MPPA Graduate Assistant: Policy Research Fellow
Position Information:
- Position: Policy Research Fellow
- Agency: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); Director’s Office of Equity
& Tribal Affairs
- Anticipated hours per week: 20
- Funding for this opportunity is provided by Sac State
The Caltrans Director’s Office of Equity & Tribal Affairs seeks a part-time MPPA student to
support the development of an anti-displacement policy for the department.
Anticipated Timeline:
- Applications due: Friday, May 6, 2026
- Review of applications: May 7 – May 11
- Interviews & reference checks: May 12 - 19
- Anticipated start date: June 8
Position Description:
Working under the direction of the Deputy Director of Equity & Tribal Affairs, the Policy
Research Fellow will assist in the development of an anti-displacement policy by researching
and reviewing the literature and examples from other departments and jurisdictions, drafting
recommendations based on research, preparing the draft policy for review, and assisting with the
analysis of feedback and comments. This position will also assist with convening meetings,
participating in discussions and help document key decisions and next steps.
In addition to assisting with the development of this policy, this position will also conduct
research to support work to review and inform the update to current Caltrans processes around
disposal of excess land, to increase clarity, notification, and opportunities for California tribes to
acquire excess land.
Responsibilities include:
• Conducting a literature review and review of relevant current policies from Caltrans and
other state departments and jurisdictions and providing recommendations
• Assisting with drafting and refinement of policy based on analysis of feedback and
comments
• Participating in meetings with partners (both internal and external), taking notes and
supporting meeting facilitation
• Reviewing and documenting current Caltrans excess land disposal processes, conducting
interviews with internal partners to clarify procedures, and developing recommendations
to improve transparency and notification of California tribes
Eligibility & Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants must be graduate students in good standing, pursuing a Master of Public Policy &
Administration degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent writing, analytical and presentation skills
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and take initiative
- Welcomes feedback and direction
- Background knowledge of urban planning and/or U.S. history of redlining and
development of highways
Application Details:
Please provide the following documents to apply:
- Resume or CV detailing relevant experience
- Provide a brief statement (no more than 1 page) describing your experience and/or
interest in policy development, including any involvement you’ve had with
organizational policy change or related projects.
- Three professional or educational references, include name, title, contact information, and
a brief description of how you are connected to them (e.g. supervisor, professor,
colleague, etc.)
*Important Note: Please use your Sac State email to apply for student employment positions.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:
“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.
As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.
To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.
The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.
Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.
Background Check Disclaimer
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
Out of State Employment
Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.
As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
Eligibility Verification
Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento International Students holding an F-1 visa are eligible to apply.
Note to Applicants:
Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.