Civil Engineering Scholar - Mechanicsville, VA
Virginia Department of Transportation
Internship
Closes on Sunday, October 4, 2026
Job Description
Kick-start your career with VDOT! VDOT’s Civil Engineering Scholarship Program offers civil engineering students the opportunity to gain valuable, real-world work experience, earn money over the summer, and receive fall and spring semester stipends of $3,500 to assist with educational expenses. Scholar Program participants spend summers working in a challenging and interesting VDOT position, receiving hands-on work experience within a variety of disciplines and geographic areas, under the direction of a professional engineer. Upon graduation, scholars transition into the Employee Development and Growth Experience (EDGE) Program, a full-time, one or two-year position with varied work assignments. Stipends are issued based on continued program eligibility. VDOT will disperse the funds prior to the start of each semester. Scholars are required to work six months for every semester a stipend was received (up to two years)
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Job Description
Perform special duties as assigned. Provide technical support to assigned engineering program areas. May work in one of the following engineering disciplines: Location and Design, Materials, Residency Operations, Construction, Structure and Bridge, Maintenance, Environmental, Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Operations.
How you will contribute:
- Communications: Communicate with VDOT staff as well as external contacts and consultants. Proactively resolve issues at the lowest level. Project a positive VDOT image. Keep supervisor advised of important development and field observations. Maintain open dialog and communications with Pipeline and Career Development Programs Supervisor.
- Complete Assignments: Complete assignments as directed.
- Engineering Technology: Apply principles and practices of engineering technology to assigned programs areas. Interpret policies and procedures and apply in daily works assignments.
- Participate in Program : Participate in the summer scholar program.
- Project Documentations: Prepare and maintain daily documentation of project activities. Ensure documentation is submitted and is completed. Avoid project delays and solve project related matters.
What will make you successful:
- Ability to communicate efficiently orally and in writing.
- Ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines.
- Ability to use computer and software applications.
- Knowledge of engineering principles.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Be a rising junior or senior undergraduate participating in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) civil engineering, civil engineering technology or related engineering program.
- Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester while a stipend recipient within the program.
- Have a basic knowledge of engineering principles.
- Maintain residency in Virginia or attend an accredited civil engineering program in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of employment.
- Possess and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale.
Additional Considerations:
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field desired.
- Experience in design technology, interpreting technical plans and specifications.
- Experience in roadway design and geometric design applications.
- Experience in roadway transportation.