2026 Summer Civil Engineer Assistant

Are you a passionate civil engineering student looking for hands-on experience? BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row. We’re seeking a Civil Engineering Intern with 1–2 years of experience in land development, water resources, or transportation engineering. The ideal candidate will be based in Portland, OR, and open to contributing to a range of public and private infrastructure projects. Key responsibilities include supporting design and permitting efforts, preparing technical reports and plan sets, assisting with field investigations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The intern will work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with opportunities to engage directly with clients and gain exposure to project lifecycle phases from planning through construction. Responsibilities Perform geometric calculations and plot cross-sections, profiles, and other design elements Conduct routine hydraulics calculations to support engineering designs Assist with site grading calculations and prepare associated plots Utilize computer and CAD systems for drafting and design documentation Collect and analyze data from public agencies to support project planning and permitting Requirements Currently enrolled in a B.S. program in Civil Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited curriculum or equivalent 1–2 years of academic coursework in civil engineering and/or internship experience Strong communication skills Team-oriented mindset Basic understanding of land development, water resources, or transportation engineering (preferred) Ability to follow technical direction and collaborate effectively Familiarity with CAD software and hydraulic modeling tools (preferred) Experience conducting field investigations or working with public agencies (preferred) Exposure to grading, drainage, or transportation design tasks (preferred) Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations. Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required. Benefits Hourly pay range: $22.07 - $30.87 Opportunity work on iconic projects along the West Coast Enjoy tasty snacks and drinks every day, plus weekly office meals Join a workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion Benefit from unlimited training opportunities, BKF Academy, and our SPARK mentorship program Experience a vibrant company culture with engaging events and activities Get involved in Employee Resource Groups for a welcoming atmosphere for all BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.