Lab Technician Intern (Summer 2027)

DOWL; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Looking for hands-on experience in materials testing? Join us this summer as a Geotechnical Lab Intern, where you'll gain exposure to asphalt, concrete, soil, and aggregates while supporting data entry, reporting, and equipment maintenance.

You’ll learn industry standards such as ASTM, AASHTO, and WAQTC, work with experienced technicians, and contribute to safe, durable infrastructure projects in Billings, Montana.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to drive.
• Ability to learn and apply laboratory procedures (ASTM, AASHTO, WAQTC).

Responsibilities

• Perform data entry, record keeping, invoicing, test reporting.
• Learn and apply laboratory test procedures (ASTM, AASHTO, WAQTC).
• Test soils, asphalt, concrete; prepare specimens in the lab.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and calibrations.
• Support senior technicians and maintain safety standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Oral and written communication

Prioritization

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Geosciences

At DOWL, our Geosciences team is at the core of safe, efficient, and successful infrastructure development. Whether it’s a building, bridge, utility, roadway, or dam, every project starts with a deep understanding of what lies beneath. Our geoscience professionals apply advanced knowledge in soil and rock mechanics, geophysical surveys, and soils engineering to solve real-world challenges and deliver practical, data-driven solutions. From initial planning and permitting to hands‑on fieldwork, analysis, and construction support, we evaluate subsurface conditions to guide every stage of development. If you're passionate about applying geoscience to build smarter, safer infrastructure, we invite you to bring your expertise to our collaborative and forward‑thinking team.

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Geosciences

At DOWL, our Geosciences team is at the core of safe, efficient, and successful infrastructure development. Whether it’s a building, bridge, utility, roadway, or dam, every project starts with a deep understanding of what lies beneath. Our geoscience professionals apply advanced knowledge in soil and rock mechanics, geophysical surveys, and soils engineering to solve real-world challenges and deliver practical, data-driven solutions. From initial planning and permitting to hands‑on fieldwork, analysis, and construction support, we evaluate subsurface conditions to guide every stage of development. If you're passionate about applying geoscience to build smarter, safer infrastructure, we invite you to bring your expertise to our collaborative and forward‑thinking team.

Summary

Looking for hands‑on experience in materials testing? Join us this summer as a Geotechnical Lab Intern, where you'll gain valuable exposure to real‑world engineering practices in a fast‑paced lab environment. You’ll perform essential tests on asphalt, concrete, soil, and aggregates, support data entry and reporting, and assist with equipment maintenance, all while learning industry standards like ASTM, AASHTO, and WAQTC. This is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing civil engineering or related fields to build practical skills, work alongside experienced technicians, and see how materials shape the structures around us. If you're detail-oriented, eager to learn, and ready to contribute,

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Include The Following

• Perform data entry, record keeping, invoicing, test reporting, and other administrative duties.
• Ability to learn and apply ASTM, AASHTO, ATM, WAQTC, and other laboratory test procedures.
• Perform testing in the laboratory on soil and construction materials to include modified Proctors, sieve analyses, plasticity index tests, soil classification, and other soil, asphalt, and concrete test processing.
• Work in the concrete room prepping and performing tests on concrete cylinders, cores, masonry block, and prisms for compressive strength testing.
• Break cylinders, prisms, and cubes of concrete and masonry.
• Perform maintenance and calibrations on laboratory and field equipment.
• Perform calculations of test data under supervision of Lead Lab Technicians and Laboratory Supervisor.
• Assist Materials Testing Technicians in performing testing, maintenance, and calibrations in the laboratory.
• Assist with data back-checking and corrections.
• Other engineering related duties as assigned.

Qualifications.

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

High school diploma or equivalent

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to interpret graphs.

Job Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize assignments with assistance from Lead Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Supervisor.
• Ability to multi-task and work extended hours during construction season including weekends and evenings as required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.