ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Works Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Village of Germantown, WI

Engineering Intern

Germantown, WI · On-site

$11.40 - $16.61/hr

Public Works Department - Engineering Opening Date: 02/03/2026 Summary of Job The Summer Intern applies civil engineering practices and principles in the design and inspection of projects, works with ...

Beaufort County, SC

Engineering Intern

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$15/hr

The intern will participate in project meetings, assist with public meetings, conduct plan review ... Observes and participates in planning, directing and integrating comprehensive public works and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Works Intern Jobs

Public Works Intern information

See salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do public works intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can a Public Works Intern expect to be involved with during their internship?

As a Public Works Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of projects that support the maintenance and development of public infrastructure, such as roads, parks, water systems, and public buildings. Typical tasks include conducting site inspections, helping with data collection and analysis, preparing reports, and assisting with project planning or community outreach. You'll often collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field crews, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the operations of a municipal public works department. This role provides a valuable opportunity to develop technical and teamwork skills while learning about local government processes.

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

To thrive as a Public Works Intern, you generally need a background in civil engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of public infrastructure concepts. Familiarity with drafting software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically required, along with any relevant coursework or certifications. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in collaborative projects and community interactions. These skills enable interns to effectively support public infrastructure projects and contribute meaningfully to municipal operations.

What does a Public Works Intern do?

A Public Works Intern assists with various projects and tasks that support the operations of a city or municipality’s public works department. Their duties may include conducting field inspections, collecting and analyzing data, helping to manage infrastructure projects, and providing administrative support. Interns gain hands-on experience in areas such as civil engineering, urban planning, and environmental management, working alongside experienced professionals. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in public service and municipal operations.

What is the difference between Public Works Intern vs Civil Engineering Intern?

AspectPublic Works InternCivil Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework in public works, civil engineering, or related fieldsEnrolled in civil engineering or related engineering degree programs
Work EnvironmentPublic sector, government agencies, municipal projectsEngineering firms, construction sites, consulting companies
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government, public infrastructure projectsEngineering firms, construction companies, infrastructure projects

Public Works Interns typically focus on municipal infrastructure projects and work within government agencies, often requiring coursework in public works or civil engineering. Civil Engineering Interns usually work in engineering firms or construction environments, with a stronger emphasis on engineering principles. Both roles serve as entry points for students seeking careers in civil infrastructure, but their work settings and specific focus areas differ.

What cities are hiring for Public Works Intern jobs? Cities with the most Public Works Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs? The most popular types of Public Works jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works Intern jobs include:
Public Works Intern jobs near you
Graduate Engineer Public Works

Graduate Engineer Public Works

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Appleton, WI • On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview
MSA has an opportunity for a Graduate Engineer Public Works for our Appleton, WI office location. Public Works is the ultimate variety team, with projects ranging from streets, sewers, utilities, and more. Working primarily in the public sector, this position will largely support regional municipal clients. A Graduate Engineer tends to have a well-rounded experience with construction and design.
As a salaried engineering role, MSA will recognize your hours worked over 40 in a week through the Flex Time program.
Who we are & how we help
What does it mean to serve communities for over 100 years? It means doing the type of work that helps people raise a family, grow a business, engage with their neighbors, and enjoy a variety of unique, enduring spaces that form the fabric of "home."
MSA's roots reach back to 1919. What began with an entrepreneurial solo practitioner in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has grown into a robust and thriving company of over 400 employee owners conducting work across the country. As a 100% employee-owned firm, when we say we "own" our work, we mean it. We stand behind the quality of our designs, the integrity of our people, and the generations of client relationships we've formed based on trust, firm handshakes, and the belief that together - we can accomplish anything.
Commitment to DEIB
MSA seeks to provide a workplace where everyone can feel secure in bringing their authentic selves to work, where opportunities to learn and succeed are afforded to all, and in which diversity of perspective leads to an innovative and successful employee-owned firm.
Responsibilities
The work you will do
  • Inspect active construction work on municipal water, road/utilities, or wastewater projects
  • Construction staking and site surveys
  • Assist with CAD work and project estimations
  • Provide assistance with company initiatives that may involve different service lines
  • Preparation of plans for streets, sewers, and utilities using Civil3D software
  • Preparation of details, specifications, and bidding documents
  • Complete project administration for municipal projects, including attending client meetings
  • Ability to get training and mentoring on project management and client liaison duties
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
What you bring
Skills & Knowledge / Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering (or related) required
  • Successful completion of Fundamental of Engineering exam preferred
  • A valid driver's license required
  • Previous civil engineering intern or co-op experience required
  • This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position.

The salary for this position ranges from $62,400 to $81,400 per year, commensurate with experience. Higher compensation within this range will be paid to candidates with significant experience and exceptional qualifications.
Benefits
Why MSA? We're glad you asked!
  • Better Together - A collaborative work environment that promotes open doors, new ideas and honest opinions.
  • Multi-disciplinary Opportunities - As multi-talented people in a multi-disciplinary firm, we encourage everyone to follow their interests, seek new experiences and apply their skills where they feel most impactful.
  • We've Got Your Back - Support when you need it, independence when you don't. We're 400+ team members strong, operating as one cohesive MSA.
  • Passion & Purpose - We're passionate about what we do and proud of it! Join us to share inspirations, "geek out" and think big.
  • Pay & Perks - We offer competitive industry pay and a variety of perks - just a few of the things that make us uniquely MSA.
  • Communities of Practice - Our CoPs are our company think tanks and idea generators, the perfect means to regularly share, collaborate and learn together.
  • Work-Life Integration - Life doesn't stop when the work day begins. MSA supports our employees as professionals, parents, citizens and friends - with the understanding and flexibility to meet your obligations and balance your time.
  • Commitment to Learning - We support the professional aspirations of our employees with ongoing training options, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and the technology to keep us connected, creative and competitive.
  • Community Engagement - We give back to the communities in which we live, work and play. MSA employee owners are volunteers, educators, STEM outreach participants and event attendees, supported by dedicated corporate sponsorship and donations initiatives.

There's more! Eligible employees will also enjoy the following benefits:
  • Quality Insurance Options - Medical, dental and vision coverage for you, your spouse or domestic partner and eligible dependents
  • Paid Time Off - All full-time employees will receive, at minimum, 17 days (that's 3+ weeks!) of paid time off in the first year alone.
  • Paid Holidays - MSA offers time off pay for 8 holidays in every calendar year.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Both parents will receive 2 weeks of paid time off and birth parents are eligible for additional paid time off under MSA's Short Term Paid Leave. The paid 2 weeks of time also applies to adoption and foster care placement.
  • Supplemental Insurance - MSA pays 100% for all employees to have life insurance, long-term disability insurance and short-term disability insurance.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - MSA is an ESOP S-Corporation, which means that our company is 100% owned by us! Through the ESOP, eligible employees receive MSA stock in the form of company shares as a percentage of compensation, at no cost to the employee.
  • 401k Retirement Savings Plan - Employees can also choose to participate in a 401k plan, with a generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested.
  • Short Term Incentive (STIP) - This program rewards employees who meet performance goals with a one-time annual STIP payment as a percentage of their eligible compensation - recognition of individual accomplishments and achieving organizational goals. STIP payments are awarded if MSA reaches its corporate financial plan for the year.

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Apply