Construction and Materials Engineering Intern

Construction and Materials Engineering Intern

Salary

$16.46 - $19.76 Hourly

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

27-01142

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Jeff DeVries, jeff.devries@iowadot.us

Job Description

Location: Construction and Materials Bureau, Ames, Iowa

Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, hours may vary Iowa DOT's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa DOT's five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

The Iowa DOT is looking to hire a motivated individual who has a desire to get involved with soils and aggregate testing. Soils and aggregates are the foundation that supports all building processes for the Iowa DOT. If you are looking for a fast-paced, challenging and rewarding career apply for this position. You will be part a hard charging team, testing and evaluating aggregates and soils. The results of these tests will help to ensure success of future highway projects. In addition to testing the aggregates for consistency the team tests aggregates for freeze thaw damage susceptibility, pore structure, abrasion, and chemical analysis using xrd and xrf machines. Research is being conducted to verify the effectiveness of a digital particle shape and size analyzer, as well as to verify a provisional national specification on the 3rd generation of the Iowa Pore Index test. The team is also involved with testing and classifying soil types to determine bearing capacities. This position is located in Ames, IA. Being near the center of the state allows us the ability to provide timely information to our customers.

Desired abilities:

• Works collaboratively with diverse group of people
• Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct
• Treats customers and teammates courteously and is responsive to their needs
• Commits to providing a high-quality product and service
• Addresses and listens to others in respectful manner
• Motivates others towards completing a common goal

Intern Responsibilities:

• Performs various aggregates and soils test in laboratory. The tests performed include (but are not limited to): determinations of specific gravity and absorption, sieve analysis, abrasion resistance, determinations of shale, chert, clay, silt, and materials finer than No. 200 sieve, resistance to freezing and thawing, pore index, salt susceptibility of aggregate, soil sample preparations, density, proctor, modified proctor, consolidation, triaxial compression, mechanical analysis, Atterburg limits, and carbon content in soil.
• Helps the office and District Materials personnel on issues and information related to testing and test results.
• Performs mathematical calculations to ensure compliance with project plans, percent complete, quantity used, and areas measured
• Helps with maintenance and calibration of test equipment, so they remain in proper operational condition and in compliance with specifications.
• Ensures that testing is completed according to the standards.
• Maintains detailed records of all test procedures
• Operates computers and applies related software applications
• Acts as the liaison with Iowa DOT staff, and producers.

What we offer YOU:

• Team-oriented, positive work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Excited to pursue the next step in your career? Apply today!

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Internship placement and compensation will be determined based on the candidate's academic qualifications and degree program.

• Admin Intern - Currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution.
• Engineering Intern - Completion of at least two years in civil, construction, materials, 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.

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/