Intern Engineering Support - Abilene, TX (Advanced Planning Project Design)

Must be enrolled in an engineering or related science degree program in an accredited college or university accepted by TX PELS. Assists in transportation engineering support work such as construction or maintenance inspection, structural construction or maintenance, laboratory work, landscaping, surveying or engineering data collection, operating data collection equipment, and other entry-level engineering support work. Employees at this level perform assignments following specific instructions and are subject to frequent review by the immediate supervisor.

Essential Duties

• Compiles information from microfilm records and other archival materials.
• Develops spreadsheets, databases, and other electronic documents.
• Gathers basic data and assists with routine statistical analysis.
• Inspects construction methods and workmanship to ensure contractors build roadways, bridges, airports, traffic signals.
• Inspects materials, equipment, and production procedures in a manufacturing plant and/or conducts laboratory tests to ensure construction materials meet Department specifications; as required, moves items related to these duties.
• Inspects routine maintenance contract work.
• Obtains material samples for analysis and assists with routine lab testing including operation and cleaning of laboratory equipment; as required, moves items related to these duties.
• Performs data entry and computer-aided analysis.
• Performs mechanical and electrical repairs.
• Performs survey work such as positioning rod and chain.
• Performs traffic counts and gathers related traffic and accident data.
• Prepares base sheets, details, specifications and estimates for landscape construction projects.
• Prepares required worksheets and inspection reports.
• Processes various construction-related documents and maintains construction project records.
• Scans airport directory drawings; files and maintains related airport documents.
• Uses drafting equipment and performs hand or computer-aided drafting and calculating work.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 16 years of age, a student currently enrolled in high school or any institution of higher education to include a trade/vocational school. Employees at least 18 years of age with valid driver's license may be assigned driving duties and may use power tools.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes.
• Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection.
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour.
• Subject to noise.
• Subject to vibration.
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals.
• Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation.
• Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.
• Works frequently in small/crawl spaces; manholes; areas that can cause claustrophobia.
• Works in narrow aisles or passageways.
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools.
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc.
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
• Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist.
• Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s).
• Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine.
• Crawling-moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing-prolonged periods of time.
• Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another.
• Pushing-using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction.
• Pulling-using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position.
• Fingering-picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand.
• Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm.
• Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects.
• Talking expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication.
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts.
• Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts.
• Visual Acuity-operate machines, such as drill presses, power saws, and mills.
• Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures.

Conditions of Employment

This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

Position Information

TxDOT’s Abilene District is looking for a few eager students to work in our intern program. These intern positions will primarily cover the summer months, beginning in May going thru August. In a few circumstances if schedule and availability allow, these positions may continue throughout the year. These interns must be enrolled in an engineering or related science degree program in an accredited college or university accepted by TX PELS. These positions will offer the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, a great opportunity to explore what TxDOT has to offer, expand your knowledge and skills, and possibly serve as a gateway to a future career with the agency.

At TxDOT you will work with skilled and licensed professionals to develop and enhance job skills through practical application. At TxDOT in the Abilene District, we have three core values: Safety for our employees and the traveling public, value our employees, and preserve our assets. We also strive to achieve a work-life balance and recognize the importance of your career as well as your home life. We offer a wide array of programs and activities including compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, career development programs, tuition assistance and many other benefits.

Benefits And Perks

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website.

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the ERS website.

Job School Schedule

Part-time Employee Status Temporary Job Type Temporary Work Job Level Non-Management Job Posting Feb 18, 2026, 8:34:23 AM

Applicant Information

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.