Job Posting: Office Chief, Safety Systems and Devices
Department of Transportation
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Deputy Division Chief of the Division of Safety Programs, a Principal Transportation Engineer, the incumbent serves as the Office Chief of Safety Systems and Devices.
The incumbent oversees functions that support the Division and districts in implementing a Safe System approach on the State Highway System and provides uniform standards for regional partners and local roads in order to help California meet its Strategic Highway Safety Program and Highway Safety Improvement Program goals.
The incumbent establishes statewide policies, practices, and guidelines to provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation network works with internal and external partners to implement tools and technologies for day‑to‑day operations and safety; brings in new innovations and technologies; and facilitates safe and reliable transportation system operations throughout the State. The incumbent oversees the office responsible for establishing and maintaining policies and expertise related to safety systems and devices, including traffic control devices, traffic safety devices, speed zones, and related safety countermeasures.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in‑person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining‑unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquarters location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Special Requirements
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations § 549.90, this position will be filled via the California Department of Transportation Managerial Selection Program (MSP) process.
This process provides for examination and job‑selection specific to each position and consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the classification.
Please read the entire job posting before applying for this position.
This is a Caltrans Promotional examination.
Applicants must have a permanent civil service appointment with the Department of Transportation and meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date to participate in the examination.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a civil engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and either I: Experience – one year of transportation engineering experience as a senior‑level engineer in the California state service.
- Or II: One year of supervisory or managerial experience equivalent in level to a Senior Transportation Planner in the California state service and two years of civil engineering work at the Associate Engineer level or higher in the California state service.
- Or III: Broad and extensive (more than five years) transportation engineering experience, two years of which are equivalent in responsibility to the senior‑level engineer in the California state service.
Examination Information: This examination will utilize an evaluation of each candidate’s experience and education (E&E) compared to a standard developed from the Class Specification. Candidates must accurately and completely fill out the State application (STD. 678). This examination will not establish a civil service list; therefore, candidates will not have the ability to transfer their eligibility to other departments. Candidates will be notified of their examination results.
Note: If using Out of Class (OOC) experience, you must submit a copy of your signed and approved OOC documentation.
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: 12/29/2025
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. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.
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: Department of Transportation, MSP, Attn: Shirley Phan (25MSP106), Managerial Selection Process (MSP) MS‑86, 1727 30th Street, 6th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95816‑8036
Address for Drop‑Off Application Packages: Department of Transportation, MSP, Attn: Shirley Phan (25MSP106), Managerial Selection Process (MSP) MS‑86, 1727 30th Street, 6th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95816‑8036. Please place in examination unit drop box in the lobby. Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM.
Required Application Package Documents: 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. Resume is optional. Statement of Qualifications must be submitted on the Department of Transportation's MSP Statement of Qualifications Form (PM‑0504).
