What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Engineer Technician Intern - I position at Benton County?
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis, with interviews anticipated to begin after the first of the year.
The Benton County Public Works/Highway Department is now accepting applications for its Civil Engineer Technician Summer Internship Program for 2027!
Join the Benton County Public Works/Highway Department for an exciting, hands-on summer internship designed for recent high school graduates preparing to enter college and interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering or land surveying! This is a great opportunity to explore these career fields, learn about highway construction projects, surveying, material testing, and construction inspection, and gain practical, on-the-job experience. Through structured mentorship and guidance from Benton County Engineering Technicians and other Public Works/Highway staff, you’ll build foundational knowledge, develop new skills, and discover what it’s like to work in the field.
Recent high school graduates who will be at least 18 years of age by the start of the internship are encouraged to apply! Applicants must have been accepted into a postsecondary civil engineering or land surveying program with an anticipated start date in the upcoming fall semester. No prior civil engineering or land surveying experience is required! We welcome applicants regardless of their current level of knowledge or experience who are eager to learn, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience.
Position SummaryProvide entry-level engineering assistance and support to the Public Works/Highway Department in the areas of construction plans and specifications, project design, surveying, material testing, and construction inspection. This internship is intended for recent high school graduates entering college who have limited prior knowledge or experience in these fields and are interested in pursuing a civil engineering or land surveying program. The position provides a structured mentorship and learning opportunity for the intern to explore these career fields, develop foundational knowledge, and gain practical, hands-on experience while supporting Benton County
Engineering Technicians and other Public Works/Highway staff.
Hours of Work
Interns typically work Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The schedule may vary based on workload, weather conditions, and project demands, and the internship start and end dates may be flexible to accommodate the intern’s summer break and academic schedule.
Please Include the Following Documents with Your Application:
A copy of your high school transcript or equivalent GED certificate.
A copy of your acceptance letter into a civil engineering or land surveying program, indicating an anticipated start date for the upcoming fall semester.
Applications missing the required documentation may not be considered. Please ensure both documents are uploaded with your application.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
A. Assist Benton County Engineering Technicians with the following functions:
A. 1. Assist with planning, developing, and implementing highway design and construction projects.
A. 2. Assist with staking, surveying, drafting, and design work to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
A. 3. Assist with inspecting and documenting construction activities, quantities, and material quality.
A. 4. Assist with performing compliance tests for soils, aggregates, bituminous, concrete, and other construction materials.
A. 5. Assist with monitoring and inspecting project progress and construction methods to ensure specifications are met, and applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, standards, and laws are followed.
Additional Functions
A. Assist Benton County Public Works/Highway maintenance staff with entry-level tasks, which may include, but are not limited to, mowing, trimming weeds, shoveling, raking, patching potholes, and washing equipment.
B. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
Minimum Qualifications
A. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED on or before the start date; and
B. Must be at least 18 years of age on or before the start date; and
C. Must have been accepted into a civil engineering or land surveying program, with an anticipated start date in the following fall semester; and
D. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota; and
E. Must successfully complete a background check and driver’s license verification.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A. Basic knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to highway construction.
B. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.
C. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
D. Ability to handle a variety of tasks under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.
E. Ability to perform a variety of tasks that require basic analytical skills.
F. Ability to maintain effective working relationships to carry out organization programs on matters requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.
G. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.
H. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
I. Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed.
J. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
K. Performs the physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.
L. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours, as necessary.
M. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.
N. Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
A. Work is performed both in the office and in the field.
B. Headaches, eyestrain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury within the office.
C. Fieldwork will require bending, climbing, walking in uneven terrain, and performing tasks in the field. Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
D. Work may involve moderate physical activity and may involve heavy or prolonged lifting.
E. Environmental conditions include heat, cold, wetness, toxic chemicals, dust, noise, odors, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, insect-borne illnesses, and other related occupational hazards associated with field work.
F. May be required to perform duties in confined or secure spaces, depending on assignment.
G. May occasionally encounter offensive language or verbal threats while performing assigned duties.
H. This position may encounter upset contractors, vendors, or members of the public and must be able to remain professional and effective when handling disruptive behavior, including the use of profanity.
I. Work may involve periods of mental concentration and occasional stress while learning new tasks and completing assigned responsibilities.
J. Work may occasionally require attention to detail and the ability to complete assigned tasks within established deadlines.
Hours of Work
A. Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
B. Schedule may be subject to change, dependent on workload needs, weather conditions, and project demands.
C. Internship start and end dates may be flexible to accommodate the intern’s summer break and academic schedule.
Equipment Utilized
A. Office equipment, computer hardware and software, personal vehicles and County pickup trucks, engineering equipment, and phones.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Salary : $1,600