Intern - Construction Services - 2027 - Riverside

S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc.; East Providence (RI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc. is seeking a civil/geotechnical/structural engineering intern to join our Riverside, RI office for Summer 2027.

As a Construction Services Field and Laboratory Technician, you will gain hands-on experience testing soils, concrete, grout, and other materials, reading specs, and learning to interpret plans while supporting our geotechnical team.

Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret construction specifications and plans
• Familiarity with computers and learning new software

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing of construction materials (soil, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, aggregate)
• Learn to read and interpret construction specifications and plans
• Possibly obtain certifications for construction materials testing
• Collaborate with Geotechnical Engineering team on subsurface investigations
• Work up to 40 hours per week during summer; potential fall co-op

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Reading plans/specs

Computer literacy

Education

Engineering student (Civil/Geotechnical/Structural)

Job description

We are currently accepting applications for an Internship to be based at our office in Riverside, Rhode Island during the summer of 2027 for current students in a 2 or 4 year program in civil, geotechnical, or structural engineering, construction management or related field. The selected candidate will work as a Construction Services Field and Laboratory Technician.

To learn more about what you can expect, check out our Intern page of our web site at https://swcole.com/inside-the-s-w-cole-intern-experience/ and hear from some of our prior Interns through a video about their experience.

This position involves field and laboratory testing of construction materials (soil, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, aggregate and other materials) associated with a variety of construction projects. Interns will have the opportunity to learn how to read and interpret construction specifications and plans, and to obtain related certifications for construction materials testing of concrete and soil. We anticipate the job will require working up to 40 hours or more per week during the summer months with the potential for part time work or a co-op in the Fall of 2027. Interns will also have the opportunity to work with our Geotechnical Engineering team conducting subsurface investigations with exploration drilling crews.

S. W. Cole Engineering is an established employee owned firm with a history of over 45 years of success and stable growth serving clients throughout New England.

Job Requirements

Candidates must be able to follow verbal and written instructions to complete laboratory and field tests, have a general understanding of computers and ability to learn and use new software programs, and have the ability to read and learn to interpret construction specifications and plans. Familiarity with construction and/or engineering concepts is preferred, but not required.

The physical and mental requirements for this position include lifting up to 75 pounds frequently, as well as moving heavier loads (such as 5-gallon buckets containing soil), stand for long periods of time, as well as move up and down from kneeling to crouching to bending. Must learn to properly operate company equipment, be able to properly transport samples and equipment over uneven ground with varying conditions (including tripping hazards, ice and snow, brush, construction staging, etc.). Requires close, distance, and peripheral vision. Ability to interact appropriately with a variety of individuals including but not limited to coworkers, supervisors, clients. Ability to remember and understand verbal and written instructions including laboratory test procedures. Ability to reason logically and make decisions. The Intern is occasionally exposed to variable and potentially extreme weather and temperature conditions. Applicants must have good verbal and written communication skills: Will be required to effectively communicate verbally to clients, project team members, supervisors and coworkers. Will be required to write effectively to take notes, record observations and data, and write emails and text messages on a daily basis. Candidates must be able to apply basic math skills for compiling and calculating data. Applicants must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, active automobile insurance and an acceptable driving record.

Education Requirements

Current college student with concentration studies in building construction, construction technology, construction management, geotechnical/civil/structural engineering, or related field.

S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled