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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 Jun 7, 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:
Infographic showing various Trainee Civil Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,360 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil), NY HELPS, Region 3

StateJobsNY

Syracuse, NY • On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Duties Description Duties may include but are not limited to;
Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer, incumbents will perform various engineering duties related to projects concerned with new or rehabilitated roads, bridges, railroads, airport structures, construction materials, waterways and roads; select, from a wide variety of alternatives, the most efficient and effective plan of work; review consultant and contractor plans and estimates; and recommend road pavement, drainage construction, traffic management and safety systems, traffic signal and traffic network communication design, construction inspection and operations, traffic data collection processing, analysis and engineering, materials and metallurgical engineering, Engineering for environmental permitting, stormwater management and site remediation, Engineering and analysis of material impacts on climate change (e.g., carbon footprint).
In addition, based on operational need, AEs may be assigned to various program areas throughout their employment duration to support capital program delivery or other critical department initiatives. Successful candidates will be expected to attend and successfully complete any required training.
At the time of appointment, and continuously thereafter, candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to meet the travel requirements of the position by maintaining a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or having access to reliable transportation.
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, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, 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 in the design and construction of parks, roads, bridges, recreational facilities, water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.
Candidates may also be qualified for permanent appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.
Additional Comments Region 3, Senator Hughes State Office Building, Syracuse, NY, Onondaga County
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.cfmt.
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 for 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 $2,000 or a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000 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.
Name Nicole Clark
Telephone
Fax 315-428-4283
Email Address R3-HR-personnel@dot.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Department of Transportation
333 East Washington Street
City Syracuse
State NY
Zip Code 13202
Notes on Applying Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and a copy of required transcripts (if applicable), titled by last name, with the Notice Number R03-25-74 and last name in the subject line and referenced in the letter of interest, no later than June 30, 2026.
***PLEASE INCLUDE R03-25-74 IN SUBJECT LINE***