Transportation Engineer, Civil applicants have rated the interview process at Caltrans with 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 62% positive. To compare, the company-average is 67.3% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Transportation Engineer, Civil roles take an average of 79 days to get hired, when considering 13 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Caltrans overall takes an average of 60 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Caltrans as a Transportation Engineer, Civil according to 13 Glassdoor interviews include:
Group panel interview: 27%
Presentation: 14%
Skills test: 14%
Drug test: 8%
Personality test: 8%
Background check: 8%
Phone interview: 8%
IQ intelligence test: 8%
One on one interview: 3%
Other: 3%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 4 months. I interviewed at Caltrans (Marysville, CA)
Interview
Applied online through Calcareers.ca.gov.
The time to get a response was about 3 months.
I applied to several locations for the same job, i.e. Transportation Engineer (Civil).
An email was sent to me saying that Caltrans would be hosting a Mass Hiring Event in Marysville, CA.
I attended the event and was interviewed by 4 people, who asked general/basic questions as the job was entry level.
I received a conditional offer the following week and started working a month after that.
I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Caltrans (Stockton, CA) in Jul 2025
Interview
I follow Caltrans safety protocols, including site-specific safety plans and traffic control standards outlined in the MUTCD. I coordinate with local agencies for encroachment permits and public notifications. I also ensure contractor compliance with Caltrans construction standards and verify QA/QC during inspections.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Can you describe your experience with bridge and drainage project initiation and coordination?
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Caltrans (Sacramento, CA)
Interview
written Test: 4 questions, an hour is given to solve all the problems
Oral interview: 4 questions, 20 min are given to answer the questions. I can answer any questions in order or in whatever order I liked. I was given the questions in hand
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Time management and how do you prioritize multiple tasks
General Questions and 20-40 mins long with 2-4 panelists. I took about 10 interviews with different Caltrans locations. It takes 2-10 weeks for them to answer if they want to offer anything
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How your background matches the position duty statement