Public Works Engineering Internship Summer 2026

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Works Internship Program is designed to recruit diverse college students majoring in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.  The program provides viable full-time work experiences during the summer that assist students in making connections between textbook knowledge and real-world experiences.  

Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled student (in an associate's, bachelor's, master's degree or PhD program) and be in good academic standing as determined by the school, college, or university.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must possess a valid Driver’s license. Candidates must be currently enrolled in an ABET accredited engineering, engineering technology, architecture, or construction management program.

We are seeking talented students who demonstrate excellent problem solving, analytical, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills that may be utilized in the following positions. Please indicate on your application the specific opportunity below you are interested in. 

• Public Works/ Operations/ Engineering & Construction:
  • Position may include reviewing site plans, stormwater plans, drainage calculations, street closure applications, specifications, and permits; researching files, records, deeds, plates, and easements; performing basic calculations and computations; performing field site evaluations.; preparing and updating databases tables, and checklists; compiling data for projects; ensuring compliance with plans and specifications. Interns will assist staff with operation and maintenance functions and may be related to pump stations, ditches, lake dredging, pipe work, and/or street sweeping. 

• Public Works/Stormwater Engineering Center:
  • Position will include updating stormwater models and model analysis; field investigation for inspection and inventory of City infrastructure assets, including storm pipes and structures; assisting staff with construction site visits of CIP projects.  Applicants should have a working knowledge of EPA SWMM/PCSWMM and GIS.

• Public Utilities/ Engineering and design & Construction Management Services/QAQC:
  • Duties will include the preparation of water and/or sanitary sewer rehabilitation plans and construction documents; reviewing plans, sanitary sewer defects videos, contracts, and permits; researching files, records, plans, deeds, plats and easements; performing basic calculations and computations for water and sanitary sewer systems; performing field work for projects including taking photos, recording measurements, etc.; preparing cost estimates; creating work orders for construction; preparing and updating databases and tables; compiling data for projects; and assisting project management engineers with routine duties and assisting surveys crews or construction inspectors in the field.

• Public Works/Traffic Engineering Division:
  • Position will include performing field investigations of high crash locations and citizen safety concerns; developing and implementing safety and capacity improvements for traffic engineering related issues; conducting  traffic data studies and processing the data for use in traffic signal evaluations and improvements; preparing preliminary designs, cost estimates and Initial Project Proposals to submit for funding; preparing and updating databases and tables; assisting traffic engineering staff in traffic studies.

• Public Works/Traffic Operations - PWD603:
  • Duties may include performing basic engineering analysis and field investigations; collecting traffic counts using automated counters & tube counters; assisting with inspection and inventory for City infrastructure assets, including signs & signals, ADA ramps, pavement, and sidewalk; updating, and maintaining database records & uploading traffic count data into the traffic database system.  

• Public Works/Traffic Operations - PWD614
  • Duties may include performing basic engineering analysis and field investigations; collecting traffic counts using automated counters & tube counters; assisting with inspection and inventory for City infrastructure assets, including signs & signals; updating, and maintaining database records & uploading traffic count data into the traffic database system. 

Schedule and Hours: 
Candidates will work a 40-hour internship between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for approximately 12 weeks (May 18, 2026 – August 7, 2026).  Normal work hours may vary depending on the position.  Flexibility for school schedules is allowable.  The applicant is responsible for providing their own transportation to work and housing during the summer internship.

Application Attachments: Please include a resume, cover letter and transcripts (unofficial will be accepted).  Incomplete applications will not be considered for the internship program.  Interviews will be scheduled for the qualified applicants until the position is filled. April 2026 is the last month interviews will be scheduled for the 2026 Summer Internship Program. References may be requested at time of interview.