Drafting & Design Intern

Description

DEPARTMENT Engineering    

SUPERVISOR Senior Engineering Manager  

WAGE RANGE $15.00     

REVISION 04/16/2025

CLASSIFICATION Temporary/Part-Time

SAFTY SENSITIVE No    

ESTABLISHED 11/01/2017

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

The District operates, maintains and owns the irrigation distribution system of the Rio Grande Project which has been serving the agriculture community for over 100 years. Our District serves 90,640 acres of agriculture land within our boundaries with over 600 miles of canals, laterals and drains. We efficiently deliver surface water from the Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs to the members within our District during our irrigation season.  

JOB SUMMARY: 

Opportunity to gain experience in a variety of engineering functions relating to project design, design drafting, field investigations and land issues; will develop communication skills by working with the general public, District Members and other departments. Intern will be collaborating with the Senior Engineering Manager and other employees within the Engineering department. The intent is to provide the student with real work experience and offer them exposure to the disciplines they will encounter in the workforce. This is a temporary/part-time position that will be flexible with school schedules based on regular District work hours.

INTERN LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize computer-aided design, drafting, AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and other engineering software to assist with design of District projects: hydraulic structures, construction and maintenance.
• Perform research and development during the various stages of project designs.
• Gain experience estimating material quantities and construction costs for projects.
• Assist field crews with calculating and recording results during field investigations and experiments.
• Research, write, prepare, and file correspondence and forms relating to projects, permits, interagency coordination, vendors, and other tasks.
• Read, research and interpret legal property descriptions, right-of-way deeds, special use permits and other documents associated with the ownership and/or transfer of land.
• Assist constituents and other requestors with right of way information, other historic documents and information, and District Board Policies.
• Answer questions and/or provides information regarding Engineering issues via telephone calls, correspondence and visitors to the department.
• Responsible for knowing and abiding by all department and District policies and procedures; attendance during scheduled shift; contributes to team effort by accomplishing related tasks as assigned.
• Responsible for knowing and abiding by all department and District policies and procedures.
• Attendance during scheduled shift.
• Contributes to a team effort by accomplishing related tasks as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge or training of drafting and design practices.
• Computer-aided design, drafting, AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and learning other engineering software; make investigative and as-built measurements; perform routine engineering computations.
• Must have knowledge of general office practices and procedures; business English: spelling, grammar, punctuation, basic arithmetic; general office equipment and computer literacy with applicable software.
• Ability to proactively solve problems.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of engineering and land issues as well as read and interpret related documents and maps.
• Willingness to develop an understanding of construction procedures; analyzing and process surveying and preconstruction investigation fieldwork.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; accuracy, thoroughness and timeliness; understand and follow broad or complex instructions; use initiative and independent judgment while recognizing when to refer matters to the attention of Management. 
• Ability to provide support and assistance to co-workers as appropriate and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Full or part-time DACC/NMSU student pursuing a certificate or degree in a related field AND with one (1) year minimum experience in Drafting. Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and AutoCAD. Construction experience and/or materials testing experience a plus. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.  

Education/Experience substitution: A combination of education, training and experience may be applied.

Licenses/Certifications: Drafting certification obtained/in progress is encouraged.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee must be able to move about the work environment; must be able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment; must be able to walk at least two (2) miles per day on uneven slopes and ground; must have the ability to frequently move or re-position up to 50 pounds of materials or objects. Essential duties are performed both indoors and outdoors; specific vision abilities required by this position include extended periods of time reading, close vision and ability to adjust focus; indoor work is performed under normal controlled temperature conditions; work surface is even, carpeted, tiled and/or a concrete floor; outdoor work is uneven and exposed to the elements; weather, temperature, and local wildlife are conditions of the working environment; must be able to work in differing lighting; work surface may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, odors, dust and other pollutants; occasionally is required to climb ladders; exposure to hazards like rapidly moving water; heights up to 20’; exposure to loud noise levels; periodically may need to hike and/or climb in uneven terrain. 

This organization reserves the right to change job duties and responsibility as need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.