Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Careers

Civil Engineering Student Worker program opportunities

The Civil Engineering Student Worker Program is currently accepting applications for Summer 2025. Below is a list of positions available as of November 2024.

In addition to applying at mn.gov/careers, students applying to the Civil Engineering Student Worker Program must complete the CEP Postion Preference form and also email the following items to Amanda.Bolin@state.mn.us.:

  1. Resume - include your anticipated graduation date
  2. Transcript - unofficial is acceptable

Golden Valley

Construction - Metro District
Location: 2055 Lilac Dr. North; Golden Valley, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Provide construction support, construction material testing, inspection activities,and basic documentation for measurement of quantities, and enforcement of contract procedures.

Primary Tasks

  • Learn to perform construction material testing, construction inspection, and how to measure and document quantities of the contractor’s work
  • Learn to perform other contract administrative duties, such as project documentation and equipment inspection

Construction Survey - Metro District
Location: 2055 Lilac Dr. North; Golden Valley, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 2

Description: Serve as a member of a field survey crew performing location and/or construction surveys.

Primary Tasks

  • Make horizontal and vertical measurements using appropriate methods and procedures
  • Locate and establish the coordinate position and elevation of natural and artificial features above, below, and upon the surface of the earth
  • Set survey stakes such as key stakes, blue tops, paving hubs, slope stakes, and drainage stakes

Maplewood

Materials Lab - Metro District
Location: 1400 Gervais Ave; Maplewood, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform tasks related to pavement project scoping, soils investigation, and program delivery.

Primary Tasks

  • Support soils engineers with preparation of elements of pavement design recommendations
  • Pavement project scoping support including funding targets, pavement performance measures, and scoping process of preservation projects

Mendota Heights

Construction Safety – Metro District
Location: 2229 Pilot Knob Rd, Mendota Heights, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist the Chief Inspector and Project Engineer/Supervisor by completing complex inspection activities, basic documentation, and frequent materials testing.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist in routine field-testing of construction materials
  • Measure, compute, document, and enter information into AASHTOWare DWRs and postings to accurately determine amount of payment for contractor

Oakdale

Bridge Office Data/Asset Management – Central Office
Location: 3485 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist field inspectors by performing various testing activities, data collection, and analysis.

Primary Tasks

  • Learn how to author data manipulation scripts, working with bridge databases, data visualization software, and data mapping/GIS tools
  • Engage in testing, providing feedback, and explore possibility of new tablet software to aid in bridge data collection

Bridge Office Hydraulics – Central Office
Location: 3485 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with TAMS HydInfra documentation/training and related tasks and archive existing drainage design documentation.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with the review and refine materials used to set drainage standards/policy
  • Assist with river mapping and 3D scanning of bridge sites

Bridge Office Load/Construction – Central Office
Location: 3485 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with project review from conception, support projects through construction, and develops repair recommendations for existing bridges.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with documentation of repair progress by performing in-field photo logs
  • Assist with the review of recently completed projects to ensure all pile reports are in the electronic document system

Bridge Office Materials Fabrication – Central Office
Location: 3485 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN
Work type: Office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist in converting outdated design programs into a current format, update programs to meet the most current AASHTO specifications, and develop new sign support structure programs.

Primary Tasks

  • Review steel shop drawings for structures and bridges

Construction Survey – Metro District
Location: 3485 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 3

Description: Serve as a member of a field survey crew performing location and/or construction surveys.

Primary Tasks

  • Make horizontal and vertical measurements using appropriate methods and procedures
  • Locate and establish the coordinate position and elevation of natural and artificial features above, below, and upon the surface of the earth
  • Set survey stakes such as key stakes, blue tops, paving hubs, slope stakes, and drainage stakes

Roseville

Bridge Maintenance and Inspection – Metro District
Location: 1500 W County Road B2, Roseville, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 3

Description: Assist the lead bridge inspectors and engineers in conducting regular, inspections of bridges including visual assessments, measurements, and evaluations of structural components.

Primary Tasks

  • Update bridge inspection element data and perform simple analysis using a variety of methods
  • Assist with inspection, inspect element data input and simple data analysis of inspection findings on non-bridge structures as requested

Maintenance – Metro District
Location: 1500 W County Road B2, Roseville, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist Metro Maintenance with clerical and field work.

Primary Tasks

  • Collect inventory and inspect field data for various assets including pedestrian, noise wall, retaining wall, and others
  • Create clear and detailed maps that can be used for maintenance activities

Traffic Speed Zone – Metro District
Location: 1500 W County Road B2, Roseville, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 2

Description: Assist the Traffic Engineering Program Support unit through research, collection, and analysis of data and the development of appropriate reports.

Primary Tasks

  • Investigate, analyze, and evaluate crash data for a variety of customers including state and federal agencies, county and city personnel, consultants, the media, and the general public
  • Assist traffic support personnel with the compilation and accurate data reporting required to support traffic studies

Water Resources – Metro District
Location: 1500 W County Road B2, Roseville, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 2

Description: Assist in performing hydraulic infrastructure inventory and inspection.

Primary Tasks

  • Utilize GPS/GIS equipment and software to collect inspection data of Metro stormwater features
  • Assist with locating, interpreting and printing construction plans

Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, or Fergus Falls

Surveys/Right of Way - District 4
Location: TBD
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Support District 4 Surveys and Right of Way sections including scanning, documentation, pre-acquisition/acquisition activities, base maps, office processing, field staking, topo surveys, and data collection.

Primary Tasks

  • Create and maintain files and records pertaining to right of way acquisition according to standards to keep information current and facilitate easy retrieval of files and records
  • Create parcel sketches for acquiring right of way

Baxter

Construction - District 3
Location: 7694 Industrial Park Road, Baxter, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with inspection activities, basic documentation, frequent materials testing, writing change orders and occasional application of contract enforcement procedures.

Primary Tasks

  • Perform routine field-testing of construction materials
  • Assist in the performance of construction inspections under the direction of the chief inspector

Bemidji

Program Development/Water Resources - District 2
Location: 3920 Hwy 2 West; Bemidji, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist the Water Resources and Environmental unit in the completion of hydraulic scoping and design tasks such as office work, research, and field inspections.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist in conducting visual inspections of culverts and drainage structures to determine condition and possible repair practices
  • Assist with the design of drainage features on construction projects so the planned features are hydraulically adequate, economical, and environmentally sound

Traffic - District 2
Location: 3920 Hwy 2 West; Bemidji, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 2

Description: Provide technical assistance in timely collection and processing of traffic count data to meet the agency’s program requirements.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist data collection schedules from a state-wide master schedule
  • Provide field notes of occurrences affecting count variation from historic counts

Detroit Lakes

Design - District 4
Location: 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN
Work type: In-office (may include some telework)
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist in the preparation of final design plans according to MnDOT design standards.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with preparation in design memo standards sheets and obtaining design exceptions
  • Assists in developing construction plans ensuring government standards are met
  • Prepare detailed technical drawings and make engineering computations data and design standards

Surveys/Right of Way Planning - District 4
Location: 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Support District 4 Surveys and Right of Way sections through scanning, documentation, pre-acquisition/acquisition activities, base maps, office processing, field staking, topo surveys, and data collection.

Primary Tasks

  • Gather and analyze data, conduct literature reviews, and recommend alternatives to address existing and future transportation system needs and deficiencies
  • Assist in the development and management of consultant contracts 

Marshall

Construction/Contract Administration - District 8
Location: 1800 East College Drive, Marshall, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist in the inspection, testing, and documentation during the construction phase for highway construction projects.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with inspection of contractor’s work and methods ensuring the work meets the plans, specifications, and special provisions required
  • Document and summarize all appropriate data necessary to pay contractors promptly ensuring data integrity and compliance with government regulations

Moorhead

Construction - District 4
Location: 2951 41 ½ Street, Moorhead, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with field inspection and materials testing so that completed projects and materials are incorporated according to MnDOT plans, specifications, and standards.

Primary Tasks

  • Obtain and transport representative samples and construction materials
  • Measure, compute, and collect tickets to document contract pay items

Traffic - District 4
Location: 2951 41 ½ Street, Moorhead, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Support District 4 traffic counting personnel and assist with traffic volume data collection.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with setting up portable traffic counters and road tubes to obtain count information
  • Assist with maintaining completed traffic count logs and other data paperwork to ensure accurate records

Morris

Construction - District 4
Location: 51 Minnesota Drive, Morris, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with field inspection and materials testing so that completed projects and materials are incorporated into the projects according to MnDOT plans, specifications, and standards.

Primary Tasks

  • Obtain and transport representative samples and construction materials
  • Measure, compute, and collect tickets to document contract pay items

Owatonna

Construction/Technical - District 6
Location: 1010 21st Ave NW; Owatonna, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist field inspectors with testing activities such as gradations, density, air, beam cylinder, and slump in the field to ensure quality of materials
  • Assist with checking measurements, dimensions, and tolerances of construction roadway features

Rochester

Construction Survey - District 6
Location: 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Perform high-accuracy control surveys throughout the state to support MnDOT’s design, construction, and asset management efforts
  • Establish precise horizontal and vertical coordinates on permanent survey markers

Construction/Technical - District 6
Location: 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist field inspectors with various testing activities such as gradations, density, air, beam cylinder and slump in the field as required to ensure quality of materials
  • Assistin checking measurements, dimensions, and tolerances of construction roadway features

Materials Lab - District 6
Location: 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist inspectors and senior transportation series employees in the areas of surveys, field inspection, materials, traffic, or hydraulics
  • Assist with testing aggregate, bituminous, and concrete construction materials

Project Management - District 6
Location: 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN
Work type: In-office (may include some telework)
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist in the preparation of plansaccording to MnDOT and CADD data standards to meet scheduled turn-in dates
  • Provide hydraulic support, coordination, inspection, and documentation for permits, grading, and culvert projects

Traffic - District 6
Location: 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Research crash data and develop a work zone crash report
  • Conduct traffic counting services including set up and retrieval of counting equipment and data extraction

Water Resources/Hydraulics - District 6
Location: 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 2

Description: Perform technical and paraprofessional work to assist engineers, technical, and professional staff.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with scoping drainage preservation projects for infrastructure repair and replacement needs
  • Assist with field inspections of drainage infrastructure including pipes, culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, structural pollution control devices, and treatment features (ponds, infiltration and filtration basins)

St. Cloud

Bridge Maintenance - District 3
Location: 3725 12th Street N, St. Cloud, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 3

Description: Assist lead bridge inspectors and engineers in conducting regular inspections of bridges, including visual assessments, measurements, and evaluations of structural components.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist the lead inspector in analyzing inspection data to identify potential issues, deterioration, or areas of concern that may require further attention
  • Assist the bridge maintenance supervisor in routine tasks, such as cleaning, painting, minor repairs, and vegetation removal to prevent corrosion and maintain the appearance of the bridge

Construction - District 3
Location: 3725 12th Street N, St. Cloud, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with inspection activities, basic documentation, frequent materials testing, writing change orders and occasional application of contract enforcement procedures.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist with routine field-testing of construction materials
  • Assist in construction inspections under the direction of the chief inspector

Materials Lab - District 3
Location: 3725 12th Street N, St. Cloud, MN
Work type: In-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform and assist with laboratory testing or field inspection of construction materials.

Primary Tasks

  • Test aggregate, bituminous, and concrete construction materials
  • Clean and grease testing equipment and prepare it for next sample

Traffic - District 3
Location: 3725 12th Street N, St. Cloud, MN
Work type: In-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist the assistant district traffic engineers with various tasks and studies including collection of intersection control evaluation data, crash data, and lane closure manual updates.

Primary Tasks

  • Collect and analyze turning movement and crash data
  • Help Assistant Traffic Engineer with various sign requests

Willmar

Contract Administration/ADA Review - District 8
Location: 2505 Transportation Road, Willmar, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist the planning staff in gathering and analyzing data related to bridge improvements, sidewalk and ramp (ADA) needs for highway corridors and planned improvements in the district.

Primary Tasks

  • Complete and review inventory of District 8 ADA Inventory for deficiencies and compliance; record the information obtained in the ADA inventory database
  • Accurately identify, record, and quantify any ADA deficiencies and noncompliance found

Design/Hydraulics - District 8
Location: 2505 Transportation Road, Willmar, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 2

Description: Assist in hydraulics, design, contract administration, traffic, or pre-design activities to assist the delivery of district projects and programs.

Primary Tasks

  • Perform hydraulic support, coordination, inspection, and documentation for permits and grading and culvert projects
  • Record findings by photo, data collector, hand notes, or other methods as prescribed

Pre-Design/Environmental Review - District 8
Location: 2505 Transportation Road, Willmar, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Perform preliminary design support, coordination, and documentation for pavement and bridge construction projects.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist in the preparation of environmental documentation for pavement and bridge projects to ensure conformance with state and federal laws
  • Document design standards for projects including design memos, complete streets documentation, and scoping reports

Traffic - District 8
Location: 2505 Transportation Road, Willmar, MN
Work type: Field and in-office
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with field collection and analysis for traffic related items including sign inventory and no passing zones.

Primary Tasks

  • Conduct field reviews to inventory signs and prioritize needs for upcoming sign changeover projects
  • Conduct field reviews to document existing no passing zones and analyze/update locations to meet current speed limits and standards

Windom

Land Management/Survey - District 7
Location: 180 S County Road 26 Drive; Windom, MN
Work type: Field
Number of positions: 1

Description: Assist with fieldwork for surveys.

Primary Tasks

  • Assist in construction, location, and land surveying activities
  • Set up, use, and maintain survey equipment so the crew has functioning equipment ready for daily tasks