FWS Internship Program: Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Lab Assistant (Student Wage)

University of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

35d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an internship opportunity within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Virginia, specifically for students eligible for Federal Work-Study. The program aims to provide students with valuable research experience, career support, and skills development. Interns will support ongoing research in either structural or environmental engineering, develop an understanding of lab equipment, create Standard Operating Procedures, contribute to a safe and functional lab environment, assist with laboratory coursework, lead lab tours, and update equipment inventories. Some tasks may involve limited heavy lifting or getting dirty, but assignments will be aligned with the student's skills and interests. No prior lab experience is necessary, but a willingness to learn is essential. The internship includes a co-curricular workshop series and dedicated career support from the supervisor, enhancing the student's resume and interview preparedness.

Requirements

• Current UVA student.
• Federal work-study eligibility required.
• No prior lab experience necessary.
• Desire and willingness to embrace new learning opportunities.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in structural engineering and its supporting research.
• Interest in environmental engineering and its supporting research.
• Students in their 2nd – 4th years.

Responsibilities

• Supporting ongoing structural or environmental research.
• Developing a working understanding of DIC, MTS, ICP-MS, and autosampler research equipment.
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures for regularly used research equipment.
• Working to create a more functional and safe structural/environmental research environment.
• Helping to support the laboratory coursework for structural/environmental courses.
• Helping to lead tours of the structural/environmental lab spaces.
• Helping to update the inventory of structural/environmental research equipment.
• Performing lab safety checks and maintaining lab signage.
• Monitoring for tidiness, cleanliness, and clutter.
• Assisting with periodic set-up of experiments.
• Coordination with UVA Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).
• Chemical inventory management.
• Equipment inventory management, disposal, and maintenance/repair.
• Retrieving and distributing ordered items.
• Space management and storage coordination.
• Updating and maintaining operational manuals or training videos.
• Consolidating tools, equipment, and general lab supplies into a central location.
• Managing the laundering and maintenance of lab coats.

Benefits

• Structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP).
• Asynchronous, co-curricular workshop series for students.
• Dedicated career support from supervisor.
• Gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests.
• Resume enhancement and impactful interview stories.
• Compensation: $17.75/hr.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed