Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  50590679

Description Activated On:  6/12/2025 8:59:04 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

This position provides a structured internship experience through PennDOT’s participation in the Commonwealth Public Service Intern (CPSI) program. The internship is designed to offer formal and on-the-job training to undergraduate or graduate civil engineering students by exposing them to a wide range of engineering functions related to highway and bridge design, construction, and maintenance.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

The Commonwealth Public Service Intern is rotated or assigned to one or more functional areas, where duties may include:
Description of Duties
The Commonwealth Public Service Intern participates in a structured on-the-job training program and may be assigned to one or more engineering functional areas. Under the direction of experienced engineers and technical staff, the intern develops practical skills and gains professional exposure in the following areas:
Construction Duties
• Observes active construction projects to gain an understanding of inspection practices for pavement resurfacing, structural work, drainage systems, and erosion control.
• Assists in verifying the placement and compaction of materials such as asphalt, concrete, and aggregates.
• Learns how to complete daily inspection reports, material documentation, and photographic records in compliance with PennDOT’s Construction Management System (CMS).
• Participates in basic field testing of construction materials and reviews associated test methods.
• Shadows field staff to understand contractor oversight procedures, safety protocols, and project documentation standards.
• Learns PennDOT construction specifications, inspection techniques, and the process for documenting contractor compliance.
Design Duties
• Observes the preparation and review of project design plans to gain familiarity with engineering principles and CADD applications.
• Assists in developing quantity take-offs, cost estimates, and design documentation for active or proposed projects.
• Participates in the review of geotechnical and foundation submissions, learning how these elements influence overall project design.
• Supports design field views and pre-construction site visits to identify project features, constraints, and design considerations.
• Attends meetings with design teams to understand project scope development, submission timelines, and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Learns how PennDOT develops highway and bridge designs from concept through final plan development using department tools, standards, and manuals.
Maintenance Duties
• Observes maintenance operations to understand how PennDOT prioritizes and delivers preventive and corrective roadway activities.
• Assists in collecting and reviewing roadway condition data, equipment usage logs, and material needs for planned maintenance work.
• Participates in site visits, safety briefings, and planning sessions for winter operations, surface treatments, and drainage improvements.
• Supports administrative tasks related to the Maintenance IQ system and learns how performance measures like MAPI are used in strategic planning.
• Engages in guided discussions with maintenance staff to explore asset management principles and the integration of data into decision-making.
• Learns how PennDOT coordinates field operations with statewide maintenance goals, resource allocation, and performance metrics.
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Department Green Plan Policy
The intern is expected to support the Department’s Green Plan Policy (Pub 712) and its sustainability goals. Compliance will be monitored as part of performance.
________________________________________Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Comply with the scheduled 7.5/8.0-hour workday, typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, unless otherwise directed.
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Safety
1. Be aware of surroundings and accept responsibility for safety of self, coworkers, and the public.
2. Follow all safety protocols and complete mandatory safety training.
3. Report unsafe conditions or incidents to a supervisor immediately.
4. Understand evacuation routes and communication procedures on job sites.
5. Observe and promote safe practices during contractor operations.



Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Tasks are assigned with detailed instructions, and work is reviewed frequently while being performed and upon completion.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Assist in inspecting construction projects and reviewing technical plans.
 2. Communicate clearly both in writing and verbally; understand & follow instructions.
 3. Walk safely across uneven terrain and active construction zones.
 4. Follow safety policies & procedures including use & maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).
 5. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds; bend, kneel, climb, and stand for extended periods.
 6. Operate common office machines
 7. Tolerate outdoor work in varying weather and environmental conditions.
 8. Operate a department vehicle and perform daily maintenance. Travel to various work sites within the District and throughout the state.
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