Engineering Intern (Technical Intern)

County of Orange; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange, OC Public Works, invites applications for an Engineering Intern (Technical Intern) to work alongside licensed civil engineers on public infrastructure projects throughout Orange County. The role blends office and field work, offering hands-on experience and exposure to multiple project stages.

The intern will perform field documentation, data collection, and assist with plan reviews, quantity takeoffs, and project coordination under supervision.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or graduated within the last six months from an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Engineering, preferably Civil Engineering.
• Completion of introductory coursework in mathematics and engineering is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations to document pavement, curb ramps, sidewalks, drainage facilities, and other infrastructure conditions.
• Collect field measurements, photographs, and other project data.
• Assist with pavement condition assessments and ADA curb ramp evaluations.
• Review plans, specifications, standard plans, reports, and other technical documents under the direction of engineering staff.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, exhibits, spreadsheets, maps, and other project documentation.
• Assist project managers with project tracking, coordination, scheduling, documentation, and follow up on project activities.
• Support engineering staff during design, construction, and project closeout.
• Organize and maintain project records and field information.

Skills

MS Office

Field work

Instruction adherence

Education

Engineering degree

Civil Engineering focus

Job description

Position

Engineering Intern (Technical Intern)

Deadline to Apply

Please note the deadline for this recruitment is Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PT).

OC PUBLIC WORKS

OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works’ guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

For more information on OC Public Works click here. For more information on the County of Orange click here.

OC CONSTRUCTION

OC Construction provides project management and construction management services for projects on OC Public Works' Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Maintenance Improvement Program (MIP) as well as OC Parks and other County department projects. OC Construction focuses on horizontal projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, and flood control channels.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Technical Intern position provides students with valuable hands-on experience by working alongside licensed civil engineers and experienced professionals on a wide variety of public infrastructure projects throughout Orange County. Interns have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while gaining exposure to both office and field work.

Duties may include:

• Conduct field investigations to document pavement, curb ramps, sidewalks, drainage facilities, and other infrastructure conditions.
• Collect field measurements, photographs, and other project data.
• Assist with pavement condition assessments, ADA curb ramp evaluations, and verification of existing conditions.
• Review plans, specifications, standard plans, reports, and other technical documents under the direction of engineering staff.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, exhibits, spreadsheets, maps, and other project documentation.
• Assist project managers with project tracking, coordination, scheduling, documentation, and follow up on project activities.
• Support engineering staff during design, construction, and project closeout.
• Organize and maintain project records and field information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This recruitment is open to applicants who are currently enrolled in or have graduated within the last six (6) months from an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Engineering, preferably Civil Engineering. Completion of introductory coursework in mathematics and engineering is desirable.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this Internship will have basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Ability to perform outdoor field work in varying weather conditions. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while working effectively in both office and field environments.

TIME COMMITMENT

This is an in-person internship. Interns may work 26-30 hours per week for 1 year (part-time) not to exceed 1,040 hours. Hours must be scheduled during normal business hours (Monday - Thursday between 6:30am and 4:00pm & Friday between 6:30am and 3:00pm).

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE INTERN

Interns are offered an excellent opportunity to:

• Provides students with valuable hands-on experience working alongside licensed land surveyors and experienced professionals.
• Offers exposure to a wide variety of public infrastructure projects throughout Orange County.
• Allows interns to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Explore a career in local government.
• Mentorship frommanagement staff.
• Network with professionals.
• Apply knowledge through real life application and best practices in field.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.