Job Posting: District Materials MREA

Department of Transportation

JC-522411
-
District Materials MREA
MATERIALS AND RESEARCH ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE (SPECIALIST)

$7,492.00 - $9,379.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 7/8/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction from a Senior Transportation Engineer the Materials Engineer is responsible for administering the Material Plant Quality Program, leading, and performing laboratory operations and testing, maintaining compliance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASTHO) Resource laboratory and other accreditations, leading, and performing materials related investigations and delivery of reports. This includes but is not limited to directing and assisting in the performance of CTM, AASHTO, and ASTM test methods, delivering timely test results to Resident Engineers, reviewing, and completing construction forms, checking calculations, leading, and performing investigations in the development and delivery of material, pavement, failure analysis, and other reports related to the Materials function.  

PARF # 06-26-0261 / JC-522411

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Materials and Research Engineering Associate (Specialist) 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. 

 

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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.

Working Conditions

Position located at 1352 W Olive Ave, Fresno County 

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

Job will have exposure to chemicals, equipment, machinery, heat, cold, dust, gas, fumes, chemicals, dirt, lab equipment, construction materials, outdoor conditions, indoor conditions, humidity, and high decibels of noise. Incumbent will have exposure to lab conditions, which may or may not be climate controlled. Hard hat and safety vest or approved safety shirt must be always worn in the field, no exceptions. While at the Construction office employees will normally work in a climate controlled office under artificial light; however, due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate. Workload may subject employee to night work, frequent changes of shift, frequent changes of work hours and workdays, and geographic transfer. Travel may be required. Vacations may be restricted during peak times. Overtime may be required.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-522411
Position #(s):
906-501-3381-918
Working Title:
District Materials MREA
Classification:
MATERIALS AND RESEARCH ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE (SPECIALIST)
$7,492.00 - $9,379.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Fresno County
Telework:
In Office
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

Special Requirements

This position is subject to the Post & Bid process. Applications from a certification list, transfer, change-in-class, reinstatement, re-employment, and/or training and development assignment will be accepted for this position but may not be considered unless the Post & Bid process does not result in a hire.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.

In addition to position Duty Statement, the following position specific qualifications will be
evaluated based on the candidate’s demonstrated:
  • Experience in preparing and testing soil, aggregate, HMA and PCC samples. Nuclear Gauges operation & management. Purchasing, calibrating, and repair of equipment for district & field labs. knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in highway and bridge construction.
  • Experience in inspecting contractor's work for compliance with contract documents, and documenting compliance and activities on Daily Reports.
  • Math/Science skills. Quantity calculations. Ability to interpret specification requirements for activity inspection and materials and ability to perform standardized materials testing and use basic field measuring equipment.
  • Balancing multiple priorities and meeting strict deadlines. Organize/arrange data to produce effective work products without repetitious direction.
  • Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in the English language.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop networks and build alliances. Possess interpersonal skills necessary to be an effective team member.

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: 7/8/2026

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

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

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

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Transportation
N/A
Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • 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 -

    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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Must know California Test Methods, AASHTO test methods, and ASTM test methods. Must have knowledge of the Highway Design Manual, Construction Manual, safety practices, Standard Specifications, and Special Provisions. Must possess knowledge in mathematics, statistics, civil engineering; Basic principles of physics, chemistry, and mathematics as applied to civil engineering; properties and uses of engineering materials; methods and equipment of engineering construction; and engineering economics; Highway terminology and concepts including but not limited to horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, structural sections, level of service, and construction.
Have the ability and knowledge to assess the working order of laboratory and field-testing equipment and machinery as well as calibrate and maintain them.
Must be able to perform California Test Methods, AASHTO test methods, and ASTM test methods; inspect testing equipment to ensure that it is within accepted tolerances; communicate effectively in both verbal and written form; use and understand computers to prepare reports and correspondence; organize/arrange data producing effective work products without repetitious direction; possess interpersonal skills necessary to be an effective team member; read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; perform technical studies and investigations independently or as a team member.
Incumbent is required to exercise analytical skill to determine if construction work meets specification requirements; if Quality Control results appear to be accurate; to interpret plans and specifications correctly as they pertain to tests required, meaning of test results, and turnaround times.
Must have knowledge of weights and measures, knowledge of current testing methods, current specifications, and guidelines regarding Materials Plant Operations, the position requires sophisticated knowledge of materials sampling and testing.
Knowledge of equipment, material manufacturing processes, and methods used in the construction of state highways and bridges.
Must be able to operate and understand various office machines including personal computers and programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite and various pavement structure and culvert corrosion analysis programs.

Benefits

Click HERE  to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Human Resources Contact:
Meg White
(279) 234-2243
meg.white@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Veronica Dinata
(559) 981-7651
veronica.dinata@dot.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Important Application Instructions:

The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-522411), PARF# 06-26-0261 and title of the position MATERIALS AND RESEARCH ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE (SPECIALIST) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

 

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

 

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

 

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job