Public Works Intern

ORCA Public Works is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Civil Engineering student for a summer internship opportunity. This position is intended to provide hands-on exposure to the planning, inspection, coordination, and maintenance of infrastructure and public works systems. The intern will assist ORCA Public Works staff with a variety of engineering, field, and administrative tasks related to roads, drainage, utilities, construction coordination, asset documentation, and capital improvement projects.

This internship is intended to provide a civil engineering student with practical, real-world experience in public works and community infrastructure while supporting the mission of ORCA Public Works to maintain and improve community assets and services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO)

• Assists with field observations and inspections of roads, drainage systems, utilities, and other public infrastructure.
• Supports staff with documentation of maintenance needs, project progress, and infrastructure conditions.
• Helps collect field data, measurements, photographs, and location information for engineering and public works projects.
• Assists in reviewing plans, sketches, maps, and project documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Supports preparation of reports, spreadsheets, summaries, and project files.
• Participates in project coordination involving contractors, consultants, utility providers, and internal departments.
• Follows direction of the Director of Public Works and the policies set by the Ocean Reef Community Association (ORCA), Board of Directors, and the Architectural Review Committee.
• Assists with tracking service requests and ongoing maintenance.
• Helps update infrastructure records, asset inventories, and mapping information in ORCA GIS (Global Information System).
• Observes and assists with construction activities, permitting coordination, and compliance with requirements and local regulations.
• Performs general office and field support tasks as assigned by Public Works staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in a Civil Engineering program or closely related field.
• Completion of at least one year of college coursework preferred.
• Strong interest in civil engineering, infrastructure, construction, or public works.
• Ability to read and interpret basic plans, maps, and technical documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork in summer weather conditions.
• Ability to walk project sites, stand for extended periods, and occasionally lift light field equipment or materials up to 30-lbs.
• Ability to travel throughout the community as needed to inspect sites and assist staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Associate’s Degree or equivalent is required.  An Bachelor's Degree from an accredited College or University is preferred.

Experience: One (1) year of experience in related field is preferred.

Licenses, Certificates, or Other: A valid Florida Driver License.

Any combination of the above education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties for the position will be considered.

Deadline to apply is on May 15, 2026.