Salary Range
17.13 - 30.98
Job Summary
The City of Vancouver Construction Services is offering a summer employment program in 2027. It is targeted towards college students enrolled in Civil Engineering or similar programs to gain 'in the field' experience on capital construction projects, working side by side with experienced engineers and inspectors. The position typically starts in June and ends in September, 40 hours per week, including some possible night, weekend and overtime work.
Construction Services summer employment opportunity is a mutually beneficial program. Interns can bring value to the workplace by introducing new perspectives and ideas. They are also a great resource to support inspectors during peak construction season and provide City staff an opportunity to further develop leadership and mentoring skills.
From this internship, students gain practical experience in a professional setting. It also provides exposure to major components of City Projects including – reading plans and specifications, problem solving, public outreach, scheduling, materials submittals, and materials testing. Students can use this experience as an opportunity to network and build valuable relationships as they get ready to begin their professional careers. The goal is to ensure interns contribute meaningfully to the construction services team while gaining hands-on experience.
Interns receive an overview of organizational structure, key personnel and current or upcoming capital construction projects. They are also introduced to public works standards, documentation and inspection processes. Emphasis is placed on workplace safety including job site awareness and proper personal protective equipment. By the end of orientation, interns understand their roles and responsibilities, reporting procedures, and professional expectations.
Essential Functions
Typical duties include:
- Cataloging items (manholes, valve cans, etc.) to be uncovered after paving or surface treatment
- Taking asphalt tickets and documenting asphalt loads delivered to the project
- Assisting inspectors in statistical compaction testing and submitting asphalt samples to the lab
- Checking no parking signs have been placed and that the dates and times are correct
- Checking that door hanger notices have been distributed correctly
- Measuring quantities on pavement management projects
Less frequent tasks include:
- Assisting inspectors on other water and sewer projects during the summer
- Assisting administrative staff with general clerical work
- Attend project meetings with engineers
- Review project plans, schedules, submittals and RFIs
- Determine and calculate compaction pay factors for summer paving projects
- Lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs
Qualifications
Education
This internship is targeted towards college students enrolled in Civil Engineering or similar programs to gain 'in the field' experience on capital construction projects, working side by side with experienced engineers and inspectors.
Required Licenses and/or Certifications
- Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license
Safety is the highest priority in Construction Services. Interns are expected to understand construction jobsite risks including heavy equipment operation, active traffic control zones and changing weather conditions. All interns must complete the following trainings as part of the onboarding process:
- Blood-Borne Pathogens Safety Training
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Hazard Identification – The Safety Inspection
- Slips, Trips, and Falls Training
- Safe Disposal of Discarded Syringes
- OSHA Protection from Wildfire Smoke Training
This position is subject to successful completion of a basic criminal background check and a driving abstract.
Diversity and Inclusion
The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!
Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.
Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.
Veterans' Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us
Application Deadline
Posting will be open until positions are filled. First review date - November 5, 2026
