Post and Bid Frequently Asked Questions

For general questions about employment with Caltrans, please see our main Jobs FAQ page.

What is Post and Bid (P&B)?

Post and Bid is a benefit under certain union contracts which gives permanent full-time employees, the right to transfer to another position within their classification in the Department based on seniority.

What classes are affected by P&B?

All rank and file classes in Bargaining Units 11 and 12 are covered by this benefit. In addition, the toll collectors in Bargaining Unit 4 in District 4 are all covered.

Which positions are required to undergo P&B?

All permanent fulltime vacant positions in the above mentioned bargaining units. For toll collectors only, Permanent Intermittent (PI) positions are also included for P&B.

Are there positions exempt from P&B?

Limited term, permanent intermittent (except Toll Collectors) and permanent part-time positions are exempt from P&B.

Who can P&B?

Permanent full-time employees, who have completed probation by the final filing date, and are covered by the contracts in the above mentioned bargaining units. For BU11 and toll collectors, permanent intermittent employees who qualify for timebase change to permanent fulltime status, may also post & bid. In addition, PI toll collectors can also P&B for PI positions.

How is an employee chosen?

Based on the contract provisions, the employee with the highest seniority is chosen.

Do I have to interview?

No, an employee is chosen based on the highest seniority as determined by the contract.

What is Seniority based on?

Seniority is determined based on the provisions within each bargain unit contract: BU11- highest seniority is based on total months of State Service (MSS). All BU11 employees MSS is maintained on a monthly basis within Division of Human Resources BU12- highest seniority is based on highest continuous seniority in the class in the district. If no district bidders, then highest seniority continuous in the class statewide. (Apprenticeship time is included in seniority score for the class)

How do I apply?

Qualified employees may complete a bid application based on their union contract. The bid application is sent to the contact listed on the P&B announcement and must be received by the final filing date. Toll collectors have two application periods Oct. 15 – Nov. 14 and April 15- May 14 when they can file for P&B.

Can I P&B to a different class?

No – P&B is from one position to another in the same classification.

Do I have to P&B for a different work shift in the same yard?

Yes – All permanent fulltime vacant positions are subject to P&B including the same location with different work shifts.

What are the exceptions to P&B?

  • Mandatory reinstatements
  • Transfer based on verifiable security, safety or clearly articulated operational needs
  • Denial based on verifiable security, safety or clearly articulated operational needs
  • Stipulations or other mandated court orders
  • Promotion from an apprentice class (BU12)/Promotion in Place (BU11 only)
  • Hardship transfers
  • Proper placement such as but not limited to ADA, workers compensation
  • Reasonable accommodations/Limited duty
  • Placement in lieu of layoff/demotion, appointment from State Restriction of Appointment(SROA)/Surplus lists
  • Involuntary transfers in lieu of geographic relocation

Who receives the bids from the P&B announcement?

The hiring supervisor contacts the Office of Discipline Services (ODS).

Who creates the P&B announcement?

The hiring supervisor creates the announcement.

Where do I find the P&B announcements?

The P&B announcement can be found at the top of the P&B page. For toll collectors, the announcement is handled internally within the division.

How do I fill out a P&B announcement?

Review the form provided by DHR in the forms section of the main page.

Can I review the OPF?

Only, if the supervisor has independent information that the OPF contains relevant information on that specific employee’s performance.

Can I advertise the position on ECOS during P&B period?

Yes, the ECOS ad can be run concurrently but cannot be filled through the open hiring unless the P&B process has been completed and there were no qualified bidders.