Highway Construction Engineering Intern

Highway Construction Engineering Intern

Salary

$19.76 Hourly

Location

Fairfield - 52556 - Jefferson County, IA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

27-01185

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11/25/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Christy VanBuskirk christy.vanbuskirk@iowadot.us

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking multiple engineering students who want to gain hands-on experience in the world of construction!

As a Highway Construction Intern you will conduct inspection duties on highway construction projects in the eastern portion of District 5 (Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Washington, and Van Buren counties). Your experience will include measurement and documentation of quantities, sampling and testing of materials and ensuring construction work is done in accordance with Iowa DOT plans, specifications, and standards. Types of construction may include grading, asphalt and concrete paving, bridges and culverts or pavement maintenance projects.

All students will be trained and certified by the Iowa DOT in materials testing procedures.

You will have the opportunity to Inspect small to moderately complex construction projects such as grading and paving, bridge culverts, erosion control, fencing, guardrail, and/or weatherization projects for compliance which includes reviewing field construction reports and material certifications, verifying quantities and materials, ensuring compliance with specifications and the use of certified materials, and preparing authorizations for vouchers and progress reports.

We'll ask that you document construction progress and activities in computerized record keeping programs by maintaining detailed project records and preparing periodic reports on project progress and expenditures including item progress, materials used, and test results; performs technical duties in a resident construction office such as compiling and analyzing project reports and assisting the resident construction engineer.

You'll get the chance to monitor ready mix and Portland cement concrete paving plants to verify material testing and check record keeping progress and plant compliance; performs a variety of standard tests to ensure quality control such air and slump tests on concrete and density and thickness on asphalt; records test results.

And since we are the Department of Transportation, you will gain knowledge in reviewing traffic control set-ups on highway construction projects in low traffic areas (i.e., rural rather than urban) for safety and compliance.

Excited to pursue the next step in your career?

Apply today! 3 Positions available!

Seeking engineering students interested in the construction field.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Eligible majors: engineering

Requirements: Completion of at least two years in civil, construction, materials, or transportation engineering, or in an engineering management curriculum at an accredited four-year college or university with eligibility for junior status upon return to school. Potential option for engineering students who do not meet the above requirement.

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/