California Surveyors Forums

Hi everyone,
I am currently about to take an interview with caltrans and I will be applying to SMUD as well for a new surveyor position. If everything went smoothly with both and I received a job offer from both, does anyone recommend one over the other?
If possible please share your experiences with either
If possible, could someone lay out the compensation package differences and and any other relevant differences between these two entities?
All information is greatly appreciated

While I have no direct experience with either organization, one thought that comes to mind is that hiring on with Caltrans may subject you assignment anywhere in the state, either temporarily or permanently. At least with SMUD you're likely to stay within the very limited service area.

Depending upon where you work at Caltrans there will tend to be less travel, especially if you work for a District. They have North Region Surveys which may involve more travel during the work week. Usually you won't be forced to transfer across the State involuntarily. Your position is based at a District office. Often Caltrans people transfer voluntarily for a promotion or a different position. I'm talking about surveying for a District, if the job you applied for is in HQ then that is an office job which most likely doesn't involve travel.

I don't know much about SMUD, I worked there as a Student 30 years ago for 10 months but had nothing to do with their Surveys Department.

All other things being equal, I would probably prefer Caltrans because there are more advancement opportunities. They have 800 people in Surveys.

I would consider the type of work you will be doing and how that fits your personal tastes and career goals. Caltrans is known for excellent training and benefits but you will frequently be working on the side of a busy highway or a road construction site (I'm assuming that you are referring to a field position) which is an inherently dirty,stressful and uncomfortable work environment. SMUD (i'm guessing) may have more job variety and a smaller office setting than what you might encounter with Caltrans. Caltrans generally has fantastic survey equipment and software resources but less comfortable vehicles. I have no insight into SMUD, no direct experience. Most of the guys I know that went to do survey work for Caltrans ended up staying there for a long time.