How to Apply
California State law requires that all future civil service employees participate in merit based hiring process prior to entering in State service. The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is a State Agency bound by these regulations and adheres to them through the following hiring steps:
STEP 1: Creating a CalCareer Account
Examinations and Job Vacancies are offered through CalCareers, a site created by California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). In order to review and apply to these selection procedures, you must create a CalCareer Account.
This account enables you to:
Examinations and Job Vacancies are offered through CalCareers, a site created by California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). In order to review and apply to these selection procedures, you must create a CalCareer Account. This account enables you to:
- Create a State application
- Submit applications to jobs and examinations
- Store work history and cover letters
- Review job vacancy statuses and examination results
- and much more...
Set up your CalCareer account to search for jobs and take online examinations.
Contact CalCareers at 1(866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov for questions.
Watch video tutorials on how to apply/manage your account.
Fill-and-print Form CalHR STD 678: State of California Examination/Employment Application
Printable Form CalHR 1093: Application for Veterans' Preference for California State Civil Service Examinations
STEP 2: Examination
Examinations are administered through the Office of Examinations to assess knowledge, skills, and abilities of future employees. Candidates must participate in an examination prior to applying to job vacancies.
Visit our Exam Plan for a complete list of all examinations offered through Caltrans (Be sure to click on the classification code to review the minimum qualifications for the position).
Contact us on our main phone line (916) 227-7858 or askexams@dot.ca.gov. For further questions, visit our Jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.
STEP 3: Job Search
Once you pass an examination and obtain List Eligibility, you can begin to search for Caltrans specific jobs at jobs.ca.gov.
Follow California Department of Human Resource's Steps to a State Job.
Volunteer or participate in the Student Assistant Program.
STEP 4: Interview
Below are a few tips that will help you prepare for an interview after you apply to a vacancy within Caltrans:
Print the job posting and associated attachments for the vacancy. This contains all the position details such as the duty statement, job description information, special requirements, and contact information for the position. Note: the posting and associated attachments disappear after the final filing date.
Study the position. Review the classification specification to understand the duties, tasks, and minimum qualifications necessary for the position.
Need additional assistance in the hiring process? Attend a FREE seminar offered by California Department of Human Resources (CalHR).