Civil Engineer Technician Intern - II

Benton County • Mn 56329, MN

18d

About The Position

Benton County Public Works/Highway Department is hiring a Civil Engineering Technician Intern II for a 2027 summer internship. The position provides engineering assistance and support in construction plans and specifications, project design, surveying, material testing, and construction inspection. It is intended for students who have completed at least one year of postsecondary education in civil engineering or land surveying and want to apply foundational knowledge while developing technical skills through hands-on work on highway construction and engineering projects. The intern will work with guidance and mentorship from Benton County Engineering Technicians and other Public Works/Highway staff.

Interns typically work Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The schedule may vary with workload, weather, and project demands. Internship dates may be flexible to accommodate summer break and the academic schedule. The work takes place in both office and field environments, and may include travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays. Applicants must be at least 18 by the anticipated June 1, 2027 start date. Recruitment remains open until filled, with applications reviewed continuously and interviews anticipated to begin after the first of the year.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age on or before the internship start date.
• Must have completed at least one year of postsecondary education in civil engineering or land surveying, be currently enrolled in or accepted to continue in a degree program in one of these fields, and be in good academic standing at an accredited postsecondary institution.
• Must be pursuing a degree in civil engineering or land surveying.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in Minnesota.
• Must successfully complete a background check and driver’s license verification.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to highway construction, with the ability to develop further knowledge through on-the-job experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and maintain strong public relations skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and cooperate with employees, supervisors, other organizations, and citizen customers.
• Ability to handle a variety of tasks under moderate supervision and within standard operating procedures, and to perform tasks requiring basic analytical skills.
• Ability to travel within the daily work assignment and within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
• Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed, and attend during regularly scheduled and necessary additional work hours.
• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies and data practices policies and standards related to private data.
• Must be able to perform the physical and mental demands of the work environment, including bending, climbing, walking on uneven terrain, and pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Must be able to work amid field conditions that may include heat, cold, wetness, toxic chemicals, dust, noise, odors, bloodborne pathogens, insect-borne illnesses, and other occupational hazards.
• Must be able to remain professional and effective when encountering upset contractors, vendors, or members of the public, including disruptive behavior or profanity.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, developing, and implementing highway design and construction projects.
• Assist with staking, surveying, drafting, and design work to support compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Assist with inspecting and documenting construction activities, quantities, and material quality.
• Assist with compliance testing for soils, aggregates, bituminous, concrete, and other construction materials.
• Monitor and inspect project progress and construction methods to help ensure specifications and applicable guidelines, standards, and laws are followed.
• Assist Public Works/Highway maintenance staff with entry-level tasks, which may include mowing, trimming weeds, shoveling, raking, patching potholes, and washing equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree