Civil Engineering Internship

Tierra, Inc. is seeking Civil Engineering Undergraduate/Graduate Student interns for our Geotechnical and Materials Groups. This group performs geotechnical investigations and engineering analyses in support of design and construction projects for public and private clients. The Intern will be part of the Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Groups and provide support engineering including field explorations, laboratory testing, groundwater monitoring, in addition to preparing engineering reports, and performing office tasks. The Intern will work on field assignments that may entail exposure to all types of weather, terrain, and work in or near construction sites. The Intern will report directly to the Engineering Supervisor and will work directly with the engineering staff.

There is currently one internship available, with a projected start date in mid-October 2023. This internship opportunity is open to qualified Civil Engineering students with a duration lasting up to 24 months or graduation, whichever comes first. We require a 2-to-3-month commitment from the selected candidate.

Learning Objectives include:

• Learn and apply methods for exploring subsurface conditions including soil borings and test pits.
• Learn methods for groundwater monitoring and how to use instrumentation to collect groundwater data.
• Learn and apply commonly used soil sampling and testing standards from the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), including soil classification, grain size analysis, organic content, Atterberg limits, and moisture content.
• Learn and apply basic geotechnical and material engineering principles and concepts as they pertain to transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Learn and apply methods of laboratory quality control.
• Learn and apply methods of quality assurance for earthwork and foundation construction.
• Become familiarized with the civil engineering industry and professional culture, modes of workplace communication, chain of command and protocols for working with engineers, municipal authorities, and project managers.

Job Responsibilities

The selected intern will work with Geotechnical Engineers in activities such as:

• Classify soil samples and assign appropriate laboratory soil tests
• Assist with Ground Penetrating Radar testing and interpretation
• Prepare field testing plans and coordinate operations with municipalities
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports
• Perform Geotechnical modelling and analysis

Qualifications

Education: Applicants must hold sophomore, junior or senior standing, be engaged in pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, with a Geotechnical focused study path. Applicants should have completed Geotechnical Engineering 1 (CEG 4011). Applicants must be enrolled for the full-time equivalent of 12 credits, or the university’s full-time equivalent if different, for the duration of the internship.

Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during the summer sessions but must provide documentation of continued Fall enrollment.

Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Experience Requirements:

• Exceptional communication skills, combined with good organizational and interpersonal skills, and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to work in a physical environment exposed to dust, noise, and safety hazards.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Licensing And Physical Requirements:

•  A valid State driver's license is required. 
• The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug test as a condition of hire.

Additional Information

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities.
• Have a basic understanding of soil behavior, geology and soils laboratory methods and quality systems.
• Completion of college-level basic soil mechanics lecture and lab and foundation engineering (CEG 4011).
• Excellent oral and written communications skills with the ability to defend and support conclusions.

Hours: During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (15-20 hours per week). The internship opportunity may permit up to 40 hours during breaks and summer months. Work is normally performed between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

How to Apply: In addition to the on-line application, please also include:

• Upload your college/university's unofficial transcript. This should include a list of completed courses, courses currently enrolled in, grades for each of these courses as well as cumulative GPA. An official transcript will be required as a condition of hire.
• Cover letter indicating your interest in the internship.
• Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications.

References (2) will be requested from applicants invited to interview.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.