Civil Engineering, Hydropower Intern - WI

Xcel Energy Services Inc; Eau Claire (WI); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy invites applications for an internship in Hydro Operations based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The role focuses on supporting dam safety and hydroelectric operations through field observations, reports, and regulatory compliance, with mentoring from engineering staff.

The program offers practical field experience, exposure to federal requirements, and opportunities to develop professional and technical skills within a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Current student, Sophomore or higher enrolled in an ABET-accredited college or university pursuing a Civil Engineering degree.
• Will travel to hydro facilities at least 25% of the time.
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours/week) and part-time during the school year (up to 20 hours/week) and commute to the designated work location under the hybrid policy.
• Preferred: Civil Engineering major with interest in dam engineering and hydropower; coursework in statics, mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, structural analysis and design; strong communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Attend annual dam safety inspections with Operations and regulatory agencies.
• Participate in risk evaluations to understand priority of dam safety work.
• Support construction observation activities and review plans and specifications for dam safety projects.
• Assist in preparing technical reports and reviewing applicable federal regulatory requirements.

Skills

Effective communication

Education

ABET-accredited Civil Engineering program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.

Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.

At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond.

Xcel Energy has exciting opportunities to learn and grow in your knowledge of Renewable Generation. Work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operations of Xcel Energy’s hydroelectric renewable generation assets. Work as an entry level engineering analyst performing various tasks primarily related to dam safety and hydro operations. Candidate will work with departments such as Hydro Operations and Energy Supply Projects. Duties will include construction observations, dam safety inspections, plans and specifications review, risk evaluation, emergency action planning, and technical report writing and review. The candidate will learn and gain knowledge about the history of the hydroelectric facilities, design features of hydroelectric dams, and federal requirements for the facilities. Through practical field experience and mentoring, successful candidate will gain significant professional and technical skills. This position is located in Hydro Operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Attend annual dam safety inspections alongside Operations and regulatory agencies.
• Participate in risk evaluations and gain an understanding of how dam safety work is prioritized to maintain reliable facilities.
• Support construction observation activities and review plans and specifications for dam safety projects at hydro facilities.
• Assist in preparing technical reports and reviewing applicable federal regulatory requirements.

This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.

Minimum Requirements:

Current student, Sophomore or higher Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering There will be travel to the hydroelectric facilities. The candidate must have the able to travel to various hydroelectric facilities at least 25% of the time as the facilities are located throughout northwestern Wisconsin. Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

Civil Engineering major with interest dam engineering and hydropower. Course work in engineering statics, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in technical writing Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together. Our Values Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe Our Employee Commitments Work that makes a difference A team you can count of Opportunities to grow Rewards that help you thrive Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. Non-Bargaining The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hour

• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Deadline to Apply: 11/08/26

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You. Us. Together.

At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We’re committed to leading with equity and inclusion. You’re not waiting for change – you’re creating it. You’re driven to protect the environment, support your community, and seek innovation. You want a career that grows with you and an employer who values you. You are reliable, trustworthy and bring integrity to everything you do. We are leading the way in clean energy. We’re using technology and innovation in every facet of our company. We’re providing safe, stable jobs with robust benefits. We keep our customers at the center of all we do. We’re committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can provide carbon-free electricity by 2050. Together, we can take care of the environment and our communities. Together, we can create a place where everyone belongs. Together we’re building a better tomorrow.