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Civil Engineering Trainee Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow a versatile career in the architectural, engineering, and ... civil and commercial construction. Our broad service offering includes construction materials ...

Civil Engineering Trainee information

See Portland, OR salary details

$36.1K

$75.7K

$114.5K

How much do civil engineering trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering trainee in Portland, OR is $75,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $77,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as a civil engineering trainee?

As a Civil Engineering Trainee, you can expect to support various phases of infrastructure and construction projects, such as site surveys, drafting technical drawings, and assisting with project management tasks. You may be involved in fieldwork, collecting data, or conducting quality checks, as well as working alongside experienced engineers to learn about materials testing, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. The team environment is typically collaborative, offering opportunities to shadow senior engineers, contribute to meetings, and gain exposure to real-world engineering challenges. This hands-on experience helps you build foundational skills and understand the workflow of larger civil engineering projects.

What is a civil engineering trainee?

Civil Engineering Trainees are entry-level professionals who are gaining practical experience in the civil engineering field, often as part of a structured training program or during the early stages of their career. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers and assist with tasks such as site inspections, drafting designs, preparing reports, and learning about project management. The goal of a Civil Engineering Trainee is to develop the technical, analytical, and communication skills necessary to become a fully qualified civil engineer.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Trainee vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Engineering TraineeCivil Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in civil engineeringBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field, professional licensure often required
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level setting, supervised on-site or office tasksFull-time professional role, responsible for project design, planning, and management
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior engineers, learning industry practices, supporting project tasksDesigning projects, overseeing construction, ensuring compliance and safety

In summary, a Civil Engineering Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting ongoing projects, while a Civil Engineer is a fully qualified professional responsible for project execution and decision-making in the civil engineering industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil engineering trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Trainee, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or enrollment in a civil engineering program. Familiarity with technical tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and structural analysis software, as well as safety certifications, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish those who excel in the role. These skills ensure that trainees can contribute effectively to projects, learn quickly on the job, and uphold safety and quality standards in engineering environments.

How to become a civil engineering trainee with no experience?

To become a civil engineering trainee with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Gaining knowledge of industry tools like AutoCAD and basic construction principles, along with internships or volunteering opportunities, can improve your chances; some companies also offer entry-level trainee programs for candidates with little to no experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Trainee jobs in Portland, OR? For Civil Engineering Trainee jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Trainee job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,677 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Engineering Technician Professional Trainee

Black & Veatch

Tualatin, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Black & Veatch rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success.

As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.  

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation  

Req Id : 116340 

Opportunity Type : Staff 

Relocation eligible : No 

Full time/Part time : Full-Time  

Project Only Hire : No 

Visa Sponsorship Available: No 

Why Black & Veatch?

At Black & Veatch, you'll be part of work that matters-designing, creating, and building the infrastructure communities rely on every day, from concept through execution.

We care about how the work gets done as much as what we build. Safety is built into every decision, and people look out for each other-speaking up, collaborating, and doing the right thing because it affects real lives.

You'll work alongside teams solving complex challenges and turning ideas into solutions that perform in the real world-gaining hands-on experience across projects, technologies, and disciplines.

Ownership shows up in how we work. We take responsibility for outcomes, follow through on commitments, and take pride in what we deliver. As a 100% employee-owned company, employees share in the long-term success we build together.

With flexible ways of working and meaningful development opportunities, you'll build a career you can be proud to stand behind.

The Opportunity

The Engineering Technician Accelerator Program is a structured onboarding and training initiative designed for candidates with 1 to 3 years of technical drafting, design, or engineering technology experience. Participants will receive intensive training in electrical design fundamentals, industry-standard drafting practices, and specialized software tools used to support advanced power generation projects.

This program is intended for individuals who possess a strong technical foundation and drafting aptitude but may not yet have direct experience in power generation electrical design. Through a combination of classroom instruction, mentoring, and hands-on project assignments, participants will develop the skills necessary to become productive Electrical Engineering Technician Designers.

Key Accountabilities
  • Complete an intensive 3-week training program focused on: 
      • MicroStation drafting fundamentals
      • Electrical drawing literacy
      • Power plant and industrial facility design concepts
      • Cable tray, conduit, and raceway routing
      • Drawing production, quality control, and checking processes
  • Apply newly developed skills while supporting active power generation projects.
  • Develop electrical design deliverables under the guidance of experienced engineers and designers.
  • Incorporate redline revisions and maintain compliance with company drafting standards.
  • Assist with the preparation of construction drawings, layouts, one-lines, wiring diagrams, and related project documentation.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate with engineering professionals across multiple disciplines.
  • Continue development through a structured 3 to 6-month project evaluation and mentoring period. 
Skills/Competencies
  • Basic CAD experience and proficiency
  • Ability to read engineering drawings, plans, sections, and elevations
  • Understanding of scales, dimensions, and construction documents
  • Familiarity with engineering or industrial environments
  • Basic knowledge of electrical systems, equipment, conduit, cable, or wiring methods
  • Ability to learn new software tools and technical processes quickly
Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate Degree or Technical Certificate in:
    • CAD / Drafting Technology
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Industrial Technology
    • Construction Technology
    • Architectural or Engineering Drafting
  • Experience with any of the following is beneficial:
    • MicroStation
    • AutoCAD
    • Revit
    • OpenBuildings
    • Plant 3D
    • SmartPlant
    • E3D / S3D
    • Other engineering design or CAD platforms
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ability to travel during training program (first 3 weeks of classroom instruction is in Kansas City, with possibility of occasional travel after)
  • Must be able to work in a Black & Veatch office location listed on the job posting

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Program Outcome

Upon successful completion of the training and evaluation period, participants will be prepared to perform as an Electrical Engineering Technician, supporting the development of electrical design deliverables for advanced power generation and industrial infrastructure projects.  

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

Salary Plan
ENT: Engineering Technician
Job Grade
097

Black & Veatch endeavors to make www.bv.com/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at +1-913-359-1622 or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned.

Black & Veatch is committed to being an employer of choice by creating a valuable work experience that keeps our people engaged, productive, safe and healthy.

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers an array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company-matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

We are proud to be a 100 percent ESOP-owned company. As employee-owners, our professionals are empowered to drive not only their personal growth, but the company's long-term achievements - and they share in the financial rewards of the success through stock ownership.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

Notice to External Search Firms: Black & Veatch does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Black & Veatch Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.

In accordance with local law, the following compensation range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition: $58,900.00 - $84,000.00 


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About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915