District 1 photo
Highway Equipment Superintendent II John Saldana took on the temporary job as Division of Equipment as the Shop 4 Highway Equipment Superintendent III.
By Manny Machado
District 1 public information officer
Have you ever wanted to continue working at Caltrans while getting to know a different part of the state? Temporary assignments are designed to address urgent, seasonal or specialized needs in shop, maintenance projects, or construction support often providing employees with the opportunity to gain experience in higher-level classifications.
John Saldana, a Highway Equipment Superintendent II in Eureka, learned of an opportunity in District 4. After conversations with coworkers, friends and family, he decided to take on the challenge and accepted the position.
After packing his bags and leaving the North Coast, John arrived in San Leandro and began his role within the Division of Equipment as the Shop 4 Highway Equipment Superintendent III. He quickly realized that his responsibilities were much more extensive than those in District 1.
“I was responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of 2,290 vehicles and equipment across nine Bay Area Counties, while also developing our district's leadership team,” John said. “Despite more equipment, we still faced issues with breakdowns and malfunctions, along with preventive maintenance. Our skilled heavy equipment technicians handled these problems efficiently.”
While in the Bay Area, John gained significant insight. He built many relationships and worked with many great individuals. This involvement gave him a broader perspective on team and individual impact within the organization.
“The real challenge was my personal growth as a leader, providing support to my team while we learned and grew together,” John said. “Without their support and willingness to grow, the experience would have been far more mentally and emotionally draining.”
John’s assignment in District 4 lasted almost a year, and despite the challenges and sacrifices, he said it was a valuable experience.
“Overall, it was an enriching learning journey. I built a strong network of friends and coworkers, developed leadership skills, and grew personally. Being away from my family was tough. Video calls weren't enough. My wife and children were strong through the entire experience, and we enjoyed adventures in the Bay when they visited.”
John encourages other Caltrans employees to explore temporary assignments. The short-term roles typically last six months or less and are advertised on the HR Temporary Assignments page.
“We are fortunate enough to be part of an organization that values its people and is able to provide opportunities for growth and upward mobility. Prepare for your next steps by taking advantage of temporary and out-of-class assignments. Try something you find interesting – you'll learn something new and gain a better understanding of our operations.”.
John also wanted to express his appreciation to Tommy Rossi for taking over his responsibilities at the Eureka shop while he was in the Bay Area.