Highways and Bridges Manager

Roles and responsibilities

An Intern - Highways typically works with engineering teams or transportation departments, supporting various aspects of highway and road infrastructure projects. This could involve assisting in planning, design, construction, and maintenance projects, all while learning about the technical, logistical, and regulatory requirements associated with highway work.

Here are some key skills and responsibilities you can expect in this type of internship:

1. Technical Knowledge of Highways & Infrastructure

• Understanding of Civil Engineering Concepts: Basic knowledge of civil engineering principles related to highways, such as road design, grading, pavement types, traffic flow, and drainage systems.
• Familiarity with Design Standards: Exposure to national or local standards for highway design, including the AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) guidelines or similar depending on the region.
• Construction & Maintenance: Learning about construction processes for highways, including the use of materials like asphalt, concrete, and gravel, and the ongoing maintenance required for safe and functional roads.

2. Project Support & Coordination

• Assisting in Project Management: Helping senior engineers and project managers with timelines, budgets, and project schedules.
• Document Control: Assisting with the preparation, filing, and tracking of project documents such as contracts, engineering drawings, and permits.
• Project Reporting: Compiling reports on project status, progress updates, and key milestones to keep stakeholders informed.

3. Surveying & Site Visits

• Field Work: Assisting with site visits to highway construction or maintenance locations to gather data or perform inspections. This could include measuring road conditions, checking materials, and observing the construction process.
• Data Collection: Helping collect data for road conditions, traffic patterns, or environmental factors to inform the planning and design process.
• GIS Tools: Assisting with geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing highway data.

4. Traffic & Transportation Analysis

• Traffic Flow Analysis: Learning how to assess traffic patterns and volumes, including the use of traffic simulation software to predict the impact of highway projects on traffic flow.
• Safety Assessments: Assisting in reviewing the safety of existing roads, identifying accident hotspots, and recommending improvements to enhance road safety.
• Design Optimization: Helping with data collection for new road designs, ensuring they meet transportation demand and safety standards.

5. Environmental Considerations

• Impact Studies: Assisting with environmental impact assessments to ensure highway projects comply with environmental regulations.
• Sustainability Practices: Gaining insight into sustainable road construction practices, such as the use of recycled materials, reducing carbon footprints, and minimizing environmental disruption.

Desired candidate profile

• Technical Documentation: Assisting with technical documentation such as engineering specifications, construction plans, progress reports, and safety audits.
• Quality Control: Helping with inspections to ensure that the quality of materials, workmanship, and design complies with project standards.

Key Soft Skills:

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in measurements, data collection, and document preparation.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and willing to learn on the job in a dynamic field like highway engineering.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with team members, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Team Player: Willingness to collaborate and assist others within the team, often across different departments.

Tools You Might Use:

• AutoCAD/Civil 3D for drafting and road design.
• ArcGIS/QGIS for spatial data analysis.
• Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets for data analysis, scheduling, and reporting.
• Primavera/MS Project for tracking project timelines and deliverables.
• Survey Equipment (e.g., total stations, GPS systems) for field data collection.

Additional Learning Opportunities:

• Site Safety: Exposure to the safety standards and practices necessary to maintain a safe working environment.
• Public Engagement: Learning how to interact with the public, as highway projects often require public consultation or community engagement to address concerns and minimize disruptions.