Here are several illustrative examples of Civil Engineer
Trainee work.
Acts as instrument person or note keeper on surveys;
assists in supervising the party in establishing lines,
taking cross sections, running drainage areas and
traverses, and making topographic, hydrographic,
cadastral and construction surveys.
Assists in the analysis and review of reports for
flood control, river and harbor improvements and other
facets of water resource development in the conduct of
special engineering investigation; makes engineering
analyses by utilization of economic, hydrologic,
meteorological data, and hydraulic formula.
Inspects construction of grading surfacing and
drainage structure improvements for satisfactory
workmanship and adherence to plans and specifications;
assists in establishing line and grade for this work,
operating instruments, keeps notes and makes
computations; prepares drawing or sketches and estimate
of maintenance work during the training period.
Makes field and laboratory tests and obtains
representative samples of construction materials for
testing laboratory; supervises or assists in supervising
a squad in testing and analyzing soils; accepts or
rejects materials inspected in field on basis of test
results.
Acts as proportioning engineer on concrete and
bituminous construction projects.
Reduces survey notes, plots cross section, details
plans and right-of-way plats, computes areas and
quantities, checks computations of others, and performs
all drafting necessary for construction plans for
highway and waterway improvements.
Makes field studies of vehicle usage, complex traffic
movements, traffic distribution; codes, tabulates and
analyzes data secured in the field; acts as chief of
road inventory party.
At airports, inspects runway and taxiway pavements,
analyzes structures for compatibility with airspace,
conducts airport environment reviews, surveys sites for
new airports or improvements, checks construction plans,
conducts field inspections for projects and safety
issues, and reviews airport layout and master plans.
What kind of benefits do you offer?
We offer a wide range of
benefits, including a generous medical and retirement plan,
tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.
Our rotation program offered is one in which Civil Engineer Trainees begin working in a specific area (Construction/Studies and Plans, Design, Maintenance, Land Acquisition, Materials, Local Roads and Streets, Traffic, etc.) for three months to a year. Assignments to different areas vary from district to district based on workload and can last from three months to a year per rotation. The program typically lasts three years. This program is an excellent path to gaining well-rounded experience.
The Department also provides a wide array of professional enhancement opportunities for employees. Career Development includes continuing education (the Department pays up to $2,000 per fiscal year), leadership training and on-the-job training development opportunities.
Do I get to choose a permanent location after my
rotation is over?
Your education, experience, performance on the job and the
needs of the district are the determining factors in where
you will be after your rotation assignment is complete.
What are my chances of advancement?
The rate of advancement is based on satisfactory
performance and is as follows:
CET - CEI
7-9 months
Civil Engineer I-II
12-24 months
Civil Engineer II-III
24-30 months
Is there travel involved?
This varies from district to district, but depending on
how far you must travel from your home or district office to
the construction site, you may be able to claim mileage
and/or hotel accommodations.
I plan to further my education. Are there schools
where I can pursue engineering?
Several of our offices and districts have higher universities in close proximity. Depending on coursework, IDOT will pay for up to $2,000 per fiscal year for employees to further their education.
Is there a flexible schedule policy?
You may be allowed to work a flexible schedule if the
office in which you work is agreeable to it.
