Stress filled workplace - Transportation Engineer Caltrans Employee Review

1.0
Mar 26, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It gives you in-depth experience working with construction contracts and learning how to inspect construction projects. The employers intended to give us a lot of training.

Cons

When I was being recruited to work for Caltrans under the structures construction sector I was told that we would be part of a rotation program which I was later told wasn't going to happen for 3 years since there is a waitlist. I also wasn't told that it is required to relocate to Sacramento for 9 months minimum for training that was never brought up till after I was hired. The office was stressful especially since most of the people working there are environmental engineers (including myself) with very little experience in civil or structures except for the on-job experience they received when they started working there. There was a constant conflicting energy between the contractors building the transportation systems and the engineers in office. Everyone in the office made mountains out of mole hills if you know what I mean and it exacerbated my anxiety disorder till I had to quit only after 2 weeks. They also joke about how they can't keep people in that office.

Explore other reviews about Caltrans

5.0
Jun 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You'll learn a lot, good place to start as an ITA..

Cons

The pay for state might not be that great.

4.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* most executives and office chief leaderships are supportive and easy to talk to. * great diversity in the workplace, with many people from varying background being represented and promoted. * great work-life balance if you're a specialist.

Cons

* some senior branch chiefs end up working on weekends. * not specific to department, but state workers keep getting their raises cut.

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