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Trainee Civil Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Alpha

Inspector Trainee

Dulles, VA

$57K - $65K/yr

Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firms inception. Our vision ... Position Summary The Inspector Trainee provides technical engineering support for roadway and ...

Alpha Corporation

Inspector Trainee

Sterling, VA

$57K - $65K/yr

Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firm's inception. Our vision ... Position Summary The Inspector Trainee provides technical engineering support for roadway and ...

Alpha Corporation

Inspector Trainee

Dulles, VA · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firm's inception. Our vision ... Position Summary The Inspector Trainee provides technical engineering support for roadway and ...

S&B USA

Surveyor- Heavy Civil

Alexandria, VA

... trainee personnel * Coordinates surveying activities with the assigned engineer to meet the ... Civil. Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly ...

S&B USA

Surveyor- Heavy Civil

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... trainee personnel * Coordinates surveying activities with the assigned engineer to meet the ... Civil. Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly ...

S&B USA

Surveyor- Heavy Civil

Alexandria, VA

... trainee personnel * Coordinates surveying activities with the assigned engineer to meet the ... Civil. Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly ...

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All JobsCivil Engineer JobsTrainee Civil Engineer JobsTrainee Civil Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Trainee Civil Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$33.7K

$70.7K

$107.1K

How much do trainee civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee civil engineer in Virginia is $70,747.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are trainee civil engineers?

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 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 types of projects do Trainee Civil Engineers 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 most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Trainee Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Civil Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trainee Civil Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Trainee Civil Engineer job openings:
Trainee Civil Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Civil Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,747 per year, or $34 per hour.

Inspector Trainee

Alpha

Dulles, VA

$57K - $65K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Alpha Corporation established in 1979, is a full-service woman-owned firm, providing civil, and structural engineering, program and construction management, project controls, and technology services for various building types, transportation, and heavy infrastructure projects. We provide services to a broad spectrum of clients, including all levels of government agencies, public and private enterprises/partnerships.

Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firms inception. Our vision is to be recognized by our clients for responsive, innovative, and quality services in the building, transportation, and infrastructure sectors, and to be the employer of choice. Alpha was awarded the ENR Mid-Atlantic 2022 Design Firm of the Year and Top 100 PM/CM firm.

If youre up for the challenge to stretch, grow and excel in your career as an Inspector Trainee consider joining our award-winning team at Alpha Corporation to support our growing team in our Dulles, VA office.

Position Summary

The Inspector Trainee provides technical engineering support for roadway and bridge construction projects while developing the knowledge, skills, and certifications required to perform construction inspection duties. This entry-level position offers hands-on training in construction inspection, materials testing, safety procedures, environmental compliance, and engineering documentation in accordance with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards and requirements.

Additional responsibilities:

  • Develop and obtain the knowledge, qualifications, and certifications required for roadway and bridge construction inspection.
  • Learn and apply VDOT construction, safety, and environmental procedures and processes.
  • Become proficient in material testing procedures, engineering principles, and project documentation requirements.
  • Review and become familiar with project plans, specifications, standards, and related construction materials.
  • Perform inspections of construction activities under the direction of experienced inspectors and engineering staff.
  • Complete daily inspection reports and other project documentation in a training capacity.
  • Observe and inspect excavations, drainage structures, road surfaces, bridges, and other infrastructure components to verify compliance with plans and specifications.
  • Confer regularly with senior inspectors, project engineers, and construction personnel to clarify project requirements and interpret specifications.
  • Perform field work outdoors, including walking on uneven terrain and working in various weather conditions.
  • Assist with other inspection and engineering support tasks as assigned in preparation for assuming full inspector responsibilities.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Previous construction, engineering, inspection, or related experience is preferred but not required.

Ability to obtain the following VDOT certifications:

  • Pavement Marking Certification
  • Intermediate Work Zone Certification
  • Asphalt Field Level I Certification
  • Asphalt Field Level II Certification

Salary Range: $57,500 - $65,000

EEO Statement

Alpha Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or military status, or any other protected class. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotions, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.

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