Student Assistant

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of providing a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California's economy and livability, with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.

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The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to hire a student assistant, in a learning capacity, under close supervision of the Business Services Manager (BSM), a Staff Services Manager I (SSMI), the Student Assistant, in a learning capacity, will assist in supporting small business outreach, data tracking, and communication efforts related to the District's Small (SB), Disadvantaged (DBE), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Programs. The position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public sector contracting, small business program compliance, and data management within a government agency setting.

Conditions of Employment

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.

UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI Student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week's notice.

UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.

Prerequisites

Must be a college student attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at one of the accredited colleges or universities on our affiliation list.

To view our current affiliation list please paste the following URL into your browser:

Students must be enrolled in at least six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.

Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.

Majors/Fields of Study

Business Administration, Business - General, Management, Marketing, Business Information Worker , Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Communication, Organizational Communication, Administration, Liberal studies, English, Data Analytics, Journalism, Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Law, Public Policy, Society, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning

Work Schedule

F lexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Additional Work Schedule

Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, summer).

Compensation

$18.27 – $24.62 per hour

M inimum Qualifications

• Must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
• Must complete each term with minimum unit requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate student classifications. Proof will be collected at the end of each Spring and Fall term.
• Must be an actively enrolled college student in good academic standing.
• Coursework in business administration, public administration, communications, or a related field is desirable.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Follow directions and work under close supervision.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to organize and track information accurately.
  Attention to detail and willingness to learn new systems and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Under the amendment to Government Code Section 18220, state agencies shall give preference to a qualified applicant (up to 26 years of age) who is, or has been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, a formerly incarcerated youth, or a victim of human trafficking.
  Interest in small business development, public service, or government contracting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist the District Small Business Liaison in coordinating outreach and engagement activities for small, disadvantaged, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. Tasks include preparing presentation materials, supporting meeting logistics, taking notes, and updating small business contact lists and resource information.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist with collecting and organizing small business utilization data from project managers and contract staff. Learns to maintain accurate records of contract awards, certifications, and participation reports to support program goals and compliance requirements.
• In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist in developing informational materials and digital communications, such as newsletters, event announcements, and website content. Learns to use Caltrans communication tools and branding guidelines to ensure professional and consistent outreach materials.
  In a learning capacity, the Student Assistant will assist with research projects and administrative tasks that support the District's Small Business Program, including summarizing meeting notes, preparing data summaries, and reviewing policy updates from Headquarters (HQ). Participates in bi-monthly DSBL meetings (virtual or in person) to observe statewide coordination efforts.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods using a computer and attend meetings in person or virtually. Some standing and lifting of materials (up to 25 lbs) may be required for event setup.

Working Conditions

Office environment with standard equipment (computer, printer, copier). May participate in virtual meetings and small business outreach events.

This position is not telework eligible. The Student Assistant will report to the office or event/meeting site(s) for the duration of the assignment.

Minimal Travel (up to 5%) – May include local travel to small business outreach events, training, or meetings.

Application Instructions

Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the "Educational Experience" section and any employment history in the "Employment Experience" section of our application.

In addition to your resume, please upload your most recent transcripts.

Apply by: 12/03/2025