Civil Engineering Materials CO-OP

We are responsible for a 12-county area in Central Iowa (Ames based) where the position will involve travelling to and from a plant or project sites.  The position includes hands on training with one or all of the following.

The Iowa DOT District 1 Materials Office is seeking students to assist our department with Verification testing and Independent Assurance sampling on state and/or federal transportation projects.  A Civil/Construction Materials COOP will participate in the sampling and testing or the witnessing of sampling and testing of materials used in Iowa DOT transportation project.  With instruction and hands-on training, students will be involved in many different aspects of transportation construction.  A typical day for an intern can include any of the following:

1. Travel to district labs to assist with material testing as needed. Training and certification will be provided for testing and inspection to be conducted by the intern.
2. Travel to a quarry or mine to collect material samples and observe production practices.
3. Travel to a precast plant to obtain samples, witness testing, and observe production practices.
4. Travel to a concrete production plant to collect samples, witness sampling and testing, and observe production practices.
5. Travel to a construction site to run materials tests, collect samples, and observe construction and testing practices.
6. Work with Excel and other programs to help with reporting and workflow tasks.
7. Verify materials meet both physical and documentation requirements and work with suppliers to correct deficiencies.

Requirements: Completion of at least two years in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, 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.

Additional requirements: Interns must possess a valid driver’s license, be comfortable driving a DOT pickup truck or car, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.  We are looking for people who are eager to learn, can receive instruction, and can work as part of a team and independently.

Salary: $18.81/hr.

Duration:  January-August full time, 40 hours/week, in place of classes.  Remaining full-time student status.

Contact Name: Mike Lauritsen (michael.lauritsen@iowadot.us)