Civil Engineer Apprentice

Overview

Civil Engineer Apprentices learn about different facilities across their assigned department and will assist other engineers with a variety of projects and conduct research, studies, data analysis, plan reviews, and a variety of engineering and technical assignments while building their experience towards Professional Engineer Licensure. Additionally, they will be enrolled in preparation courses and study groups to help prepare them to pass the PE Exam.​ Civil Engineer Apprentices may come from a variety of engineering backgrounds/degrees, including Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.

Apprentices must successfully and satisfactorily complete all 8,000 on-the-job training (OJT) hours, a minimum of 576 related training hours, and pass both the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering exams. During this period of the program, apprentices will be non-classified and paid as a Civil Engineer apprentice. After successful completion of all requirements, apprentices will be promoted into the Civil Engineer III classification and complete a 12-month probationary period. 

Salary

• $36.84 / hour starting salary
• $38.68 / hour after 1,000 OJT hours and required training
• $40.61 / hour after 2,000 OJT hours and required training
• $42.64 / hour after 4,000 OJT hours and required training
• $44.77 / hour after 6,000 OJT hours and required training
• $47.01 / hour after 8,000 OJT hours and required training
• $57.15 / hour upon completion of program requirements and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professionals Engineering (PE) exam requirements

Note:  Passed FE Exam = one additional step increase; Passed PE Exam = two additional step increases

On-The-Job Training

• Rotate between various divisions within the department
• Shadow experienced engineers
• Obtain hands-on experience:
  • Managing engineering projects
  • Operating and analyzing water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Build multi-disciplinary experience with the largest water and wastewater utility in Arizona
• Completing All Required Civil Engineer Apprenticeship Training Assignments 
• Obtaining Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering certifications
• Graduating from the Civil Engineer Apprenticeship Program 
• Earning a State of Arizona Completion Certificate
• Earning a Department of Labor Completion Certificate

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an ABET-accredited Engineering Field, including Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Must hold a Class D or equivalent license for one year and prove one year of driving experience in a vehicle other than a motorcycle.
• Ability to:
  • Work at heights greater than 10 feet 
  • Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) across long distances (more than 20 feet). 
  • Work outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust for extended periods of time.   
  • Maintaining regular and reliable attendance is essential. 

Resources