Engineering Co-op Student (Part-Time) – Water and Sewer

Hendersonville; Hendersonville (NC); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Hendersonville is seeking an Engineering Co-op Student (Part-Time) to assist with water and wastewater utility operations. This role offers hands-on experience in project management, engineering design, and field inspection under the guidance of licensed engineers.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Civil or Environmental engineering program and possess strong organizational and communication skills. The position involves both technical and administrative support in a variety of projects while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Strong proficiency in engineering tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist in project administration and design activities.
• Support scheduling, budgeting, and cost estimating for projects.
• Participate in field investigations and inspections.

Skills

General knowledge of engineering principles

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Enrollment in Civil or Environmental engineering program

Tools

CAD software

GIS

Job description

Engineering Co‑op Student (Part-Time) – Water and Sewer

Responsible for performing entry‑level engineering and technical work in support of water and wastewater utility operations, capital projects, and asset management programs. Assignments are designed to provide practical experience applying engineering principles in a municipal utility environment and to build technical skills in engineering design, field inspection, and data analysis. The position provides hands‑on experience in project management, system operations, and infrastructure planning while working under the close supervision of licensed engineers and utility staff.

Essential Job Functions

Job functions of this position are designed for the student to gain broad and practical experience in municipal utility project management and infrastructure delivery; water and wastewater system operations; and regulatory requirements.

Project Management & Engineering Support

• Assist with administration and design of capital improvement and maintenance projects
• Support project scheduling, budgeting, and cost estimating activities
• Review engineering plans, specifications, and contractor submittals for compliance with standards
• Assist in construction observation, documentation, and project closeout activities
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and internal departments to support project delivery

Water & Sewer Operations Engineering

• Assist with analysis of water distribution and wastewater collection system performance
• Support operational initiatives such as leak detection, inflow/infiltration reduction, and asset management
• Participate in field investigations including inspections, data collection, and GPS/GIS mapping
• Assist with hydraulic modeling, system planning, and evaluation of system improvements
• Support regulatory compliance efforts, reporting, and permit documentation

Technical & Administrative Support

• Prepare maps, drawings, and technical documents using CAD, GIS, and related software
• Maintain engineering records, databases, and asset management systems
• Assist in preparing reports, studies, and presentations for internal and public use
• Attend meetings with engineers, operations staff, and external stakeholders

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Enrollment in an associates or undergraduate program in Civil or Environmental engineering or related field.

Special Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be 18 or older due to the nature of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of engineering.
• General knowledge of engineering design and construction standards and calculations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Demands

Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring physical exertion of 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires dexterity in the hands for typing and operation of standard office equipment and visual acuity is necessary to read handwritten and typewritten materials and to operate a computer terminal. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection of products, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an environmentally controlled office environment but requires exposure to outside environmental conditions including extreme heat, cold and noise requiring employee to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level; workplace hazards which may include proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles and atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system including fumes, odors, dust, mists and gases.

All Applicants are required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen, a background check and a State Bureau of Investigations background check prior to beginning their employment.