State Materials Office Engineering Internship

Florida Department of Transportation State Materials Office Internship
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is committed to building a transportation system that not only meets the current needs of our residents and visitors but also enhances statewide mobility to accommodate Florida's rapid growth. We recruit and retain some of the industry's best and brightest professionals who consistently inspire innovation and improve safety across all transportation modes, including highways, air, rail, sea, spaceports, transit, and ever-expanding bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

What You'll Do

This intern will work at the State Materials Office and assist in the daily activities associated with the Structural Materials Corrosion Laboratory programs and processes.
 
The intern will perform technician work in a highway materials testing facility. General activities include:

•    Laboratory Skills: Logging and preparing samples, performing testing procedures, and maintaining/calibrating lab equipment.

•    Construction Activities: Inspecting the corrosion- inhibiting materials or system during installation, reviewing contractor submittal and materials certifications.

•    Data Management and Analysis: Maintaining data log systems, collecting long-term data, performing data entry, and assisting with data analysis.

•    Technical Reporting: The role involves contributing to technical reports, which is an important professional skill.

Skills You'll Develop

Technical and Scientific Skills:

•    Materials Testing: Hands-on experience with preparing and testing various structural materials for corrosion assessment. This includes learning specific testing procedures and techniques.

•    Corrosion Science: A practical understanding of the principles of corrosion and how it affects different materials. The intern will gain knowledge of corrosion-inhibiting materials and their evaluation.

•    Laboratory Procedures: Proficiency in standard laboratory practices, including sample preparation, data logging, equipment maintenance, and calibration. This fosters an understanding of quality control and accuracy in a lab setting.

•    Data Acquisition and Analysis: The ability to collect, organize, and analyze scientific data. This includes daily data collection for long-term studies and assisting with data analysis for technical reports.

Construction Activities Skills:
 
•    Field Inspections: Ability to inspect corrosion-inhibiting materials, protective coatings, and reinforcement systems during construction to ensure compliance with specifications.

•    On-Site Testing: Competence in conducting field sampling and on-site testing to validate material performance and construction quality.

•    Coordination and Communication: Ability to collaborate with contractors, engineers, and inspectors to address field issues and provide technical guidance related to corrosion mitigation.

•    Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of construction safety practices, inspection protocols, and adherence to applicable codes and specifications.

Data Management and Software Skills:

•    Database Management: Practical experience with entering and managing data in a database, specifically for tracking corrosion evaluation and the condition of materials.

•    Data Integrity and Accuracy: Learning the importance of accurate data entry and maintaining a clean data log system.

•    Digital Tracking: Developing skills in digitally tracking and monitoring the condition of materials over time.
Communication and Professional Skills:

•    Technical Reporting: Contributing to technical reports on the evaluation of corrosion-inhibiting materials. This is a crucial skill for communicating scientific findings clearly and concisely.

•    Teamwork and Collaboration: Working under supervision and assisting other team members in daily lab activities.

•    Attention to Detail: The nature of lab work, including precise measurements, sample preparation, and data entry, requires and hones a high level of attention to detail.

•    Problem-Solving: The intern will likely encounter and help resolve issues related to testing procedures, equipment, or data anomalies.

Criteria

Who Should Apply

Students in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field; Must have above average skills in computer software applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Browser Based), database management and technical writing capabilities. Ability to routinely lift 50lbs.