Highway Construction Engineering Intern

About the role

A Highway Construction Intern will conduct inspection duties on highway construction projects. This includes measurement and documentation of quantities, sampling and testing of materials and ensuring construction work is done in accordance with Iowa DOT plans, specifications and standards. Types of construction may include grading, asphalt and concrete paving, bridges and culverts or pavement maintenance projects. Interns will be trained and certified by the Iowa DOT in materials testing procedures.

Position duties include

Inspects small to moderately complex construction projects such as grading and paving, bridge culverts, erosion control, fencing, guardrail, and/or weatherization projects for compliance which includes reviewing field construction reports and material certifications, verifying quantities and materials, ensuring compliance with specifications and the use of certified materials, and preparing authorizations for vouchers and progress reports.

Documents construction progress and activities in computerized record keeping programs by maintaining detailed project records and preparing periodic reports on project progress and expenditures including item progress, materials used, and test results; performs technical duties in a resident construction office such as compiling and analyzing project reports and assisting the resident construction engineer.

Monitors ready mix and Portland cement concrete paving plants to verify material testing and check record keeping progress and plant compliance; performs a variety of standard tests to ensure quality control such air and slump tests on concrete and density and thickness on asphalt; records test results.

Reviews traffic control set-ups on highway construction projects in low traffic areas (i.e., rural rather than urban) for safety and compliance.

• Duration: May-August 2027
• 40 hours/week; schedule and overtime may vary
• Eligible majors: engineering

Other Requirements

Completion of at least two years in civil, construction, materials, or transportation engineering, or in an engineering management curriculum at an accredited four-year college or university with eligibility for junior status upon return to school.