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Water Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Village of Palatine

Civil Engineer I

Palatine, IL · On-site

$87K - $97K/yr

... sewers, water mains, streets and roadways, sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, street lighting and ... an Engineer Intern (EI) in Illinois, or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Village of Palatine

Civil Engineer I

Palatine, IL · On-site

$87K - $97K/yr

... sewers, water mains, streets and roadways, sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, street lighting and ... Engineer Intern (EI) in Illinois, or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Village of Palatine

Civil Engineer I

Palatine, IL · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

... sewers, water mains, streets and roadways, sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, street lighting and ... Engineer Intern (EI) in Illinois, or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire.

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All JobsWater Engineer Intern JobsWater Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Water Engineer Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do water engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for water engineer intern in Chicago, IL is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water engineer intern do?

A Water Engineer Intern assists professional water engineers in designing, planning, and managing water-related projects such as water supply systems, wastewater treatment, and flood control. Typical tasks may include conducting field surveys, collecting and analyzing water samples, using engineering software, and preparing technical reports. Interns also learn about regulatory standards and gain hands-on experience working with multidisciplinary teams. The internship provides valuable exposure to the challenges and solutions in water resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water engineer intern?

To thrive as a Water Engineer Intern, you need a background in civil or environmental engineering, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with water resource management principles, often supported by progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Experience with AutoCAD, GIS, and hydrologic modeling software is typically required, along with knowledge of relevant regulations and standards. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills in this collaborative field. These competencies ensure interns can contribute meaningfully to water projects, support compliance, and develop practical solutions to real-world water challenges.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a water engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Water Engineer Intern, you'll typically assist with a range of tasks such as collecting and analyzing water samples, supporting the design of water treatment systems, and helping prepare technical reports. You may work closely with senior engineers on site inspections, infrastructure assessments, and drafting plans using tools like AutoCAD or GIS. Interns often participate in team meetings, gaining exposure to real-world project workflows and problem-solving in areas like water supply, wastewater management, and environmental compliance. This hands-on experience is valuable for developing technical skills and understanding the collaborative nature of water engineering projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Water Engineer Intern jobs near you

Water Resources Engineer

Christopher B Burke Engineering Ltd

Rosemont, IL • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is seeking a Water Resources Engineer to join our team in Rosemont, IL. In this role, you'll work alongside experienced Water Resources Project Engineers, Lead Engineers, and Project Managers to support a wide range of stormwater, drainage, floodplain, and water resources projects throughout Chicagoland.
Our Water Resources team helps communities and clients tackle complex challenges related to stormwater management, flood mitigation, drainage improvements, and regulatory compliance. This position offers the opportunity to build technical expertise in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, GIS analysis, engineering design, and project delivery while working with a collaborative team that is committed to your professional growth.
At CBBEL, our values guide everything we do:
Integrity - We follow through on our promises.
Excellence - We're always learning, growing, and raising the bar.
Fellowship - We support each other like a true team.
Resilience - We stay steady even when challenges arise.
Collaboration - We bring our best when we work together.
Sound like your kind of environment? Let's dive into the details.
What You'll Do
  • Apply civil engineering principles to the analysis and design of drainage and stormwater systems.
  • Assist with water resources projects including GIS database development, drainage calculations, and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
  • Learn and utilize modeling software to perform analyses progressing from simple evaluations to increasingly complex studies as experience grows.
  • Prepare technical summaries and contribute to technical memorandums, permit applications, and project reports.
  • Develop knowledge of stormwater and floodplain regulations and requirements for local, county, state, and federal agencies.
  • Review drainage calculations and stormwater submittals on behalf of municipal and county clients.
  • Communicate project status, schedules, and priorities with supervisors and project team members on a regular basis.
  • Participate in client meetings and project discussions as opportunities arise.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • 0-4 years of relevant experience through internships, co-ops, part-time, or full-time employment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Dependable work habits and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer Intern (EI) certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
  • Experience with hydraulic and hydraulic modeling software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, HY-8, Hydraflow, or similar applications.
  • Experience with GIS software and spatial data analysis.
  • Interest in stormwater management, floodplain analysis, drainage design, and water resources planning.

Not Sure You're a Perfect Match?
  • That's okay. If you're excited about solving complex water resources challenges and want to grow your technical skills alongside experienced engineers and project managers, we encourage you to apply.
  • Bring your curiosity, initiative, and eagerness to learn. We'll provide mentorship, training, and opportunities to help you build a successful engineering career.

Why Join CBBEL?
CBBEL is a full-service civil engineering firm with more than 250 professionals committed to delivering accurate, timely and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. One out of every three team members has been with us for more than 20 years, demonstrating how our values create a place where people want to grow.
Our team serves as Municipal Engineer for 26 communities and supports hundreds of public and private sector clients with planning, design, and construction services. We boast a highly talented, experienced and educated team and are proud of our successful, long-term relationships with a wide variety of clients throughout Chicagoland. When you join us, you'll find:
  • Clear growth opportunities within Water Resources and other engineering disciplines.
  • Exposure to a variety of public and private sector projects that support communities throughout the region.
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary bonuses
  • A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of CBBEL to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, parenthood, creed, veteran's status, veteran's disability and physical or mental disability, citizenship status or unfavorable discharge from the military. CBBEL intends that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs and recalls, as well as all CBBEL sponsored social and recreational programs, and all treatment on the job, be free of unlawful discriminatory practices. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@cbbel.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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