Job Title: Geotechnical Engineering Intern
Job Number: 2017-00422
Salary: $19.53 – $21.99 Hourly
Location: Materials Laboratory – Seattle Public Utilities, 707 South Plummer Street, Seattle, Washington
Job Type: College Intern
Shift: Day
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Bargaining Unit: Not represented
Closing Date/Time: Tue. 11/28/17 4:00 PM Pacific Time
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Position Description  Benefits  Supplemental Questions
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Geotechnical Group provides geotechnical engineering in support of design and construction of City capital improvement and operations and maintenance projects. SPU is seeking an undergraduate intern in either the engineering or geology field, for the Geotechnical Group. The intern will assist in providing support to geotechnical engineers and geologists with field explorations, laboratory testing, groundwater monitoring, engineering reports, and office tasks. The intern will work on field assignments that entail exposure to all types of weather, terrain, and work in or near construction sites. This intern will report to the Geotechnical Engineering Supervisor in the Engineering and Systems Support Section of the Engineering and Technical Services Division of the Project Delivery & Engineering Branch.

There is currently one internship available. This internship opportunity is for up to 24 months or graduation, whichever comes first.

Learning Objectives include, but are not limited to:

  • Learn and apply methods for exploring subsurface conditions including soil borings and test pits
  • Learn methods for groundwater monitoring and how to use instrumentation to collect groundwater data
  • Learn and apply commonly used sampling and testing standards from the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), including soil classification, grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, and water content
  • Learn basic geotechnical engineering principles and geology concepts as they pertain to City of Settle infrastructure project
  • Learn and apply methods of laboratory quality control
  • Learn and apply methods of quality assurance for earthwork and foundation construction
  • Familiarization with the culture, modes of communication, chain of command and protocols of working with contractors, resident engineers, designers and project managers
 Job Responsibilities:
The selected intern will work with Geotechnical Engineers and Geologists in activities such as:

  • Field testing and sampling
  • Laboratory testing
  • Processing data entry and conducting Engineering analysis
  • Calibrating laboratory equipment
 Qualifications:
Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled and hold junior or senior standing, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology/Geological Engineering, or Geology. Applicants must be enrolled either on a full-time or part-time basis for the duration of the internship.  Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Exception: Students are not required to be enrolled during the summer sessions, but must provide documentation at the end of Spring quarter of continued Fall enrollment.

Licensing and Physical Requirements

  • A valid Washington State driver’s license is required in order to operate a City vehicle to travel to work sites
  • Must be able to work in a physical environment exposed to dust, noise, and safety hazards
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical as a condition of hire.
 Additional Information:
The successful candidate shall possess:

  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment with constantly changing priorities
  • Exceptional communication skills, combined with good organizational and interpersonal skills, and critical thinking skills
  • Basic understanding of soil behavior, geology and soils laboratory methods and quality systems
  • Working knowledge of database systems and ArcView GIS
  • Completion of college-level basic soils mechanics lecture and lab, foundation engineering, geology of the Pacific Northwest, hydrology, sedimentology and/or engineering geology

Hours: During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (15-20 hours per week). The internship opportunity may permit up to 40 hours per week during breaks and summer months. Work is normally performed between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

How to Apply:  In addition to the on-line application, please also include:

  • Upload your college/university’s unofficial transcript. This should include a list of completed courses, courses currently enrolled in, grades for each of these courses as well as cumulative GPA. An official transcript will be required as a condition of hire.
  • A writing sample not to exceed 2 pages
  • Cover letter indicating your interest in the internship
  • Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications.