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

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

34d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the FWS Internship Program within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Virginia. It offers two potential tracks: a Structural Lab Assistant or an Environmental Lab Assistant. Both roles are designed for Federal Work-Study students and involve supporting ongoing research, understanding and maintaining lab equipment, developing standard operating procedures, ensuring a safe and functional lab environment, assisting with laboratory coursework, leading tours, and updating equipment inventory. The role emphasizes learning and development, with tasks aligned to the student's skill set and interests. No prior lab experience is necessary, but a willingness to learn is essential. The position also includes participation in a structured internship experience with a co-curricular workshop series and career support. This internship is ideal for students in their 2nd-4th years and will enhance resumes 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 the research that supports that field
Interest in environmental engineering and the research that supports that field

Responsibilities

Supporting ongoing structural research
Developing a working understanding of DIC and MTS research equipment
Developing Standard Operating Procedures for regularly used structural research equipment
Working to create a more functional and safe structural research environment
Helping to support the laboratory coursework for structural courses
Helping to lead tours of the structural lab spaces
Helping to update the inventory of structural research equipment
Supporting ongoing environmental research
Developing a working understanding of ICP-MS and autosampler research equipment
Developing Standard Operating Procedures for regularly used environmental research equipment
Helping to support the laboratory coursework for environmental courses
Helping to lead tours of the environmental lab spaces
Helping to update the inventory of environmental research equipment
Performing lab safety checks and maintaining lab signage
Monitoring for tidiness, cleanliness, clutter, and unattended equipment/materials
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
Participating in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP)
Participating in an asynchronous, co-curricular workshop series for students
Receiving dedicated career support from the supervisor
Gaining key skills and competencies that align with future job interests