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Trainee Civil Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Civil Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$30.8K

$64.7K

$97.9K

How much do trainee civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee civil engineer in Alabama is $64,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,100.00 and $66,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee civil engineer?

Trainee civil engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the planning, design, and management of construction projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to gain practical experience and develop their technical skills. Their tasks often include site visits, preparing reports, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and ensuring that projects comply with regulations. This role serves as a foundation for future advancement in the civil engineering field.

What types of projects does a trainee civil engineer typically work on and how do they contribute to these projects?

As a Trainee Civil Engineer, you will often be involved in a variety of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water management systems. Your contributions may include assisting with site surveys, preparing technical drawings, supporting senior engineers in project planning, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. You will also collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and other engineers, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into the full project lifecycle. This exposure helps build both your technical skills and your understanding of multidisciplinary teamwork—crucial for career progression in civil engineering.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Civil Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of civil engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a relevant degree or ongoing study. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and basic knowledge of project management tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on projects and learn from experienced engineers. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality infrastructure development while progressing in your engineering career.

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

AspectTrainee Civil EngineerCivil Engineer
QualificationsTypically a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree; often a professional engineering license or certification
Work EnvironmentOn-site supervision, assisting senior engineers, learning project processesDesign, planning, project management, site supervision
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with calculations, site visits, documentationDesign development, project oversight, technical decision-making

The main difference is experience level: Trainee Civil Engineers are in training, focusing on learning and assisting, while Civil Engineers are fully qualified professionals responsible for project execution and decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Civil Engineer jobs in Alabama?

For Trainee Civil Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Trainee Civil Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,679 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Field Engineering Management Trainee (Various Locations)

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Requisition 40258: A1 MWS Management Trainee 2027 

Field Engineering Trainee - (Various Locations)

Anticipated Start Date- January 2027 

Job Description

Field Engineering Trainees in Norfolk Southern' s Maintenance of Way department play a vital role in our operations team. Trainees will train under current supervisors who are responsible for managing teams of unionized employees to directly oversee the inspections, repair, and maintenance of our railroad tracks and bridges (aka the "Way" that our trains operate over). Our extensive new hire trainee program will educate you on the intricacies of working on the railroad to accomplish this goal.

During training, you will learn train and track dynamics, track inspection, construction, and maintenance operations, and much more. After successful completion of the six-month training program, you will manage track maintenance employees and be directly involved in track inspections and defect remediation scheduling and execution. Supervisors are responsible for managing a territory spanning dozens of miles that can include one or more rail terminals supporting an operation that runs 24/7. 

Interested in seeing what it's like to be a Norfolk Southern Track Supervisor in the Engineering department? Watch this 2-minute video to find out more. 

What makes a successful trainee in the Maintenance of Way department?

  • Candidates who are looking for a career in field supervision, not a desk job
  • A willingness to work hands-on and outdoors among the elements, day or night
  • A self-starter who can work with little direct supervision
  • Ability to lead a team by example, we call it "Leading from the Front!"
  • Ability to plan, manage, and adapt on the fly
  • Ability to build effective and responsive interpersonal relationships
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
  • Individuals who understand the only way we work is SAFELY

Education/Experience

  • Preferred Level: Bachelor's Degree (BS)
    • Other education and experience levels are considered
  • Preferred Majors: Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Construction Management, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Biosystems Engineering, Management
    • Other Relevant Majors considered
    • In lieu of a degree: 4+ years of leadership and industrial experience such as military, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, production environments, or other leadership roles

Work Environment

  • Environment: Outdoor/Field
  • Shift Work: Yes
  • On-Call: Yes
  • Weekend Work: Yes
  • Travel Required: Extensive Travel for some positions and/or Relocation (Relocation Benefits provided)
  • Potential Training locations include:

Atlanta, GA; Bellevue, OH; Birmingham, AL; Bluefield, WV; Bryan, OH; Chattanooga, TN; Chicago, IL; Christiansburg, VA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Columbia, PA; Conway, PA; Cresson, PA; Dalton, GA; Danville, KY; Decatur, IL; Detroit, MI; Elkhart, IN; Enola, PA; Front Royal, VA; Ft. Wayne, IN; Gainesville, GA; Greensboro, NC; Greenville, SC; Harriman, TN; Harrisburg, PA; Hattiesburg, MS; Kansas City, MO; Knoxville, TN; Lafayette, IN; Leechburg, PA; Linwood, NC; Lock Haven, PA; Lynchburg, VA; Macon, GA; McDonough, GA; Meridian, MS; Moberly, MO; Narrows, VA; Norfolk, VA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portage, IN; Raleigh, NC; Roanoke, VA; Rockmart, GA; Sandusky, OH; Shelbyville, KY; St. Louis, MO; Toledo, OH; Valdosta, GA; Vance, AL; Waynesburg, PA;

Compensation

Trainee salary is $83,000/USD and steps up to $88,000/USD at the completion of your six-month training program.

Projected Career Path

Supervisor Track Inspection - Track Supervisor - Engineer Track - Division Engineer - Chief Engineer

Company Overview

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.

We are a team of more than 20,000 employees working together to maintain our reputation as "The Thoroughbred of Transportation." As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation and, gender identity. Together, we power progress. More information can be found at NS-EEO

Don't just work here, Thrive here.