Public Works Intern

The City of Dana Point is looking for an enthusiastic college student to join our Public Works team. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience within the Public Works & Engineering Department while learning about municipal government functions and community-related work.

Candidates must be currently pursuing a degree in the Civil Engineering or a related field to be eligible for this position.

This internship is in-person & part time, limited to no more than 19 hours per week. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This is a Continuous Recruitment that is subject to close once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION: 

Under immediate supervision, perform a variety of entry level or semi-skilled tasks in support of the City’s Department of Public Works and Engineering Services; conduct research and compile and analyze data; and perform routine administrative and/or technical support tasks.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is a part-time position used for training purposes in the field of engineering or a related field and in the specific operation of City departments. Incumbents are assigned to perform projects which both help the City achieve its objectives and provide on-the-job exposure to a student or recent college graduate pursuing a career in engineering or a related field. 

This position is non-exempt under FLSA standards. 

Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job).

1. Perform a variety of civil engineering related tasks in support of the Department of Public Works and Engineering Services.
2. Perform field investigations, take photos, and prepare reports and presentations for the assigned area of responsibility; assist with surveying City property.
3. Prepare exhibits using City’s GIS and/or CADD system; develop, update, and maintain various GIS databases and geographical information. 
4. Prepare computer-aided drawings from engineering sketches, survey field notes, and other data for use in the design and construction of a variety of public works projects.
5. Maintain and update a variety of records including tracking lists, maps, and records including City street maps, utility system maps, lot and block maps, charts, and blueprints as requested.
6. Create, organize, and maintain computer databases and plan check and logging systems for various plans, reports, projects, jobs, and related documents.
7. Assist in inspecting public works construction projects.
8. Prepare a variety of illustrations, certificates, and visual aids for various meetings and presentations.
9. Assist in performing traffic studies.
10. Perform a variety of routine administrative and/or technical support tasks; conduct research projects; assist in compiling and analyzing data; prepare map and graphic presentations; assist in developing contracts.
11. Participate in a variety of special projects assigned.
12. Document facility infrastructure and Land Surveyors Act conditions.
13. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints or refer to management staff.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Basic customer service skills.
• Basic research methods and techniques.
• Basic principles and practices of report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. 
• Basic communication, GIS, and design programs and software.
• Safe work practices and procedures.

Ability to

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Respond effectively to public inquiries.
• Provide high quality customer service.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical Requirements: 
Position may require the ability to perform occasional light lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time; occasional walking, standing and/or bending. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity is needed to use the computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; it may require occasional pushing and pulling. This position also requires the ability to have a near vision for reading correspondence, reports, agendas and other records. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.

Work Environment:
Primarily office environment with controlled temperature conditions and exposure to environmental factors and hazardous physical substances are minimal and pose little to no risk of injury. Occasional transportation to meetings and/or events may be required.s.

Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.