Description: Under close supervision and mentorship an Engineering Intern will perform basic paraprofessional civil engineering work in one or more of the following areas:
Roadway design I Field measurements and testing I Structure design/inspection/reporting I Surveying I Database management I Hydrology I Construction engineering and inspection I Traffic Engineering I Permits I Wastewater collection/treatment/disposal I Recycled water
The internship provides exposure to the public sector engineering field and responsibilities in the area of maintaining, expanding and building public infrastructure. Applicants with interest and expertise in any of the above areas are highly encouraged to apply. Interns may work at either one of our Santa Barbara or Santa Maria offices.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Interns are extra-help, at-will employees of the County. The County assigns a mentor to each intern that is responsible for providing work opportunities, mock interview practice, professional feedback, and general guidance throughout the intern’s tenure with the County. Work is regularly monitored and incumbents perform work as instructed and are directed to seek advice as needed.
Examples of Duties
Prepares simple maps, records, graphs, and drawings/details
Assists staff with field surveying and collecting field data for topographic surveys.
Performs simple drafting and engineering office work; operates a computer using a variety of software, including CAD, database management, ArcGIS, and spreadsheet programs.
Assists staff with preparation of traffic control plans and permit applications for right-of-way encroachments.
Performs field measurements and tests such as asphalt/concrete coring
Assists with bridge field inspections, processing reports, and maintaining the bridge database. Assists with minor structure calculations, detail drafting, and quantity calculations.
Helps coordinate construction activities with property owners, utility companies, contractors, other government representatives, and the public.
Prepare and staff outreach meetings with the public, stakeholders, and elected officials.
Prepare reports and grant applications for local, state, and federal transportation grant programs.
Coordinate with County departments, local advocacy groups, and the public on existing and planned pedestrian, bicycle, safe-route-to-schools, and transit projects in the region.
Assists project managers with other administrative tasks as needed.
Reviews sewer collection video inspections, prepares plans, and assists with various projects for the Laguna County Sanitation District.
Employment Standards
Requirements: Applicant must be enrolled in a college or university.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions in this class.
Ability to: Make arithmetical computations; prepare accurate and neat calculations and drawings/ records; Draft/Design in CAD (desirable); follow oral and written instructions; learn to input, access, and analyze data; perform manual tasks under a variety of conditions; and establish and maintain effective, respectful relationships with others.
About County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department
Public Works is a unique and dynamic place to work, with opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to our community. Our department encompasses a wide range of divisions—Transportation, Resource Recovery & Waste Management, Water Resources, Surveyor, Administration, and Laguna County Sanitation District — that collaborate to achieve a shared mission. This diversity offers countless career paths and professional development opportunities for our employees. I encourage you to take time to familiarize yourself with our department values, leadership commitments, and policies. They form the foundation for everything we do in delivering exceptional service to the public. Every challenge we face, whether big or small, can be seen as more than just an obligation—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, to develop new skills, and to make an impact.
