ENGINEERING INTERN / ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN


JOB DESCRIPTION

Engineering Intern /
Engineering Technician

Salary DOE
Department Engineering
Job Type Part Time
Location Walnut, CA

JOB SUMMARY

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. They are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The Engineering Intern, also referred to as Engineering Technician, is a paid internship position designed for college students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an engineering discipline. Under the direct supervision of licensed engineers and senior technical staff, the intern performs a variety of entry-level engineering and technical support tasks to gain practical, real-world experience in public works and infrastructure projects. This position provides exposure to engineering design, construction inspection support, documentation, and project coordination while developing professional skills consistent with future engineering careers.

LEVELS

This position may be filled at Level I, II, or III based on the candidate’s years of directly related engineering experience. Essential duties are the same across levels; the only distinction is the minimum experience requirement.

  • Engineering Technician I: Zero (0) to two (2) years of directly related engineering experience.
  • Engineering Technician II: Two (2) to three (3) years of directly related engineering experience.
  • Engineering Technician III: Three (3) to four (4) years of directly related engineering experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs, and changing business practices.

Depending on the area of assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Engineering and Technical Support

  • Assists engineering staff with preparation of plans, exhibits, calculations, and technical documents.
  • Performs basic drafting and design tasks using engineering software such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
  • Assists with quantity take-offs, data entry, and cost estimate preparation.
  • Conducts basic research related to engineering codes, standards, and design criteria. Assists in organizing and maintaining project files and documentation.

Field and Construction Support

  • Assists engineers and inspectors during site visits and field observations as assigned.
  • Collects and documents field data, measurements, and observations.
  • Assists with photographic documentation of construction activities.
  • Learns construction practices, safety requirements, and inspection procedures.

Administrative and Project Coordination

  • Assists with preparation of reports, correspondence, and meeting materials.
  • Supports project teams with scheduling, tracking, and documentation tasks.
  • Communicates with engineering staff to coordinate assigned tasks and deadlines.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Experience

Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

  • Engineering Technician I: Zero (0) to two (2) years of directly related engineering experience.
  • Engineering Technician II: Two (2) to three (3) years of directly related engineering experience.
  • Engineering Technician III: Three (3) to four (4) years of directly related engineering experience.

License/Certificate

  • Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Insurance/Vehicle Registration

Possession of appropriate and current vehicle insurance and registration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

  • Fundamental engineering principles and mathematics.
  • Basic drafting and engineering software concepts.
  • General construction practices and terminology.
  • Office software applications including word processing and spreadsheets.

Ability to

  • Learn engineering procedures and apply classroom knowledge to practical tasks.
  • Follow instructions and complete assigned work accurately and efficiently.
  • Perform basic calculations and prepare simple technical documents.
  • Communicate effectively with engineering staff.
  • Work collaboratively as part of a project team.
  • Manage time effectively while balancing academic commitments.
  • Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills and must be able to set appropriate priorities. This self-starter must be action-oriented and should be prepared and willing to take reasonable risks and assume responsibility for the work of the department. He or she is perceptive, creative, innovative and visionary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires the ability to work for extended periods at a desk, table, or workstation, and to travel to off-site locations to perform field inspections. Duties may require intermittent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and positioning to perform work tasks. The role involves ascending and descending stairs, ladders, or step stools to access equipment or inspection areas, as well as reaching above or below shoulder level.

The employee must be able to operate and adjust office and field equipment and tools, visually identify hazardous conditions and warning signage, hear and respond to alarms or verbal instructions, and safely move or transport materials weighing up to 50 pounds.


Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, disability, military status, veteran status, pregnancy or predisposing genetic characteristics. RKA does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.