What's it like in an engineering driven company - Landscape Associate Caltrans Employee Review

4.0
Aug 16, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent pay, flexible hours, great work/life balance, never take work home, interesting design challenges, influence on projects can last a lifetime. One of the last agencies to still offer a pension.

Cons

The entire design process takes too many years to come to fruition. It's true: too much bureaucracy here. Landscape architects are not respected by many engineers. Management wants everyone to "think outside the box" but too many "chiefs" hamper the creative design process. Too many people afraid of taking risks because either they do not know how, are too lazy, or too risk adverse. Many lazy people who do not perform their jobs. Some of these people are in Senior positions and refuse to allow "thinking outside the box." Zero-low accountability for failed work. Communication and organizational breakdowns from PID, to design, to construction, to maintenance. Promotions are far and few in between, and don't happen for people who actually can do the work, but rather happen to those who are good test takers. Also, many people who just don't care about their jobs and sit around collecting a paycheck - but this is par for the course with a State Agency.

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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