Under general supervision from staff in the Planning and Development Department, the Civil Engineering Intern will work on different projects within the Planning and Development Department. Projects will include assisting the Civil Engineering unit on data collection and organization for paved trail and parking lot conditions and usage, site improvements and capital improvement planning, and assisting with the design and construction management of capital infrastructure improvements, and other duties as required. The Civil Engineering Intern should be available to work up to 40 hours a week during the summer and potentially continue to work 16-40 hours per week in the fall on a flexible schedule. This is a seasonal position and hours may vary. Duration of this position is up to 24 weeks (depending on weekly schedule).

Typical Duties

Provides support to the Planning & Development department.

Assists staff in collecting, verifying, and analyzing data for various planning projects, specifically for paved trail, parking lot, and associated infrastructure condition reports.

Conducts field work and collects site data for vehicle and trail usage.

Assists with project research, development, and implementation, including creating construction bid documents, maps, and reports.

Reviews site plans for construction projects (e.g., parking lots, roadways, trails, site work, storm and sewer drainage, etc.)

Assists in documenting various construction activities.

Receives direction from several sources and prioritizes assignments effectively.

Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, or substantially similar area OR must have completed at least 30 credit hours at an accredited college or university and currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, or substantially similar area.

Must be a current Cook County resident

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR at least 1 season of work experience with other partners such as Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to be self-motivated and resourceful.

Ability to work independently with good judgment and attention to detail.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment while working on multiple projects at once.

Possession of strong written, verbal, communication, and research skills.

Ability to read construction drawings and interpret contract and design specifications.

Ability to research and interpret established engineering construction standards.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Proficiency in AutoCAD is desirable.

Knowledge of GIS, database management, and data visualization is a plus.

Willingness to learn and have varied experiences.

Willingness to be a self-starter and to have a positive attitude.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of Forest Preserves’ information.

Ability to initiate and follow through with projects under a tight deadline structure.

Ability to effectively identify and communicate issues or problems to management.

Ability to drive to various District locations throughout Cook County on a regular basis in personal vehicle and/or work remotely if required

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.

MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHIN 1 WEEK OF START DATE.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.