this is an entry level role that will start out supporting construction projects from the field BEFORE doing any design work
Job Title: Entry-Level Civil Engineer
Job Description
The Entry-Level Civil Engineer will support geotechnical engineering projects while building a strong foundation in both field and design work. This role begins with substantial field exposure to construction sites and testing activities, enabling you to understand how projects are built in practice before transitioning into more advanced engineering analysis and design responsibilities. You will work closely with experienced engineers and leadership in a collaborative, small-company environment that emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world engineering development.
Responsibilities
Support geotechnical engineering projects through a combination of fieldwork and office-based design tasks.
Spend significant time in the field early in your career to observe construction activities and understand how projects are built.
Perform construction observation and quality control activities under the guidance of senior engineers.
Assist with materials testing and the use of materials testing software to verify compliance with project specifications.
Contribute to utility construction and substation-related projects by applying basic civil and geotechnical engineering principles.
Read and interpret engineering plans and drawings to support field investigations and construction monitoring.
Assist in preparing technical reports, documentation, and technical writing to communicate findings and recommendations.
Collaborate with engineers, contractors, and clients to support project coordination and resolve issues in the field.
Apply strong analytical and critical thinking skills to solve engineering problems encountered during field and design work.
Gradually transition into more advanced engineering analysis and design tasks as your technical skills and experience develop.
Use AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Civil 3D to support design, drafting, and preparation of project drawings.
Maintain a construction mindset by continuously seeking to understand how design decisions translate into field implementation.
Participate in a hands-on learning environment and actively engage with senior engineers and leadership to accelerate professional growth.
Essential Skills
Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
Strong interest in both field and design work, with a willingness to spend substantial time in the field before moving into design-focused responsibilities.
Construction mindset with an understanding of, or desire to learn, how projects are constructed in real-world conditions.
Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
Basic knowledge of geotechnical principles and their application to construction and utility projects.
Understanding of fundamental construction practices and procedures.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers, contractors, and clients.
Demonstrated problem-solving ability with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Technical writing skills for preparing clear and accurate reports and documentation.
Ability to use AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Civil 3D for drafting and design support.
Interest in utility construction and substation projects, with the ability to learn related technical requirements.
Ability to work in a hybrid role that includes both field and office environments.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Engineering internship experience in civil, geological, geotechnical, or related fields is preferred.
Utility internship experience or exposure to utility construction projects is preferred.
Construction-related experience during college, such as fieldwork, co-ops, or project-based learning, is beneficial.
Familiarity with materials testing software and procedures is an advantage.
Interest in developing deeper expertise in geotechnical engineering and construction quality control.
Ability to collaborate in a small, high-visibility team environment and contribute to a family-oriented, collaborative culture.
Work Environment
This role offers a hybrid mix of field and office work, with the early stages of your career heavily focused on field exposure. You will spend considerable time on construction sites performing observation and quality control activities, using materials testing equipment and software, and interacting directly with contractors and project stakeholders. As your engineering skills develop, your office-based work will increase, involving analysis, design, drafting in AutoCAD and Civil 3D, and technical report preparation. You will work closely with senior engineers and leadership in a small-company atmosphere where your contributions are highly visible. The culture is collaborative and family-oriented, emphasizing hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world engineering development in both field and office settings.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
