Civil Engineering, Hydropower Intern - WI

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond.

Xcel Energy has exciting opportunities to learn and grow in your knowledge of Renewable Generation. Work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operations of Xcel Energy’s hydroelectric renewable generation assets. Work as an entry level engineering analyst performing various tasks primarily related to dam safety and hydro operations. Candidate will work with departments such as Hydro Operations and Energy Supply Projects.

Duties will include construction observations, dam safety inspections, plans and specifications review, risk evaluation, emergency action planning, and technical report writing and review. The candidate will learn and gain knowledge about the history of the hydroelectric facilities, design features of hydroelectric dams, and federal requirements for the facilities. Through practical field experience and mentoring, successful candidate will gain significant professional and technical skills. This position is located in Hydro Operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Attend annual dam safety inspections alongside Operations and regulatory agencies.

Participate in risk evaluations and gain an understanding of how dam safety work is prioritized to maintain reliable facilities.

Support construction observation activities and review plans and specifications for dam safety projects at hydro facilities.

Assist in preparing technical reports and reviewing applicable federal regulatory requirements.

This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.

Minimum Requirements:

Current student, Sophomore or higher

Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering

There will be travel to the hydroelectric facilities. The candidate must have the able to travel to various hydroelectric facilities at least 25% of the time as the facilities are located throughout northwestern Wisconsin.

Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

Civil Engineering major with interest dam engineering and hydropower.

Course work in engineering statics, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in technical writing

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com .

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 10/15/26

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