Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Careers

Civil Engineering Student Worker Program

Students from the Civil Engineering and Phoenix Programs standing outside next to the address for the stomwater storage facility in south Minneapolis

2022 Civil Engineering and Phoenix student workers at the 35W Stormwater Storage Facility in south Minneapolis

This program, offered in partnership by Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) and MnDOT, is designed to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students interested in transportation-related careers to gain real-world skills to complement their academic pursuits.

As part of the program, students spend 12-14 weeks in paid positions at MnDOT gaining hands-on professional experience. Participants work on transportation-focused projects and are provided with mentoring, training, and development opportunities.

2018 Intern Emily from the Office of Land Management

Positions will be available in several MnDOT offices in the summer of 2024. Students will have the opportunity to work in areas from design, construction, and traffic to bridge maintenance and asset management. As part of the application process, students are asked to rank their work preference in specific topics or areas to provide the best match between students and MnDOT.

Learn about our current student worker opportunities

January - March

Interviews

Student worker interviews take place between January and March

May

Student worker appointments begin

Student worker program typically starts in the second or third week of May

June

MnDOT tour

Students may tour and learn about other MnDOT departments or modes of transportation.

July

CTS tour

In partnership with the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies, students learn about the transportation research that is happening at the campus.

August

Student worker appointments end

Before the end of the summer, students participate in an end-of-the-summer debrief.

  • Undergraduate or graduate student currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. in civil, construction, environmental, geoengineering, or structural engineering
  • Applicant must be legally eligible for employment in the United States. Proof of your eligibility to work in the United States will be required.
  • Student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to the appointment.
  • Priority will be given to students completing their junior year, but sophomores may also apply.
  • Priority will be given to applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • The program is open to all qualified applicants. Members of diverse groups are encouraged to apply
  • No prior transportation-related work experience is required.

Prepare your application

If you meet the minimum qualifications, send an email to Edgar Gonzales Reyes with the following:

  • Resume
  • Transcript - an unofficial copy is acceptable
  • A letter of recommendation
  • A one page Statement of Interest including:
    • Why you want to participate in this program
    • Your future academic and career goals
    • Your relevant skills and experience

How to Apply

The Civil Engineering Student Worker Program is currently recruiting for summer 2024 positions. The job position will remain open until May 15, 2024, or until all positions are filled. Apply early!

  1. Go to mn.gov/careers
  2. Select Search open positions
  3. In the Search bar, enter 69282
  4. Select the Job Title to view the posting
  5. Select Apply
  6. Register as a new user or sign in
  7. When prompted enter referral source: Other – College

Supplemental materials

In addition to applying at mn.gov/careers, you must also email the following to Edgar Gonzales Reyes:

  1. Resume - include your anticipated graduation date
  2. Transcript - unofficial is acceptable
  3. Letter of Recommendation*
  4. A one page Statement of Interest which includes:
    • Why you want to participate in this program
    • Your future academic and career goals
    • Your relevant skills and experience

* MnDOT requires reference checks for candidates who are extended a contingent job offer. A Letter of Recommendation may be used as part of the reference check. If a Letter of Recomendation is not available, the candidate will be required to provide an additional reference.