Architectural Designer

Join Caltrans District 3 to apply for the ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER role.

Job Posting: Architectural Designer
Department of Transportation
JC-502867

Job Description And Duties: The Division of Engineering Services, Structures and Engineering Services, Office of Transportation Architecture is recruiting for an Architectural Designer (AD) position, located in Sacramento. Under supervision of the Senior Architect (Supervisor), the AD performs entry-level design and drafting work on transportation-related buildings and facilities. The AD assists registered architects and engineers in developing project scopes and estimates, preliminary architectural designs, draft specifications, contract documents, and other related duties.

As knowledge and skills are developed, incumbents perform work on design projects of average complexity.

Eligibility: Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Architectural Designer 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  and search by typing in the classification title.

Working Conditions: Position located at 1801 30th Street, FMP I, Sacramento, Sacramento County. 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 headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements: Refer to the Class Specification for the detailed minimum requirements.

• Special Requirements: Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. SOQ must be typed and no more than 2 pages, single-spaced, using 12-point font. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Please explain your experience as it relates to the questions below:

• Describe your experience with 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. Please describe what you have produced using this software.
• Describe your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively both verbally and in writing while working in both an office environment and teleworking.
• Describe your knowledge or willingness to learn other 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.

Application Instructions: Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Final Filing Date: 1/7/2026.

• Electronic:
  Using your Cal Career Account at
• By Mail:
  Address for Mailing Application Packages – Department of Transportation, N/A, Attn:
  Caltrans DHR Contact, Certification Services MS-90, P O Box 168036, Sacramento, CA .
• Drop-off:
  Address for Drop-Off Application Packages – Department of Transportation, Drop-Off Address, Caltrans DHR Contact, Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS, 1727 30th Street, MS 90, Sacramento, CA 95816.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• C…