Civil Engineering Co-op Student

We are looking to add 4-5 capable and enthusiastic co-op students from a civil, environmental, or integrated engineering (with an emphasis in civil engineering) degree program for a 12- or 16-month co-op work term starting in May 2027!

At Urban Systems, we understand your need to have meaningful experiences during your co-op work terms. We strive to create opportunities that apply your knowledge and skills to challenging, multifaceted, and rewarding projects – both in the office and in the field. Our goal for you is to come away with enhanced skills, a feeling of success, and long-lasting connections that will serve you well in your future as a professional engineer.

Our commitment to creating a positive impact runs deep. We care – about each other, about the work we do, and about the clients and communities we work with. Our people and teams embrace a growth mindset to build a culture where everyone can grow and develop over time. This is a place where you can build meaningful relationships and explore your potential. Join us for a work term where you will hone your engineering knowledge and increase your understanding of industry best practices in a practical and supportive setting.

About the Opportunity

Our student positions involve a variety of interdisciplinary work experience. Working alongside seasoned engineers and recent graduates alike, you will be engaged in projects related to general civil engineering, community infrastructure, stormwater, and water resources. You will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and communities, such as municipal government, provincial government, Indigenous communities, and private land development clients. You will be given as much responsibility and freedom as you demonstrate you can handle.

Do you see yourself excited to contribute to…

Honing your civil engineering skills and developing an understanding of best practices in a practical, real-world setting

Applying theory and providing workable solutions related to the implementation of engineering work regarding general municipal engineering including roads, water, sanitary, and drainage infrastructure design and planning

Establishing relationships with communities and act as the clients' representative on-site during construction to gather information, conduct inspections, and ensure that designs are built to specifications

Providing accurate and timely input and summarizing technical reports, plans, studies, proposals, and presentations

Collaborating on team projects, using industry-standard programs to carry out design and modelling assignments

Assisting project managers with cost estimating, quantity take offs, contract preparation and administration, project coordination, construction management, and report preparation for civil infrastructure related to community development

Proactively and professionally communicating with contractors, co-workers, clients, other consultants, and the public

As a student, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, although depending on the projects, practice areas, and clients may differ. The following projects and skills are not an exhaustive list and may fluctuate based on capacity and interest.

Community Development and Municipal Engineering

As a part of our Community Development and Municipal practice, you can expect to be involved in civil engineering projects, such as:

Municipal infrastructure design and construction inspections, road design, asset management, and construction contract preparation/administration.

Community infrastructure design and construction inspections with private land development clients, local government and Indigenous communities.

This will allow you to develop your skills and understanding related to:

Utilizing software (such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PCSWMM, WaterCAD)

Cost estimating, engineering design, report writing, contract administration, research, client relationships, and construction inspections.

Water and Wastewater Engineering

As part of our Water Wastewater practice, you can expect to be involved in civil engineering projects, such as:

Working on design for municipal utility facilities including equipment selection, facility layout and sizing, piping design, as well as preparing design briefs, reports, cost estimates, and contract documents.

Working on a range of water and wastewater projects, including treatment plants, pump stations, and collection and distribution systems.

Learning water and sanitary system modelling and analysis using WaterCAD and PCSWMM.

Supporting the project management of design and construction of projects.

This will allow you to develop your skills and understanding related to:

Infrastructure design, hydraulic modelling, cost estimating, asset management, report writing, contracts, client relationships and construction inspection.

Internship Timeline

Through this internship, it is our goal that you experience multiple aspects of Civil Engineering in a consulting firm. This includes but is not limited to construction inspection, contract administration, design work, data analysis and report development. As such, below is a rough timeline that we have used to engage past interns to achieve this goal:

Timeframe

Tasks

May 2027

Intern Launch

June 2027 – October 2027

Field Inspection/Contract Administration, Project Coordination

October 2027 – March 2028

Design Work, Report Development, Project Coordination, etc.

March 2028 – End of August 2028

Field Inspection/Contract Administration, Report Development, and Design Work

About You

We are looking for students currently enrolled in a civil, environmental, or integrated engineering (with an emphasis in civil engineering) program who are in either their 3rd or 4th year of study. Our water and wastewater position is open to the above programs, as well as chemical or mechanical engineering students in either their 3 rd or 4 th year. Related experience will be beneficial but not required.

The core skills that will help you succeed here include:

Motivated – You are excited to broaden your expertise and understanding by gaining experience in the following areas: stormwater and sewer infrastructure, water resources, river engineering, transportation planning, traffic modelling and analysis, road design, and civil infrastructure. You can work independently, are a self-starter, but also a great teammate.

Curious – You are eager to learn more, ask questions, and listen deeply. You know being present and listening to people to understand their needs and experiences is integral to being in service of others.

Detail-Oriented – You pay high attention to detail and quality control and verify the accuracy of your production work at all stages of a project.

Relationships Focused – You aim to build relationships, develop a sense of community, and work with diverse groups to tackle complex challenges faced by communities.

Communication – You are a skilled communicator. You can take the complicated and make it easy to understand, using research and data to deepen understanding and tell a compelling story. You know that listening to people to understand their needs and experiences is integral to making a positive impact.

Enthusiasm – You are enthusiastic about learning and growing in the engineering industry.

Problem Solving – You enjoy applying theory and conducting research to provide workable solutions related to the implementation of engineering work.

You have a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle for site visits.

About Us

At Urban Systems, vibrant communities are everything – including our own work community. Since 1975, we have grown to more than 700 people with 18 offices across Canada. Every day, our purpose-driven team works closely with our clients and their communities to deliver impactful work. We are proud to work with diverse clients, including