Public Works Internships

A photo of previous Allegheny County Department of Public Works summer interns

Are you pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of this fields?

  • Engineering
  • Environmental health & safety
  • Safety management
  • Safety science
  • Risk management
  • Another closely-related field

If the answer is yes and you are in good academic standing at an accredited university, you could be an ideal candidate for a Public Works internship!

Interns have the opportunity to support Public Works through assigned activities, and in return, the department provides a rewarding, professional experience that complements the intern's academic program.

Internship Opportunities

Engineering

Public Works is looking for an intern enrolled in an engineering program at an accredited university and in good academic standing. Under the supervision of the Deputy Director for Engineering, the intern will support the department’s Bridge, Roadway, and Construction Divisions through various assigned activities in a mutually beneficial arrangement intended to provide the student with a rewarding professional experience that complements their academic program.

Duties

  • Assisting bridge, roadway, and other infrastructure projects through various stages of development, which could include the review and preparation of construction plans, tabulation of quantities, preparation of details, or the inspection of county-owned facilities, among other tasks. Those tasks will be overseen by the appropriate department personnel and could include interactions with other county departments, county consultant partners, and other governmental agencies and regional partners, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
  • Performing field views of active construction projects, maintenance work sites, or other locations for the purpose of observing and inspecting work activities on county road and bridge projects.
  • Researching and analyzing department records and conducting field reconnaissance to assist department personnel in identifying and resolving issues, problems, or concerns with county-owned assets. That might be related to roadway or bridge condition, slope stability, traffic, drainage, right-of-way, or other areas.
  • Updating or retrieving condition data in support of the department’s asset management efforts, including the use of GIS. 
  • Assisting in the preparation of work orders (e.g., bridge repairs, signage and pavement markings) to be performed by contractors or department personnel.
  • Preparing maps, reports, spreadsheets, memos, or other documentation for county engineering staff.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Personal computer and Microsoft software
Ability to:
  • Communicate professionally both orally and through written communication
  • Think analytically
  • Multi-task
  • Coordinate multiple assignments simultaneously
  • Perform site visits

Compensation

$18 per hour

Application Process

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to dpwemployment@alleghenycounty.us to be considered for this internship opportunity.

Safety

Public Works is seeking a summer safety intern to join our workplace safety team. Under the supervision of the Safety and Compliance Officer, the intern will work with our team and business partners to conduct safety site audits, develop job safety analyses, conduct facility audits, analyze accident reports, contribute to the county’s Emergency Preparedness Program, and assist with the countywide AED management program. The intern will obtain a working knowledge of the county's emergency procedure guides and safety standards while working with many agencies.

Duties

  • Assisting with identifying hazards in the workplace and in the implementation of corrective actions.
  • Assisting in identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
  • Working with county agencies to review and implement safety practices.
  • Reviewing and updating Confine Space Entry procedures and points of entry.
  • Reviewing and updating lock out/tag out procedures.
  • Performing periodic inspections of fire extinguishers, ladders, first aid kits, etc.
  • Developing and conducting safety training.
  • Creating and reviewing job safety analysis forms.
  • Logging and tracking safety-related equipment, PPE, and facility life safety systems.
  • Assisting in the regulated hazardous waste processes per EPA/DOT regulatory requirements.
  • Assisting with accident and/or near-miss investigations.
  • Learning applicable safety and health regulations as well as ways for effective implementation.
  • Updating and reviewing safety data sheets.
  • Reviewing and developing Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for various tasks.
  • Performing safety observations of various work tasks in the field.
  • Performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization.
  • Proven to take responsibility for assigned tasks and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
  • Passion for excellent customer service.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent organization skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Minimum required qualifications:
  • Current junior or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental health and safety, safety management, safety science, risk management, or other closely related field.
  • Valid driver’s license at time of application and throughout duration of employment.
  • Continued enrollment in a college program throughout the duration of internship.
  • Education and experience equivalency of at least two years of safety-related college coursework.
  • Ability to work up to 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday.
  • Updated resume.

Compensation

$18 per hour

Application process

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to dpwemployment@alleghenycounty.us to be considered for this internship opportunity.