What are the responsibilities and job description for the Undergraduate Intern - City Engineering position at City of Lancaster?
Closing Date: Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at 9:00 PM [PST] OR When 100 Applications Are Received
Position: Undergraduate Intern
Department: Public Works - City Engineering
Duration: Up To One Year of Internship
Hourly Rate: $27.06
FLSA: Non - Exempt – Overtime Eligible
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, performs entry-level engineering support work related to public works infrastructure, including assistance with plan review, field inspections, data collection, and basic engineering analysis. The position provides exposure to municipal engineering practices, including capital improvement projects, development review, and maintenance of public infrastructure systems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- None
Example of Duties & Responsibilities:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist engineering staff with review of development plans, improvement plans, and supporting documents for compliance with City standards and specifications
- Support field activities including construction inspection, site visits, and documentation of public works projects (streets, drainage, sewer, water, and traffic improvements)
- Collect, compile, and analyze data related to infrastructure systems, asset management, and capital improvement projects
- Assist with preparation of cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, and technical reports
- Review plans and prepare redlines using CAD or PDF markup tools under supervision
- Support updates to GIS databases, maps, and infrastructure records
- Conduct research on engineering standards, regulations, and best practices
- Coordinate with City staff, consultants, contractors, and utility agencies as directed
- Provide general administrative and technical support to engineering staff as needed
- Perform other related duties as assigned
The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered exempt.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a college or university, or within six months of graduation, with a major in Civil Engineering or closely related field
- Basic understanding of engineering principles related to public works infrastructure
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and technical documents (preferred)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work both independently and in a team environment
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance
Core Competencies:
- Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
- Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
- Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
- Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Safety Focus – Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
- Customer Focus – Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
- Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
- Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
- Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
- Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness
Guiding Principles
- Put people first.
- Be visionary.
- Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
- Be Fiscally Responsible.
- Be Creative.
- Always Improving.
- Be Adaptable and Resilient.
Essential Physical Requirements:
- Ascend/descend stairs, ladders, and navigate uneven terrain (moderate)
- Position self to bend, crouch, or twist (frequent)
- Move, transport, or position items up to 25 lbs. (frequent)
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions (moderate)
- Operate standard office equipment and basic field equipment (moderate)
- Remain in stationary or standing position for extended periods (moderate)
Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to construction sites, traffic conditions, and active public right-of-way environments (moderate)
- Work under time constraints and project deadlines (moderate to frequent)
- Frequent interruptions and shifting priorities
Essential Cognitive Functions:
- Analyze (continuous)
- Computations (frequent)
- Generate Written Work Product (moderate)
- Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
- Interruptions (frequent)
- Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)
- Organize (frequent)
Disaster Service Worker:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties
and responsibilities to this job at any time;
The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.
Salary : $27