The Engineering Intern position provides sub-professional civil engineering and/or computer aid drafting and GIS Support to the Engineering Division personnel of the Public Works Department. The Engineering Intern may also assist with various projects and tasks as assigned. This position requires self-discipline and the ability to work under minimal supervision.

POSITION CONTEXT:

• Performs testing of various concrete and bituminous paving and other material for engineering purposes, checking for compliance with plans and specifications.
• Reviews permit restrictions and requirements.
• Communicates with applicants on the restrictions or requirements related to the permit request.
• Follows up with permit applicants and contractors on issues and questions regarding field work.
• Assists residents with non-conforming permits to resolve current and/or potential violations. 
• Collects and tabulates traffic study data for assignments related to traffic studies.
• Assists with survey and construction staking as a crew member.
• Performs documentation work, such as measuring and record keeping for construction work.
• Performs maintenance work on various engineering equipment and performs general clean-up of materials lab.
• Reviews Right of Way applications for the City.
• Participates in the preparation of drawings, both manually and using CADD, for a variety of plans for street improvements, storm sewers, water mains, property lines, and related physical features of streets and highways.

 OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates or responds to special projects as assigned.
• Assists other departmental staff with tasks and performs other duties as assigned.
• Cooperates with neighborhood improvement groups, homeowners associations and related organizations interested in neighborhood beautification, improvement, and clean up. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to operate instruments, tools and equipment that are job related.
• Ability to work independently and handle field assignments with minimal supervision while exercising good judgment and initiative.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, report and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, staff members, elected officials, property owners, residents, contractors and the general public.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Knowledge or the ability to learn the geographic regions of the City.
• Ability to drive to and from various worksites.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be pursuing a bachelor's degree from NIU (based on grant funding).
• Some college including course work towards a civil engineering degree preferred.
• Valid driver's license and good driving required.

 Experience:

• Previous experience in the engineering field preferred.
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) required.
• Permanent Illinois resident (based on grant funding). 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will work routinely between an office and outdoor setting. While working in the office, the person in this position will regularly sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear on the phone and in person. 
• The position will occasionally lift, move or replace objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• While working outdoors, the person in this position will routinely stand for prolonged periods of time, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl or crouch to reach items and maneuver/navigate all types of terrain including uneven terrain. Inspections may include climbing and bending and may require fitting into tight, small, low, high and generally awkward spaces.
• The position requires the ability to see close, at a distance and with a peripheral vision as well as adjust vision focus and distinguish objects and colors. The position also requires the ability to hear ordinary conversation, such as questions from residents, as well as other sounds, including the back-up alarm on trucks and other equipment.
• Physical working conditions which may provide exposure to air contaminates such as dust, fumes, smoke, dirt, disagreeable odors, low illumination, poor visibility, noise, etc. 

EQUIPMENT USED:

• General office equipment including tablets, personal computers, printers and cellular phones.
• Field inspection equipment including binoculars, flashlight, ladders, cameras and equipment that measures sound, light, vibration, and odor.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.