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Trainee Civil Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Civil Engineer information

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$34K

$71.4K

$108K

How much do trainee civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee civil engineer in the United States is $71,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $73,000.00 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.
More about Trainee Civil Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Civil Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Civil Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Civil Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Civil Engineer jobs include:
Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) R9 NYHELPS

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) R9 NYHELPS

New York State

Binghamton, NY

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Under the direction and supervision of a licensed professional engineer, incumbents perform a variety of duties depending on assignment. Engineer Trainees/Assistant Engineers are found throughout DOT in a variety of programs. When assigned to DESIGN, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: *Prepare 3D plans for highway and bridge projects using CADD; *Assist with bridge inspections, structural evaluations and load ratings.

*Assist with the preparation of project reports (e.g., project scoping reports, design reports, drainage reports), development of engineer's estimates, project scheduling and gathering and compilation of site data; and *Develop notes and specifications for specialty work. When assigned to Construction, typical duties will include, but not limited to: Function as Chief Inspector or Engineer-in-Charge on Department construction projects. Ensure work performed by Contractors meets contract specifications and engineering standards and are performed safely

Review Consultant and Contractor plans and estimates. Initiate design changes and orders-on-contract, complete daily work reports and prepare final documents and record plans. While positions are being filled for specific program areas, ET/AE's may be assigned to various program areas throughout their employment based on operational need.

Occasionally, incumbents may also be called upon to support department needs in other locations. This effort could range from participating remotely to occasional travel as necessary to support program operations, capital program delivery, emergency efforts or other critical department initiatives. Specific duties will be discussed at the interview.

Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Engineer Trainee: Either 1

a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below; Or 2. proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below. As an Engineer Trainee, you will serve a 24-month traineeship that leads to Assistant Engineer, Grade 20.

To advance to Assistant Engineer, you must have obtained proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and successfully completed the requirements of the traineeship to the satisfaction of the appointing authority. At the discretion of the appointing authority, early advancement to the Assistant Engineer is possible if you have obtained your FE and have successfully completed twelve months of the traineeship. It is your responsibility to notify the appointing authority's personnel office upon obtaining proof of passing the FE.

You may receive an increase in salary upon obtaining your FE. Information about this increase will be provided by the appointing authority. Assistant Engineer: Either 1.

proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; Or 2. proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below. Qualifying degrees: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Management, Construction Engineering Management Technology, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees.

Qualifying experience: One year of full-time engineering experience with transportation projects related to highways/roadways, railroads, bridges, airports, waterways, building structures, or traffic management and safety systems. Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Additional Comments **Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

*For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State.

While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S

and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm The starting salary for an Engineer Trainee position is $66,951. The starting salary for an Assistant Engineer is $81,193

This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location. The maximum compensation or this position is $101,121. This amount is comprised of the standard job rate of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.

In addition, a Mid-Hudson Adjustment of $1,650 or a Downstate Adjustment of $3,400 may also apply depending on the location of the position. DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence.

Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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