Civil/Construction Materials Intern - Davenport
State of Iowa
StalePosted Jan 21
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: February 23, 2026 (1 day ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Civil Engineering Materials Co-op
State of Iowa
645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Location
Iowa, 50319
Salary
$19.76 - $19.76
per hour
Type
Internship
More Engineering jobs →Closes
March 26, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This co-op position with the Iowa Department of Transportation involves hands-on training in testing and sampling materials like concrete and aggregates for road and bridge projects across a 12-county area in central Iowa.
You'll travel to sites, labs, and plants to collect samples, observe production, and ensure materials meet standards, while also using tools like Excel for reporting.
It's ideal for engineering students eager to learn, who are comfortable driving and working independently or in teams.
Key Requirements
- Completion of at least two years in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, transportation engineering, or engineering management at an accredited four-year college or university
- Eligibility for junior status upon return to school and maintain full-time student status
- Valid driver's license and comfort driving a DOT vehicle
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Eagerness to learn, ability to follow instructions, and work independently or in a team
- Full-time availability (40 hours/week) during the co-op term in place of classes
Full Job Description
We are responsible for a 12-county area in Central Iowa (Ames based) where the position will involve travelling to and from a plant or project sites. The position includes hands on training with one or all of the following.
The Iowa DOT District 1 Materials Office is seeking students to assist our department with Verification testing and Independent Assurance sampling on state and/or federal transportation projects.
A Civil/Construction Materials COOP will participate in the sampling and testing or the witnessing of sampling and testing of materials used in Iowa DOT transportation project.
With instruction and hands-on training, students will be involved in many different aspects of transportation construction. A typical day for an intern can include any of the following:
- Travel to district labs to assist with material testing as needed. Training and certification will be provided for testing and inspection to be conducted by the intern.
- Travel to a quarry or mine to collect material samples and observe production practices.
- Travel to a precast plant to obtain samples, witness testing, and observe production practices.
- Travel to a concrete production plant to collect samples, witness sampling and testing, and observe production practices.
- Travel to a construction site to run materials tests, collect samples, and observe construction and testing practices.
- Work with Excel and other programs to help with reporting and workflow tasks.
- Verify materials meet both physical and documentation requirements and work with suppliers to correct deficiencies.
Qualifications
Completion of at least two years in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering, or in an engineering management curriculum at an accredited four-year college or university with eligibility for junior status upon return to school.
Additional Information
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes