Highway Construction Engineering Intern

State of Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Ames (IA, IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Iowa, Iowa Department of Transportation, is seeking a Highway Construction Intern in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to assist inspection duties on highway projects. You will measure quantities, document testing results, and ensure compliance with plans and standards.

Primary duties include inspecting grading, paving, bridges and other works, reviewing field reports, and assisting in preparing vouchers and progress reports.

Qualifications

• Eligible majors: engineering
• Completion of at least two years in civil, construction, materials, or transportation engineering, or in an engineering management curriculum.
• Eligible for junior status upon return to school

Responsibilities

• Inspects construction projects for compliance with plans, specifications and standards.
• Documents construction progress and test results in records and reports.
• Verifies quantities, materials, and testing; prepares vouchers and progress reports.
• Monitors ready mix and paving plant tests for quality control and record-keeping.
• Reviews traffic control setups for safety and compliance.

Skills

Engineering

Materials testing

Quality control

Education

Civil engineering

Construction engineering

Materials engineering

Job description

A Highway Construction Intern will conduct inspection duties on highway construction projects. This includes measurement and documentation of quantities, sampling and testing of materials and ensuring construction work is done in accordance with Iowa DOT plans, specifications and standards. Types of construction may include grading, asphalt and concrete paving, bridges and culverts or pavement maintenance projects. Interns will be trained and certified by the Iowa DOT in materials testing procedures.

Position duties include:

Inspects small to moderately complex construction projects such as grading and paving, bridge culverts, erosion control, fencing, guardrail, and/or weatherization projects for compliance which includes reviewing field construction reports and material certifications, verifying quantities and materials, ensuring compliance with specifications and the use of certified materials, and preparing authorizations for vouchers and progress reports.

Documents construction progress and activities in computerized record keeping programs by maintaining detailed project records and preparing periodic reports on project progress and expenditures including item progress, materials used, and test results; performs technical duties in a resident construction office such as compiling and analyzing project reports and assisting the resident construction engineer.

Monitors ready mix and Portland cement concrete paving plants to verify material testing and check record keeping progress and plant compliance; performs a variety of standard tests to ensure quality control such air and slump tests on concrete and density and thickness on asphalt; records test results.

Reviews traffic control set-ups on highway construction projects in low traffic areas (i.e., rural rather than urban) for safety and compliance.

Duration: May-August 2027

40 hours/week; schedule and overtime may vary

Eligible majors: engineering

Other Requirements: Completion of at least two years in civil, construction, materials, or transportation engineering, or in an engineering management curriculum at an accredited four‑year college or university with eligibility for junior status upon return to school.