lots of opportunities & bureaucracy - Landscape Architect Caltrans Employee Review

4.0
Oct 9, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you are a hard worker, consistent, try to do your best and have a solid work ethic you will have lots of opportunities here.

Cons

bureaucracy, time required for some of the most menial office tasks (4 months for a new chair). If you've worked in the private sector some of the approval requirements for the most basic office supplies or software will be surprisingly awful. It's important for your mental health to have the maximum amount of patience when working through this. It amazes me that Caltrans doesn't realize time is worth something as well. They would rather pay for a day of my time at $73/hr (plus the time of other staff) to navigate adding $60 software to my work computer than just loading $60 worth or software or having a simple process.

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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