Office of the County Engineer Internship Program (OCEIP) - Fall Intern
HOUSTON, TXPosted 30+ days ago
Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from the Office of the County Engineer
Job overview
The Office of the County Engineer Internship Program (OCEIP) offers a fall internship for students to gain hands-on experience in local government and develop professional skills.
Responsibilities and impact
Interns will engage in active project teams, supporting field visits, design work, customer service, research, community outreach, and administrative or project management duties.
Experience and skills
Candidates must be college students with at least two years of study in relevant fields, possess a valid driver's license or state ID, and demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; a cover letter, resume, writing sample, unofficial transcript, and letter of recommendation are required.
Career development
The program provides mentoring and professional development opportunities to build skills, knowledge, and confidence for future careers in public and private sectors.
Work environment and culture
The program fosters diversity and inclusion, emphasizing teamwork, leadership training, and professional growth in a supportive environment.
Company information
The Office of the County Engineer is a regional leader providing integrated professional services across multiple departments to enhance the built environment in Harris County.
Team overview
Interns work within various departments and active project teams under the guidance of experienced professionals, led by Dr. Santa Maria, Chief of Staff.
Job location and travel
The internship is located at 1111 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas, requiring full-time in-person attendance Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Application process
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, unofficial transcript, and letter of recommendation; only one applicant per family unit is accepted, and early departure results in dismissal.
Unique job features
The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world government experience, leadership training, and exposure to diverse professional fields within a large county engineering office.
Company overview
The Office of the County Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure within a county. This includes roads, bridges, drainage systems, and other public works projects. The office generates revenue primarily through government funding, grants, and sometimes public-private partnerships. Historically, the role of the County Engineer has been crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation and infrastructure systems, often adapting to new technologies and regulations over time. Candidates should be aware of the office's commitment to public service, sustainability, and innovation in engineering practices.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your enrollment in a relevant degree program such as Engineering, Architecture, or Business and emphasize completion of at least two years of study and relevant coursework.
Focus on showcasing skills like written and verbal communication, problem-solving, organizational abilities, and teamwork, as these are key for the internship role.
Apply through multiple channels including the official Harris County website, the Office of the County Engineer's career page, and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility.
Connect on LinkedIn with current or former interns, or staff in departments like Technical Services, Planning, or Construction at the Office of the County Engineer. Ice breakers can include asking about their experience with the OCEIP program or inquiring about what qualities the team values in interns.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'project management,' 'customer service,' 'research,' 'field visits,' and 'professional development' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
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