the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for this classification. If you meet MQs under Pattern II and require the TE Civil in‑person written hurdle exam, DO NOT TAKE the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle. Candidates who take the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle may negatively impact their hiring eligibility. Please contact the exam unit at askexams@dot.ca.gov for additional information prior to taking the online examination.
For clarification on the education requirement of the minimum qualifications, please reach out to the Human Resources Contact prior to taking the online Training and Experience Evaluation. For a list of ABET accredited schools, please refer to this link: Find Programs | ABET.
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Transportation Engineer (Civil) exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
Working Conditions This is a reposting of JC-484840. If you have previously applied to this position, you do not have to re‑apply. Your application will be considered.
Position located at 5900 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, Sacramento County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in‑person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program is a mandatory 24 month to 33 month rotation assignment for all permanent, full‑time Transportation Engineer (Civil) employees that have completed their probationary period hired by Caltrans Districts after June 22, 2018, or an earlier date as determined by the Districts. The purpose of Rotation Program is to provide opportunities for employees and Caltrans to benefit by participating in a standardized process that systematically engages newly hired engineers. Participants will develop well‑rounded project delivery knowledge, skills, and abilities by rotating through diverse project delivery functional units. The Rotation Program includes mandatory core assignments in Design and Construction units, as well as a mandatory elective assignment. Each rotation assignment is typically between 6 to 12 months and will be based on workload needs and the employee’s goals. Assignments may involve long term travel and can be located throughout the state.
In addition to the Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program, an incumbent may be required to go on loan to another project delivery function when there are temporary or peak staffing needs in those areas.
Minimum Requirements
Relevant education and experience in geotechnical engineering, including geotechnical investigation, design, and reporting.
Demonstrated coursework in mechanics of materials, stress–strain behavior, elasticity, and plasticity of materials.
Demonstrated coursework in advanced soil mechanics, including laboratory test, effective stress, stress path, and consolidation.
Demonstrated coursework in geotechnical engineering, including retaining wall design, slope stability analysis, deep foundation design.
Demonstrated experience in geotechnical engineering, including geotechnical investigation, laboratory test, retaining wall design, and preparing geotechnical report.
For all other ranges, a Professional Engineering License (Civil) is not required. For Range D, a valid PE license issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers is required.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of soil mechanics principles; soil and rock classification; laboratory and in‑situ soil and rock test principles and methods; geotechnical investigation.
Experience of geotechnical engineering, including deep and shallow foundations, earth retaining systems, slope stability, ground movement and settlement, geosynthetics, ground modification, and tunneling.
Experience in performing geotechnical analysis and design in an effective and efficient manner; diagnosing potential geotechnical problems and evaluating probable effects on design options and constructability, and providing viable recommendations.
Knowledge of earthwork and geotechnical construction methods, specifications, and quality assurance and quality control practices.
Advanced coursework on geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics.
Knowledge of Caltrans project development process, design and construction standards, and maintenance practices.
Ability to acquire additional and new knowledge of geotechnical engineering through additional coursework or self‑study; produce concise, organized, logical, and effective reports and presentations; communicate effectively in written and oral form; and work in teams.
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 barcodes, such as QR codes, are not considered postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
To apply, submit your Application Package electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. If you choose not to apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through the mailing address listed below or via drop‑off at the designated Department of Transportation address.
Mailing Address:
Department of Transportation Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact Certification Services MS‑90 P O Box 168036 Sacramento, CA 95816‑8036
Drop‑off Address:
Department of Transportation Drop‑off Address Caltrans DHR Contact Classification and Hiring Unit – ECOS 1727 30th Street, MS 90 Sacramento, CA 95816
Required Application Package Documents
State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically).
Resume (required).
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) – typed, no more than 2 pages, single‑spaced, 12‑point font.
Relevant transcript, diploma, or certification supporting education and experience (for those meeting qualifications by education).
Contact Information Human Resources Contact: Shirley Panugaling (279) 599‑8482 shirley.panugaling@dot.ca.gov
Applicant questions for reasonable accommodations may be directed to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is scheduled. For equal employment opportunity questions, contact Caltrans EEO Office.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, sexual orientation, etc. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, as use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and special trust placed in public servants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/21/2025
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off
The Division of Engineering Services (DES), Geotechnical Services (GS) is looking to hire Transportation Engineers Civil (TE Civil) in the Office of Geotechnical Design Policy and Practice (OGDPP). Under the direction of a Senior Transportation Engineer, the TE Civil is expected to:
Perform quality review and provide technical support to Geotechnical Design offices.
Develop and update geotechnical design related standards, and guidelines for the Geotechnical Manual.
Develop geotechnical design and analysis tools.
Perform geotechnical investigation and engineering for projects.
Work on projects, including planning, design, construction, and operation phases of the State Transportation System, which may require traveling to the Districts and job sites for periods of several days to weeks.
Participate in Geotechnical Services (GS) technical teams and Division of Engineering Service’s technical committees.
PARF# 59-6-022 / JC-496551
Candidates are required to review the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for this classification. If you meet MQs under Pattern II and require the TE Civil in‑person written hurdle exam, DO NOT TAKE the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle. Candidates who take the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle may negatively impact their hiring eligibility. Please contact the exam unit at askexams@dot.ca.gov for additional information prior to taking the online examination.
For clarification on the education requirement of the minimum qualifications, please reach out to the Human Resources Contact prior to taking the online Training and Experience Evaluation. For a list of ABET accredited schools, please refer to this link: Find Programs | ABET.
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Transportation Engineer (Civil) exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
Working Conditions This is a reposting of JC-484840. If you have previously applied to this position, you do not have to re‑apply. Your application will be considered.
Position located at 5900 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, Sacramento County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in‑person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program is a mandatory 24 month to 33 month rotation assignment for all permanent, full‑time Transportation Engineer (Civil) employees that have completed their probationary period hired by Caltrans Districts after June 22, 2018, or an earlier date as determined by the Districts. The purpose of Rotation Program is to provide opportunities for employees and Caltrans to benefit by participating in a standardized process that systematically engages newly hired engineers. Participants will develop well‑rounded project delivery knowledge, skills, and abilities by rotating through diverse project delivery functional units. The Rotation Program includes mandatory core assignments in Design and Construction units, as well as a mandatory elective assignment. Each rotation assignment is typically between 6 to 12 months and will be based on workload needs and the employee’s goals. Assignments may involve long term travel and can be located throughout the state.
In addition to the Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program, an incumbent may be required to go on loan to another project delivery function when there are temporary or peak staffing needs in those areas.
Minimum Requirements
Relevant education and experience in geotechnical engineering, including geotechnical investigation, design, and reporting.
Demonstrated coursework in mechanics of materials, stress–strain behavior, elasticity, and plasticity of materials.
Demonstrated coursework in advanced soil mechanics, including laboratory test, effective stress, stress path, and consolidation.
Demonstrated coursework in geotechnical engineering, including retaining wall design, slope stability analysis, deep foundation design.
Demonstrated experience in geotechnical engineering, including geotechnical investigation, laboratory test, retaining wall design, and preparing geotechnical report.
For all other ranges, a Professional Engineering License (Civil) is not required. For Range D, a valid PE license issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers is required.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of soil mechanics principles; soil and rock classification; laboratory and in‑situ soil and rock test principles and methods; geotechnical investigation.
Experience of geotechnical engineering, including deep and shallow foundations, earth retaining systems, slope stability, ground movement and settlement, geosynthetics, ground modification, and tunneling.
Experience in performing geotechnical analysis and design in an effective and efficient manner; diagnosing potential geotechnical problems and evaluating probable effects on design options and constructability, and providing viable recommendations.
Knowledge of earthwork and geotechnical construction methods, specifications, and quality assurance and quality control practices.
Advanced coursework on geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics.
Knowledge of Caltrans project development process, design and construction standards, and maintenance practices.
Ability to acquire additional and new knowledge of geotechnical engineering through additional coursework or self‑study; produce concise, organized, logical, and effective reports and presentations; communicate effectively in written and oral form; and work in teams.
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 barcodes, such as QR codes, are not considered postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
To apply, submit your Application Package electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. If you choose not to apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through the mailing address listed below or via drop‑off at the designated Department of Transportation address.
Mailing Address:
Department of Transportation Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact Certification Services MS‑90 P O Box 168036 Sacramento, CA 95816‑8036
Drop‑off Address:
Department of Transportation Drop‑off Address Caltrans DHR Contact Classification and Hiring Unit – ECOS 1727 30th Street, MS 90 Sacramento, CA 95816
Required Application Package Documents
State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically).
Resume (required).
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) – typed, no more than 2 pages, single‑spaced, 12‑point font.
Relevant transcript, diploma, or certification supporting education and experience (for those meeting qualifications by education).
Contact Information Human Resources Contact: Shirley Panugaling (279) 599‑8482 shirley.panugaling@dot.ca.gov
Applicant questions for reasonable accommodations may be directed to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is scheduled. For equal employment opportunity questions, contact Caltrans EEO Office.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, sexual orientation, etc. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, as use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and special trust placed in public servants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr