Civil Engineering Technician Internships
Civil engineering technician internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career candidates hands-on project experience, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Demand is concentrated in Consulting & Professional Services, Automotive, and Manufacturing, with Kimley-Horn, RS&H, and WSP among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 816+ Civil Engineering Technician Internships
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.
Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.
Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.
At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond.
Xcel Energy has exciting opportunities to learn and grow in your knowledge of Renewable Generation. Work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operations of Xcel Energy’s hydroelectric renewable generation assets. Work as an entry level engineering analyst performing various tasks primarily related to dam safety and hydro operations. Candidate will work with departments such as Hydro Operations and Energy Supply Projects.
Duties will include construction observations, dam safety inspections, plans and specifications review, risk evaluation, emergency action planning, and technical report writing and review. The candidate will learn and gain knowledge about the history of the hydroelectric facilities, design features of hydroelectric dams, and federal requirements for the facilities. Through practical field experience and mentoring, successful candidate will gain significant professional and technical skills. This position is located in Hydro Operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin or Minneapolis, MN.
Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Attend annual dam safety inspections alongside Operations and regulatory agencies.
- Participate in risk evaluations and gain an understanding of how dam safety work is prioritized to maintain reliable facilities.
- Support construction observation activities and review plans and specifications for dam safety projects at hydro facilities.
- Assist in preparing technical reports and reviewing applicable federal regulatory requirements.
This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.
Minimum Requirements:
- Current student, Sophomore or higher
- Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering
- There will be travel to the hydroelectric facilities. The candidate must have the able to travel to various hydroelectric facilities at least 25% of the time as the facilities are located throughout northwestern Wisconsin.
- Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Civil Engineering major with interest dam engineering and hydropower.
- Course work in engineering statics, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in technical writing
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hour
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 11/19/26
EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
Accessibility Statement
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.
Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.
Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.
At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond.
Xcel Energy has exciting opportunities to learn and grow in your knowledge of Renewable Generation. Work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operations of Xcel Energy’s hydroelectric renewable generation assets. Work as an entry level engineering analyst performing various tasks primarily related to dam safety and hydro operations. Candidate will work with departments such as Hydro Operations and Energy Supply Projects.
Duties will include construction observations, dam safety inspections, plans and specifications review, risk evaluation, emergency action planning, and technical report writing and review. The candidate will learn and gain knowledge about the history of the hydroelectric facilities, design features of hydroelectric dams, and federal requirements for the facilities. Through practical field experience and mentoring, successful candidate will gain significant professional and technical skills. This position is located in Hydro Operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin or Minneapolis, MN.
Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Attend annual dam safety inspections alongside Operations and regulatory agencies.
- Participate in risk evaluations and gain an understanding of how dam safety work is prioritized to maintain reliable facilities.
- Support construction observation activities and review plans and specifications for dam safety projects at hydro facilities.
- Assist in preparing technical reports and reviewing applicable federal regulatory requirements.
This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.
Minimum Requirements:
- Current student, Sophomore or higher
- Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering
- There will be travel to the hydroelectric facilities. The candidate must have the able to travel to various hydroelectric facilities at least 25% of the time as the facilities are located throughout northwestern Wisconsin.
- Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Civil Engineering major with interest dam engineering and hydropower.
- Course work in engineering statics, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in technical writing
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hour
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 11/19/26
EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
Accessibility Statement
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.
Civil Engineering Technician Internship Market
Who's Hiring
- Kimley-Horn113
- RS&H38
- WSP34
- Burns & McDonnell27
- Stantec24
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services64
- Automotive1
- Manufacturing1
- Construction & Real Estate1
Tips for Your Civil Engineering Technician Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large engineering firms and infrastructure employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing cohorts before spring semester begins. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so check listings regularly throughout the year and prioritize structured programs the moment they open.
Build a portfolio before you need one
Hiring teams for civil engineering technician interns expect limited work history, so your CAD drawings, survey field notes, materials testing reports, or AutoCAD or Civil 3D project files carry more weight than a list of previous jobs. Document two or three complete projects with the tools used and have them ready to reference or share before you submit your first application.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which firms recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to smaller regional engineering firms and municipal agencies running their own cohorts at the same time widens the pool you can reach.
Practice the technical screen out loud
Civil engineering technician intern interviews typically include a technical screen covering drafting conventions, materials knowledge, or software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or ArcGIS. Practice answering questions verbally, explaining your reasoning as you go, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you land on the right answer.
Target structured rotational and university programs early
Larger engineering firms, transportation agencies, and infrastructure companies run cohort-based intern programs designed to train people new to the field. These programs recruit on a fixed calendar, often months before the internship starts, and fill in the first application wave. Identify the ones aligned to your coursework and submit before the general pool opens.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 68% of the civil engineering technician internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you search, then filter by location and work type so you're not sorting through roles that don't fit your situation. Applying to positions you can actually accept keeps your effort focused and your response time faster.
Civil Engineering Technician Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a civil engineering technician internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For civil engineering technician candidates, a CAD or design portfolio gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications to employers with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a civil engineering technician internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For civil engineering technician interns, what drives it most is consistent performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and understanding when return-offer decisions are made. Position yourself by delivering on every assignment, but keep applying elsewhere so you're not counting on a single outcome.
When should I apply for civil engineering technician internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large engineering firms and public agencies recruit for summer cohorts the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller companies, regional firms, and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear across the full year. Checking listings regularly means you won't miss a window that closes quickly.
Are civil engineering technician internships paid?
Most professional civil engineering technician internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show pay where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements are uncommon in engineering and construction contexts, though they exist at some nonprofits and government agencies with specific program structures.
What should a civil engineering technician internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history. For civil engineering technician candidates, that means listing the design tools, CAD software, or survey methods you used and linking to or referencing a portfolio where the work is visible. Add relevant coursework in structural analysis, materials, or drafting, keep everything to one page, and place your most technical project first.
Are there remote civil engineering technician internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 32% of the civil engineering technician internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from a wider geography, so apply early and filter by work type to see those openings before they close.
Can international students get civil engineering technician internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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