Specialty Engineering and Consulting Intern - CU Boulder

Terracon; Wheat Ridge, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is offering Summer 2027 internship opportunities across multiple service lines, with programs typically running May through August. Interns work alongside engineers, scientists, consultants, and technicians on active projects, gaining field investigations, testing, data collection, and client-focused experience.

Each intern is paired with a mentor to support technical skill development, career exploration, and professional growth; opportunities exist to relocate to Terracon offices

Qualifications

• Pursuing degree in civil/geotechnical/architectural/construction/environmental engineering, geology, or related field.
• Ability to work safely in office/field/lab environments.
• Ability to learn procedures, follow directions, and collaborate with a professional team.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory safety and safe work practices
• All aspects of laboratory testing capabilities and the purpose of each test
• Understanding soil test procedures (ASTM, DOT, COE, etc.)
• Shadow field exploration team
• Data review
• Report preparation
• Proposal creation
• Basics of project management
• Communication of test results (internal and external)
• Introduction to GeoReport
• Quality management system and procedures
• Performs sampling or testing as directed.
• Seek learning opportunities from mentor
• Provides assistance to other field and/or laboratory personnel
• Assists other technicians or professional staff on routine tasks
• Will be placed in a progressively increased role of training and responsibility in work assignments.
• Create and give a final presentation to leadership regarding summer experiences.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Field testing

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Civil engineering

Geotechnical engineering

Geology

Environmental engineering

Construction engineering

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Terracon is a specialty engineering consulting firm with expertise in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing and inspections, and facilities services with a fun and exciting intern program. Terracon supports public and private agencies, civil engineers, architects, developers, owners, and other partners throughout the project lifecycle, from site selection through design, construction, and asset management. Work alongside industry professionals and CU Boulder alumni while building practical skills on projects that support infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community impact. The internship program emphasizes mentorship, early-career development, and potential pathways to full-time opportunities. Opportunities are available across Terracon’s 200+ offices nationwide. Applicants may identify a preferred location and are encouraged to indicate interest in additional offices if open to relocation.

Position Summary

We are seeking students interested in Summer 2027 internships supporting one or more of these specialized service lines. Internships generally run May through August. Co-op opportunities may run May through December. Interns work alongside experienced engineers, scientists, consultants, and technicians on active projects. The experience may include field investigations, testing and inspection services, data collection and analysis, technical problem-solving, project delivery, and client-focused consulting. Each intern is paired with a leader or mentor who supports technical skill development, career exploration, and professional growth.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in a cohort. The cohort is a way for you to connect with other interns across the company and learn about their experiences. This is also a great way for you to start building your professional network!

Our summer concludes with a fun and engaging summit where you will meet leaders, learn more about how to grow a career at Terracon, and build stronger relationships with your peers.

Service Line Learning Opportunity:

Geotechnical: Laboratory testing capabilities; soil testing procedures; field exploration; data review; report and proposal preparation; test-result communication; GeoReport; and quality procedures.

Materials: Construction materials sampling and testing; laboratory organization and efficiency; proposals and report writing; change orders; project execution; client interaction; and communication of test results.

Environmental: Field sampling and testing; data acquisition and review; environmental field activities; report preparation; internal and external communication; and quality procedures.

Facilities: Building enclosure consulting; structural diagnostics; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing consulting; property and facility condition assessments; testing support; design-phase drawing review; and construction site visits.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Laboratory safety and safe work practices
• All aspects of our laboratory testing capabilities and the purpose of each test
• Understanding soil test procedures (ASTM, DOT, COE, etc.)
• Shadow field exploration team
• Data review
• Report preparation
• Proposal creation
• Basics of project management
• Communication of test results (internal and external)
• Introduction to GeoReport
• Quality management system and procedures

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Performs sampling or testing as directed.
• Seek learning opportunities from mentor
• Provides assistance to other field and/or laboratory personnel
• Assists other technicians or professional staff on routine tasks
• Will be placed in a progressively increased role of training and responsibility in work assignments.
• Create and give a final presentation to leadership regarding summer experiences.

What Helps You Stand Out

• Interest in hands-on field, testing, inspection, and materials work in addition to design-related activities.
• Faculty recommendation or alignment with academic programs focused on geotechnical, environmental, materials, architectural, or construction engineering.
• Openness to working across Terracon office locations nationwide, including relocation for the internship term.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, construction engineering, architectural engineering, environmental engineering, geology, biology, construction science, or a closely related program.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in office, field, and/or laboratory environments, depending on assignment.
• Ability to learn technical procedures, follow direction, communicate clearly, and collaborate with a professional team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or demonstrated interest in geotechnical engineering, soils, foundations, pavement design, construction materials, environmental systems, building enclosures, or related specialty services.
• Good academic standing; a 3.0 GPA or higher may be required by the assigned internship program.
• Entering junior or senior year is preferred; availability to return for multiple internship or co-op terms is a plus.