Geotechnical Intern - Summer 2027
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Seasonal, Full time
- Job ID 3274
Terracon's Des Moines office is looking for students in the civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering degree program who are interested in an internship. Internships run from May-August. Co-Op opportunities are also available, which will run from May to December.
Opportunities are available all across the US!
Here are some exciting details about our internship programs:
The Terracon internship programs will support our Geotechnical service line. In this program, you will take part in an exciting, fun, and meaningful work experience as you work alongside some of the brightest engineering minds and state-of-the-art technology in the geotechnical engineering industry. You will not only learn and advance technically but will also be provided with opportunities for professional development. You will be assigned a leader/mentor in the geotechnical engineering field. The mentor will help you with career planning along with technical skill development. You will learn how our line of business interacts with the client and how we differ from design engineers. You will learn what consulting engineering is all about!
You will also have the opportunity to participate in a cohort. The cohort is a way for you to connect with other interns across the company, and learn about their experiences. This is also a great way for you to start building your professional network!
Our summer concludes with a fun and engaging summit where you will meet leaders, learn more about how to grow a career at Terracon, and build stronger relationships with your peers.
During the summer, you will have an opportunity to learn about the following:
- Laboratory safety and safe work practices
- All aspects of our laboratory testing capabilities and the purpose of each test
- Understanding soil test procedures (ASTM, DOT, COE, etc.)
- Shadow field exploration team
- Data review
- Report preparation
- Proposal creation
- Basics of project management
- Communication of test results (internal and external)
- Introduction to GeoReport
- Quality management system and procedures
- Provide a high level of client experience to our clients
- Correctly manage change orders
- Execute projects safely, accurately, and profitably
Topics will include project management, project execution, and client development.
By working closely with your mentor and our experienced technicians, you will have hands on experience:
- Learning site safety and safe work practices
- Performing sampling or testing as directed.
- Providing assistance to other field and/or laboratory personnel
- Transporting equipment, specimens or documents to field personnel, laboratory, clients or other offices, and providing physical assistance in equipment set-up.
- Assisting technicians or professional staff on routine tasks
- Learning industry standard proposals and report writing practices
- Be exposed to client interaction
- Understanding test procedures (ASTM, DOT, COE, etc.)
- Preparing reports
- Learning how to communicate test results to clients
- Learning about laboratory organization, scheduling, and efficiency
- Learn about quality management systems and procedures
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil or construction engineering
- Interest in consulting and fieldwork
- Demonstrated curiosity, teamwork, and alignment with Terracon’s values
- A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required
Terracon’s internship program gives students the opportunity to turn classroom learning into meaningful, real‑world experience while working alongside professionals who are shaping the built environment. Interns are trusted to contribute to real client projects, gain exposure across Terracon’s service lines, and develop practical consulting skills with the guidance of a dedicated mentor. Through hands‑on work, professional development, and connection with peers nationwide, interns build confidence, expand their networks, and learn what it means to be an employee owner. The program prepares students to launch their careers with industry‑relevant experience, a strong professional foundation, and a clear path for future growth.