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Public Works Engineering Interns and Co-op

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Public Works Engineering Interns and Co-op

Salary

See Position Description

Location

50010, IA

Job Type

Temporary

Job Number

25-PWENGINT-01

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works Engineering

Opening Date

01/16/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

MERIT

Residency Requirement?

No

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.

General Information

The Engineering Division of the City of Ames Public Works Department is seeking motivated and creative students for a variety of internship and co-op positions! These positions provide an excellent opportunity for practical experience in the Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering/Science, Forestry, Landscape Architectural or related fields.

Public Works Engineering Intern and Stormwater Intern $16.88 - $26.07 Hourly

Public Works Engineering Co-op $19.37 - $26.48 Hourly

Public Works Engineering Co-op (up to 2 positions)

2026 construction season (May through December 2026). Successful candidates will work under the direction of the Civil Engineer II, support and assist in project management, surveying, and inspection of all phases of construction projects including water system improvements, sanitary sewer system, storm water/drainage, and transportation.

This temporary position works full-time May 11, 2026 through December 11, 2026. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday between 7:00am-3:30pm. Some events will require weekend or evening work hours.

Must be willing to work long hours and Saturdays as needed. Work shirts and work boots provided. Full-time student status is maintained throughout the co-op. Co-ops working over 40 hours in a week will receive overtime pay.

Public Works Engineering Intern (up to 5 positions)

2026 construction season (May through August 2026). Successful candidates will work under the direction of the Civil Engineer II, support and assist in project management, surveying, and inspection of all phases of construction projects including water system improvements, sanitary sewer system, storm water/drainage, and transportation. This temporary position works full-time May 11, 2026 through August 14, 2026. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday between 7:00am-3:30pm. Some events will require weekend or evening work hours. Opportunities to start the internship prior to May 11 and extend past August 14 may be available upon mutual agreement.

Must be willing to work long hours and Saturdays as needed. Work shirts and work boots provided. Assistants working over 40 hours in a week will receive overtime pay.

Stormwater Intern (up to 2 positions)

Approximately April 2026 - November 2026, 30-40 hours per week in the summer and 10-15 hours in the spring and fall.

The Stormwater Intern performs sub-professional work administering, inspecting and implementing federal, state, and local stormwater requirements; maintains the City's bio-cells and native landscape areas; aids in ensuring compliance with the City's Phase II MS4, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and City of Ames related ordinances; aids in developing and administering a public education and outreach program; performs related work as required.

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This posting is open until filled. Applicants will be evaluated and interviewed on a rolling basis.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 6 months.

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Public Works Engineering Co-op and Engineering Interns

Construction:

Perform field inspection and documentation of concrete paving including ADA facility improvements; asphalt paving; water main, storm and sanitary sewer installations; right-of-way permit review/closeout Perform field testing of construction materials to ensure that tests are performed accurately, timely, thoroughly, and according to specification. Document and summarize all appropriate data necessary for pay estimates, construction diaries, as built drawings, and measure quantities to ensure data integrity and compliance with regulations; response to citizen inquiries; and assist with public relations activities

Survey

Assist the survey crew in construction staking and collection of existing conditions survey data. May also assist GIS staff as needed.

Project Management

Support project managers by drafting documents, keeping minutes, developing public information exhibits, and other work related to the development and management of project scopes, schedules, and budgets.

Stormwater Intern

+ Implement City’s Green Infrastructure and Native Vegetation Maintenance and Management Plan at City owned stormwater practices, bio-cells and native landscape areas (approximately 70% of time)

+ Inspect city stormwater Green Infrastructure practices and prepare monthly maintenance reports

+ Weed by hand, with weed trimmer, mower and other equipment and methods

+ Remove litter

+ Plant seedlings and native plant plugs

+ Remove and treatment of woody invasive plants

+ Clean pre-treatment structures

+ Apply mulch

+ Collect native seed from native areas

+ Perform end of season maintenance (trim vegetation/leaf removal)

+ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (approximately 10% of time)

+ Install and remove erosion and sediment control practices

+ Conduct field inspections for erosion control practices

+ Prepare soil and apply seed and mulch in right-of-way areas

+ Measure seeding areas

+ Education and Outreach (approximately 10% of time)

+ Aids in organizing and attend public participation and educational events promoting city’s stormwater program including stream cleanups, EcoFair, science nights and ISU sustainability events

+ Aids in developing and implementing public education and training and outreach programs to promote City's Stormwater Program

+ Develops educational materials such as social media posts and city newsletter articles for specific target audiences

+ Other Functions (approximately 10% of time)

+ Administrates City's Stormwater rebate program.

+ Investigate inquiries relating to drainage issues and illicit discharge to City MS-4

+ Assist in reporting and analysis of storm sewer system during and after flood events

+ Assist in preparation of the MS4 Annual Stormwater Program Report

+ Assist in developing and implementing other special projects

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Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Other Job Functions: Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Public Works Engineering Co-op

Education and Experience:

Required:

-Undergraduate student enrolled in a Co-op Program at Iowa State University, University of Iowa, or another university with an ABET accredited engineering Co-op program.

-Field of study in civil, construction, or environmental engineering or related field.

Must be at least 18 years old.

Licenses and Certification: Valid driver's license required.

Preferred:

-Work experience in civil or construction engineering.

-Sophomore, junior, or senior level in program of study.

-Survey experience.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of basic civil/construction principles preferably as they relate to public works infrastructure, including the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. Ability to be detail oriented; Ability to learn and use the principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the construction of public works projects; Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and complete work accurately on a timely basis; Ability to communicate technical engineering information effectively, verbally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Public Works Engineering Intern

Education and Experience: Must be a current student in civil, construction, or environmental engineering or a related degree at the time of hire. Must possess some knowledge of basic civil/construction principles preferably as they relate to public works infrastructure, including the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Must be at least 18 years old.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver's license required.

Preferred:

-Experience or field of study in civil or construction engineering.

-Sophomore or junior level in program of study.

-Survey experience

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of basic civil/construction principles preferably as they relate to public works infrastructure, including the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. Ability to be detail oriented; Ability to learn and use the principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the construction of public works projects; Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and complete work accurately on a timely basis; Ability to communicate technical engineering information effectively, verbally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Stormwater Intern

Education and Experience: Must be a current student at time of hire. Experience or field of study in Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, or related field.

Must be at least 18 years old.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver's license required.

Preferred:

-Knowledge and experience of stormwater drainage flow and systems.

-At a freshman, sophomore or junior level in their program of study.

-Experience in manual labor related to landscaping.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of hand tools and equipment commonly used in gardening or landscaping. Knowledge of the principles and practices of stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control; knowledge of stormwater best management practices; knowledge of general surveying principles and calculations. Ability to deal effectively with the public in high stress situations; ability to read public improvement plans, subdivision plats, site plans, topographic maps, etc.; ability to prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports; ability to work with other City employees and the general public; ability to create and implement effective public outreach and educational programs; ability to work under general direction; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; skill in the use of a laptop computer and related software.

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Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Supplemental Information

Physical and Environmental Characteristics:

Required Physical Activities: Climbing balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting 45 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 10 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 25 percent of the time; standing and walking 25 percent of the time; routinely lifting objects under 10 pounds; routinely lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds; and occasionally lifting objects weighing from 25 to 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcription, computer monitor, extensive reading, visual inspection involving close detail, use of measurement devices at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat, precipitation, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin, oils, and darkness or poor lighting conditions.

Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions: A variety of general office equipment, two-way radio, computer hardware, software, and related equipment, automobile or pickup truck, a variety of printed materials, specialized tools and equipment for surveying, drafting and design, hard hat, safety goggles, steel toed boots, gloves, safety vest, microfilm reader/printer, ladder, filing cabinets. Other Equipment Used: Broom, shovel, hammer, screwdriver, knife, drill, video projector.

Selection Process:

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, on-site interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check and motor vehicle record check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status. The City may forego phone interviews dependent on the number of applicants.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 6 months.

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forgo phone interviews.

E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.