ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST

Caltrans; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 72,406 - 136,319; Full time

Job summary

A state transportation agency in California seeks an Engineering Geologist to provide technical expertise and support throughout project phases. Responsibilities include geologic analysis, travel to field sites, and collaboration with engineering teams. Candidates must possess relevant qualifications and a driver's license for state vehicle operation. This position offers a hybrid work model and requires a Statement of Qualifications detailing specific knowledge and experience. Interested applicants should ensure their qualifications are clearly documented.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license when operating a State vehicle.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) required outlining relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on engineering geologic topics.
• Support project planning, design, construction, and operation phases.
• Travel to Districts and field sites as needed.

Skills

Geologic site characterization

Subsurface site investigations

Effective communication (oral and written)

Project collaboration

Time management

Education

Minimum qualifications verified prior to interview

Possession of a valid driver’s license

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

• Job Code: JC-512344
• Position #: 559-324-3756-020
• Working Title: Engineering Geologist
• Classification: ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST
• Salary Range: $6,488.00 - $12,215.00
• # of Positions: Multiple
• Work Location: Orange County
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.

Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.

Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov

Director’s EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Job Description And Duties

The Division of Engineering Services (DES), Geotechnical Services (GS) is looking to hire an Engineering Geologist (EG) in the Office of Geotechnical Design South (OGDS).

Under the direction of a Senior Transportation Engineer, the Engineering Geologist provides technical expertise, support, and recommendations on engineering geologic topics as may evolve, commencing with the project planning phase and progressing through the design, construction, and operation phases of the State Transportation System. This position requires travel to the Districts and field sites for periods of several days to months.

PARF# 59-26-0098 / JC-512344

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Engineering Geologist 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.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.

https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G

https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI

Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.

Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is required.

• Describe your knowledge and ability in geologic site characterization.
• Describe your knowledge and ability in subsurface site investigations.
• Describe your experience and ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing (e. g. writing technical report, verbal presentation of technical information).
• Describe your experience and ability to effectively work with others to deliver projects.
• Describe your experience and ability to effectively handle multiple assignments to meet deadlines on schedule.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12‑point Arial font. The SOQ must include education, training, and experience that qualify the candidate for this position. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

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 Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/3/2026

Who May Apply

• Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available).
• SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
• Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below.

Address for Mailing Application Packages

Department of Transportation
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento , CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento , CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.