Architectural Designer

Salary Range: $6,488.00 - $9,296.00 per month
Final Filing Date: 1/7/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (via your Cal Career Account) or Mail Drop‑off

Division: Engineering Services, Structures and Transportation Architecture

Position Title: Architectural Designer (AD)

Under the supervision of a Senior Architect, the AD performs entry‑level design and drafting for transportation‑related buildings and facilities. Tasks include developing project scopes and estimates, creating preliminary architectural designs, drafting specifications and contract documents, and supporting registered architects and engineers. As skills grow, incumbents handle projects of average complexity.

Eligibility may be determined by your score on the Architectural Designer exam. Candidates who are not currently eligible (e.g., new to state civil services, transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) must be on the state examination list. For details on eligibility and exam registration, please refer to the Cal Career website.

Location:

1801 30th Street, FMP I, Sacramento, Sacramento County.
The position may offer telework at the discretion of the Department. In‑person attendance is expected when operational needs require. Business travel may be required. Commute expenses to the headquarters are the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum qualifications are listed in the Class Specification. Candidates must meet these qualifications to be considered for the position.

The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It must be typed, no longer than two pages, single‑spaced, with a 12‑point font. Resumes do not replace the SOQ.

• Describe your experience with the Architectural Design Process for producing contract plans and specifications.
• Describe your experience with CADD technologies applicable for producing building contract documents.
• Describe your experience using graphic software for producing 3D modeling or renderings—include examples of what you have produced.
• Describe your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in office and teleworking environments.
• Describe your knowledge or willingness to learn aspects of the California Highway System such as aesthetic design for bridges, tunnels, and retaining walls.
• Describe your knowledge or willingness to learn context‑sensitive design for both bridge and building design along the California Highway System or within state property.

Additional qualifications that will be considered competitively include, but are not limited to, relevant education, license, or certification. Evidence of foreign transcripts or degrees must be provided with a U.S. equivalency evaluation via NACES or AICE.

Submit a complete application package, including the State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and all required documents, via your Cal Career account or by mail. All materials must be received by the Final Filing Date.

• Current State Examination/Employment Application STD 678 (or electronic equivalent) with all experience and education that demonstrate the minimum qualifications.
• Optional resume.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) based on the instructions above.

Mailing Address (if not applying electronically):
Department of Transportation, Certification Services, MS‑90 P O Box 168036, Sacramento CA 95816‑8036

Drop‑off Address (if applicable):
Department of Transportation, Classification and Hiring Unit – ECOS, 1727 30th Street, MS 90, Sacramento CA 95816 (Closed weekends & state holidays 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM)

Human Resources Contact:
Kristina King
(916) 704‑9009

Hiring Unit Contact:
Meuy Saephan
(916) 826‑6378

The State of California is an equal‑opportunity employer for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, pregnancy, gender identity, race, religion, marital status, and more. The State operates a drug‑free workplace; applicants must conduct themselves in accordance with this policy.

California Relay Service: 1‑800‑735‑2929 (TTY), 1‑800‑735‑2922 (Voice)