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Trainee Civil Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineering Trainee

Beaumont, TX · On-site

$60K - $69K/yr

Collaborates with the civil project manager and the engineering manager to ensure site QA * Reviews and approves contractor schedules and planning baseline and ensure construction progress on the ...

CIVIIL ENGINEER IV

Concord, NH · On-site

$31.33 - $42.60/hr

Six years of experience in engineering at a level equivalent to Civil Engineer I (or higher), plus ... An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time ...

ASSET ENGINEER

Concord, NH · On-site

$31.33 - $42.60/hr

Four years' post baccalaureate experience in the practice of civil engineering. OR Education ... TRAINEE OPTION: Not Applicable PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: None AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: Licensed ...

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Lancaster, NH · On-site

$40.70 - $55.88/hr

Candidates hired at a Trainee Status must meet minimum qualifications within one (1) year of hire ... Four years of experience in civil engineering post Professional Engineer licensure. OR Education

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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

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil) NY HELPS

New York State

Albany, NY • On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties 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 STRUCTURES, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Prepare and/or check designs for bridges and other structural components; Prepare and/or check layouts for entire bridge structures; and Assist in field inspection of project sites or existing bridge and structures 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 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 TECHNICAL SERVICES, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Provide technical expertise in the Department's design, construction, and maintenance programs which includes; Failure analysis, non-destructive testing, geotechnical design and technical support, construction training, and construction materials mix development Represent the Department as member of several industry and national expert task groups Research and development - Evaluate and implement new materials and processes and monitor the performance of materials used on Department projects When assigned to CONSTRUCTION, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Serve as Engineer-In-Charge of construction projects or assist engineers in supervising and inspecting major construction projects. Conducts physical inspections and tests and takes measurements of construction in progress and on completion.

Prepare inspection reports, with documentation, about construction progress and contractor compliance with specifications and noting steps taken to resolve disputes and problems. Coordinate activities of contractors, sub-contractors, utilities, local governments, and other affected parties to assure contract progress and scheduled completion. Prepares estimates for materials, supplies, and equipment and computes payments to contractor for completed work.

When assigned to TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Propose, implement and grow Transportation Systems Management and Operations to advance the Department's Performance and Innovation goals including non-intrusive detection, traffic signal optimization, variable message signs, asset/data management and connectivity, Perform traffic engineering and safety studies including field measurements, computer modeling, and written communication to constituents according to State and Federal guidelines, Review, compile and coordinate highway work permits including engineering plans, traffic impact studies, and local projects impacting State Right of Way, Assist in all aspects of Work Zone Traffic Control including lane closure restrictions, automated work zone speed enforcement, oversize/overweight truck permit route review and design plan review. Develop guidance on traffic control matters for use by the Department and other entities within the State. Review, issue, and track NYSDOT Regional work orders as part of the Statewide Sign Requirements contracts.

Develop standard sign design templates and training resources for NYSDOT personnel. 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 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.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.


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