MSU Design Student Trainee - Design Technician

Water Resources Office; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work

State Retirement plan

Overtime/Compensatory time

Paid Leave & Holidays

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for 8 MSU Design Student Trainee positions to join the MDT/MSU Design Unit in Bozeman. These positions are full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year, with a potential hybrid remote work agreement.

Starting May 17, 2027, the program offers career ladder opportunities and benefits from MDT and the State of Montana. Applicants must be MSU-Bozeman students, complete required credits by Fall 2026, and be prepared to

Qualifications

• Must be a current full-time MSU-Bozeman student in good standing.
• Must have 30 credit hours completed in the MSU Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, or Environmental Engineering programs by Fall 2026.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of CADD drafting and surveying.
• Familiar with highway plans, specifications and design standards.

Skills

CADD drafting

Surveying

Highway plans

Engineering mathematics

Education

MSU student in Civil/CE/Environmental Eng

Job description

Job Description - MSU Design Student Trainee - Design Technician (26142328)

Position Title:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for 8 student trainees to join our MDT/MSU Design Unit. This is a unique opportunity to learn the road design process including survey, geometric design, CADD drafting, and hydraulics. The flexible work schedule and campus office location allow you to work part-time while attending classes.

Up to eight (8) MSU student positions will be filled for the MDT/MSU Design Unit in Bozeman, starting May 17, 2027. The positions are full‑time during the summer and part‑time during the school year. Applicants must be available to work full‑time during the summer of 2027 and part‑time during the Fall 2027 semester. The position will end upon completion of a bachelor’s degree from MSU.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

Potential hybrid remote work agreement available

• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

Benefits apply on first day of employment

Required Education and Experience

• Must be a current full-time MSU-Bozeman student in good standing
• Must have 30 credit hours completed in the MSU Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, or Environmental Engineering programs by the end of the Fall 2026 semester

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of CADD drafting and surveying usually obtained in the first year of college or other technical training
• Familiar with highway plans, specifications and design standards for Interstate, Primary, Secondary and County Roads
• Knowledge of engineering mathematics, especially trigonometry and geometry

Other Information

Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, a sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

MDT participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and compliance Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary

$25.75 - 25.75 Hourly

Telework Eligibility

Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility

Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

8

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Variable

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Bozeman

Agency

Department of Transportation

Union

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Sep 28, 2026, 2:08:39 PM

Closing Date

Oct 13, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume

Contact: Brandi Hamilton | [e-mail] | 406-461-8343

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.