Geotechnical Engineering Intern - Summer 2024

Our Business
We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. 
 
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity
Nationally recognized as a Top 100 Internship Program, WSP USA hosts hundreds of interns across the United States to gain hands-on, meaningful work experience to enhance their education and professional aptitude. Our interns gain exposure to real projects while working side by side with senior staff. Through our Developing Professionals Network, interns gain mentorship, networking opportunities and lifelong career connections.

Our Ground Engineering department is seeking a Geotechnical Engineering Intern - Summer 2024 to work out of our Durham, NC office. This temporary position is seeking individuals currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate program with an anticipated graduation date of August 2024 or later.

This 12 week internship will be part of the WSP Summer Internship Program that is scheduled to start on May 20th, 2024. The individual start date of the internship may be flexible.

Your Impact

• The Geotechnical Engineering Intern will work under the guidance of a Geotechnical Engineer and will assist the team with execution of geotechnical projects for energy, transportation, and industrial/ commercial clients across the region.
• The selected candidate will gain experience planning and performing field explorations including geotechnical drilling and other exploration methods, as well as performing observation of various geotechnical construction activities such as: general grading, installation of shallow and deep foundations, instrumentation installation and monitoring, soil-retaining structures, and ground improvement techniques.
• The candidate will also gain experience in our accredited laboratory including hands-on training in routine classification and index property testing of soils and other test methods for other common construction materials.
• Support a variety of engineering tasks with the goal to develop technical, social, and ethical skills.
• Learn basic principles of Geotechnical Engineering.
• Assist with project research, field work, and preliminary design calculations and analysis.
• Support preparation of final design plans, special provisions, and cost estimates.
• Assist in collecting and maintaining project documentation.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Please note that there is no relocation or housing assistance associated with this internship
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Who You Are
 

Required Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, or related, Undergraduate program.
• Demonstrated interest in geotechnical, or related field, and have a strong desire to advance skills related to WSP’s work and projects.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Capable of taking direction from leadership, mentors, and managers to executive projects.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Authorization to work in the United States at the start of the internship.
• Must be able to pass a Fit for Duty Exam / Medical Exam.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.
• This role is subject to a client-mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of this policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.

Preferred Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited Civil Engineering or Geotechnical, or related, Master's Degree or PhD program.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications is required.  Experience using AutoCAD and common geotechnical software is preferred but not required.
• Prior internship and leadership involvement on campus.