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Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Civil Engineer

Merced, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... civil engineering areas including architecture, construction engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying ...

All JobsCivil Engineering Intern JobsCivil Engineering Intern Jobs in Merced, CA

Civil Engineering Intern information

See Merced, CA salary details

$14

$20

$28

How much do civil engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for civil engineering intern in Merced, CA is $20.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Civil engineering interns typically earn modest stipends or entry-level wages and do not reach high salaries during internships. Experienced civil engineers with advanced skills, certifications, and project management responsibilities can earn salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, but reaching $500,000 is uncommon and usually involves senior roles, consulting, or ownership in large projects. Salary potential depends on experience, location, specialization, and industry sector.

What is the best internship for civil engineering students?

The best internship for civil engineering students provides hands-on experience in areas such as construction, design, or project management, often with engineering firms, government agencies, or construction companies. Internships that offer exposure to industry-standard tools like AutoCAD or Revit and may lead to professional certifications are highly valuable for career development.

Is 20 an hour good for an internship?

For a civil engineering intern, $20 an hour is generally considered competitive, especially for entry-level positions that may require basic knowledge of engineering principles and tools like AutoCAD or Civil 3D. Intern wages vary by location and company, but this rate often exceeds minimum wage and reflects the value of gaining practical experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Civil Engineering Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Intern, you need foundational knowledge in civil engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office, as well as understanding of surveying equipment, are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and learn from experienced engineers. These competencies are crucial for contributing to projects, ensuring technical accuracy, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

What types of projects and tasks do Civil Engineering Interns typically work on during their internship?

Civil Engineering Interns often support project teams by assisting with tasks such as drafting design plans, conducting site visits, preparing reports, and performing basic calculations under the supervision of licensed engineers. Interns may be exposed to infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, or water systems, and frequently use software such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D. The role offers hands-on experience with both office and field work, providing a well-rounded introduction to the civil engineering profession.

What does a Civil Engineering Intern do?

A Civil Engineering Intern typically assists professional engineers with tasks such as drafting, site inspections, data collection, and project documentation. They may work on a variety of projects, including roads, bridges, buildings, or water systems, gaining hands-on experience with engineering principles and software. Interns often collaborate with teams, learn to interpret plans and specifications, and help ensure projects meet safety and quality standards. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world engineering practices and helps students or recent graduates develop practical skills for their future careers.

What do you do as a civil engineer intern?

A civil engineering intern assists with project planning, design, and analysis by supporting senior engineers. They may perform site inspections, prepare reports, and use tools like AutoCAD or Civil 3D to help develop construction plans, gaining practical experience in the field. Interns often work under supervision and may need to hold relevant coursework or certifications depending on the program.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Intern vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectCivil Engineering InternCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentAssists in design, planning, and project management; often in office and field settingsSupports engineering projects through drafting, surveying, and testing; mainly in field and lab environments
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by engineering firms, construction companies, and government agenciesEmployers include engineering consulting firms, construction companies, and public agencies

In summary, Civil Engineering Interns are typically students gaining practical experience during their studies, focusing on learning and assisting with projects. Civil Engineering Technicians are trained professionals who support engineering projects through technical tasks, often with completed technical education. Both roles are essential in the civil engineering industry but differ mainly in experience level and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Intern jobs in Merced, CA? For Civil Engineering Intern jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Engineering Intern jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Engineering Intern jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Civil Engineering Intern jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Civil Engineering Intern job openings:
Civil Engineering Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Intern job openings in Merced, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,602 per year, or $21 per hour.
Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer

U.S. Navy

Merced, CA • On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

ABOUT

Every year huge investments are made on construction projects that support the Navy’s high-tech fleet of ships, aircraft, equipment and personnel. At the center of these projects is a talented group of Civil Engineers who help to ensure that each initiative is conceived, planned and completed on time, in budget and according to specification. If you’ve ever dreamed of building the most advanced military projects in history, the opportunity to become a Navy Civil Engineer awaits.

The CEC Collegiate Program introduces you to Navy life at your own pace. There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work toward your degree, earn as you go, and then begin the process of becoming a commissioned Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on experience and advanced training in civil engineering areas including architecture, construction engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You’ll quickly find yourself in charge of vital Navy projects, where you might:

  • Oversee construction of everything from runways to docks to buildings of all kinds
  • Supervise and manage utilities and other critical services
  • Manage a variety of skilled construction workers (Seabees)
  • Arrange budgets and schedules
  • Approve completed work

More specifically, you can focus your work on any or all of the following areas:

Contract Management—Be the primary contact between Navy and civilian contractors, managing contracts worth up to hundreds of millions of dollars. Handle every aspect of a project from overseeing construction to resolving design problems, to ensuring that payments are correctly processed.

Public Works—Assume responsibility for any of the hundreds of Navy shore facilities—some as large as entire cities. Supervise and maintain utilities. Oversee construction and repair, manage budgets, approve public works plans and provide services to visiting ships.

Construction Battalions—Command up to 600 Enlisted Seabee construction workers in the construction of airfields, bridges, ports or buildings—all in support of both humanitarian outreach and military deployment.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and $5,800 per month, depending on your rank and basic allowance for house, while in school. If accepted into the program, you will earn a salary and medical benefits while you’re in school for up to 24 months.

Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where you may be able to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time.

Opportunities for further education within this platform include:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen
  • Bachelor’s degree—preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As a Civil Engineer, you may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe. You may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters. Your day-to-day work may be indoors, outdoors, in a shop environment or in office surroundings.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time roles as a Civil Engineer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Civil Engineers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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