Engineering Technology and Construction Management Program

Summary

The internship position will work directly in the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) divisions to develop and gain hands-on experience to implement transportation projects in the field of transportation. These exposures and real-world assignments will allow students to gain technical and professional experience in the field of transportation while learning about CDOT and how the department support the residents of Charlotte.

This internship position will work with the Development Services Division and Transportation Systems (Engineering and Operations) Division.

Development Services Division

The Development Services Division works with developers and utility providers to accommodate growth and development while maintaining mobility. The division also works with event organizers to ensure safe and successful use of the public rights-of-way and consists of two sections: Land Development and Right-of-Way Management.

Transportation Systems (Engineering and Operations) Division

The Engineering and Operations Division designs, installs, operates, and maintains traffic and pedestrian signals, road signs, and pavement markings. The division is also responsible for vehicle and pedestrian safety through the city’s Vision Zero program. It focuses on design and operation for all users (motorists, transit riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists) of the transportation system to create a balanced system that provides managed traffic flow and promotes a walkable and sustainable community.

CDOT’s internships build a solid foundation that provide students with the tools, resources, and employer references to become competitive in the application process for future transportation-related positions.

This internship will involve both fieldwork and in-office responsibilities and may last up to one year. CDOT will collaborate with the selected candidate to align the work schedule with their academic commitments.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

This internship will reside in Development Services Division and Transportation Systems (Engineering & Operations). The following outline is an example of major duties and responsibilities: 

Development Services Division

• Introduction to the Development Services Division
• Coordinates work on assigned projects within CDOT, with other City Departments, contractors, utility companies and governmental agencies
• Reviews/prepares traffic control designs and monitors work zones so they are compliant with the WATCH.
• Responds to citizen’s requests, concerns, and complaints.
• Issues public notices for street and lane closures
• Inspects compliance to approved plans/permits.
• Assures compliance of City utility installation guidelines (Standards and Provisions)
• Resolves subsurface and above surface issues.
• Schedules and coordinates construction projects with utility companies
• Coordinates schedules with other events and activities in construction
• After completion of project inspections are made, confirm restoration has been made to planting strips, sidewalks, and pavement. Also, confirm no damage to other above ground facilities or infrastructure.
• Reviews construction plans for encroachment and right-of-way lease agreements; assists in resolving problems; coordinates improvements; conducts pre-construction conferences.

Transportation Systems (Engineering and Operations)

• Introduction to the Transportation Systems (Engineering) Division.
• Work with the Implementation section and provide the opportunity to gain knowledge to use and process work orders through City of Charlotte’s management system.
• Work with Construction Coordinator to develop and maintain work schedules to meet work order needs and productivity targets.

• Review project plans to identify signal utility conflicts and coordinate their design and resolution for both public and private projects.
• Learn to prepare Developer’s Signal Agreements to accommodate mitigation of signal impacts by third parties.
• Review proposed traffic control designs/devices, recommend alternatives within guidelines of the Department’s design standards with the goal to minimize utility conflicts and to assess right of way needs.
• Learn about the signal design manual & MUTCD to design and install proposed signals using AutoCAD.
• Monitor traffic control on all assigned projects.
• Coordinate work on assigned projects within CDOT, with other City Departments, private developers, contractors, utility companies and governmental agencies.
• Coordinate with Duke Energy and prepare meter service requests.
• Learn to prepare plans and work orders for City crews or contractors to complete traffic control, signals, signs and pavement marking projects.
• Prepare task orders, request Purchase Orders and review invoices for work performed by CDOT contractors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a currently enrolled Sophomore, Junior, or Senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Preferred QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to start in the spring 2026 semester
• Currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering, engineering technology, or construction management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to learn and demonstrate hands-on technical skills in the transportation field. 
• Ability to demonstrate time-management and project management skills.  
• Ability to demonstrate professional communication skills in a team environment.
• Ability to take on new challenges.
• Ability to learn OSHA, City, and Federal rules and regulations, as well as work hazards and applicable safety precautions of the assigned work.
• Ability to learn about traffic control devices and appropriate uses. Gain knowledge and experience using the City of Charlotte WATCH Manual and MUTCD
• Ability to learn customer and personal services including customer need’s assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to learn construction knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and procedures used in the construction and maintenance of streets.
• Ability to learn about troubleshooting and determining causes of operating errors and identifying corrective actions and/or preventative actions.