Engineering Aide Trainee (Seasonal)

St.-Louis-County,-Mn; Minnesota; On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Louis County Public Works invites applicants for the summer of 2027 to perform routine elementary highway engineering field work in Duluth, Hibbing, and Virginia.

You will gain hands-on experience with civil engineering principles and surveying, using Robotic Total Stations, data collectors, GPS, and software like AutoCAD and Trimble Survey. Positions are seasonal, full-time, and location choices will be available during the application.

Qualifications

• Must be seventeen (17) years of age AND a high school graduate; OR eighteen (18) years of age by the first schedule day of work.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Adjusts and operates surveying instruments; compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.
• Assists with the operation of survey equipment, field measurements, utility measure-downs and construction staking.
• Drills and digs holes for gravel testing.
• Makes elementary mathematical computations of field notes.
• Weighs, measures and checks materials, supplies and equipment.
• Demonstrates punctual and reliable attendance in accordance with designated work schedule.
• Complies with applicable safety rules, laws and practices; uses proper safety equipment and procedures in all operations.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Surveying techniques

Tools

Robotic Total Stations

Data collectors

GPS

AutoCAD

Trimble Survey

Job description

Current wage rates are up to $19.86 per hour.

Join the St. Louis County Public Works team for the summer of 2027 performing routine elementary highway engineering field work.

• This position is focused on applying civil engineering principles technology; the work will provide hands-on training to gain experience for a future career in the civil engineering field.
• Learn various surveying techniques and gain experience with modern engineering related equipment including Robotic Total Stations, data collectors, and GPS. There is also the occasional use of software such as AutoCAD, Trimble Survey, etc.
• Employees spend time on construction projects, working with survey crews and assisting full‑time employees in the Public Works Department with engineering‑related job duties.

These seasonal positions are full‑time and located in Duluth, Hibbing and Virginia. Applicants will be able to pick their location preference when completing the application.

To view our upcoming projects, click here.

Get to know the Public Works Department, click here.

This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.

St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full‑time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.

Employees in this class perform elementary duties required by highway engineering and survey crews. The work is generally performed during the road construction season and is usually less than six (6) months in duration. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled.

CONSTANT

Work outdoors; work with others; lift and carry up to 10 pounds; handle; walk and hear; exposure to dust and/or dirt; and weather elements.

FREQUENT

Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; stand; move about; use fingers; kneel; crouch; talk; near vision; depth perception; field of vision; reach; work around mechanical equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):

• Must be seventeen (17) years of age AND a high school graduate; OR eighteen (18) years of age by the first schedule day of work.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

RATING SYSTEM:

Experience and Training rating will be 100% of the scoring process:

Points will be awarded for job‑related experience and education exceeding the minimum qualifications. Please be thorough in listing your work experience in the Work Experience section of the application as this will be used to determine part of your score. Only experience occurring during the ten most recent years will be used in determining this assessment. Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:

• September 17, 2026 - Applicant screening to begin
• Week of October 12, 2026 - Experience & Training scoring to be completed
• Week of October 26, 2026 - Interviews to be conducted

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

( * ) Indicates tasks which have been designated essential job functions.

1. Adjusts and operates surveying instruments; compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.
2. Assists with the operation of survey equipment, field measurements, utility measure‑downs and construction staking.
3. Drills and digs holes for gravel testing.
4. Makes elementary mathematical computations of field notes.
5. Weighs, measures and checks materials, supplies and equipment.
6. Demonstrates punctual and reliable attendance in accordance with designated work schedule.
7. Complies with applicable safety rules, laws and practices; uses proper safety equipment and procedures in all operations.
8. Performs related work as assigned.

VETERANS PREFERENCE:

If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:

• Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
• Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements. Click here.

PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:

Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.

DRUG TESTING:

Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis Countyare subject to a background investigation.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:

All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.