Civil Engineering Co-op Student

We are looking to add 6 capable and enthusiastic co-op students from a civil, environmental, or integrated engineering (with an emphasis in civil engineering) degree program for a 4-, 8- or 12-month co-op work term starting in January 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, infrastructure design, transportation, 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 land development clients. 

Do you see yourself excited to contribute to… 

• Collaborating on team projects employing industry-standard technologies and programs to carry out design and modelling assignments.
• Assisting with the planning, design, and analysis of municipal infrastructure.
• Developing spreadsheets and documenting utility analysis and cost estimates.
• Attending site visits and field work to conduct inspections.
• Partnering alongside contractors, suppliers, consultants, and team members in project meetings to grow your consulting skills.
• Composing professional communications such as draft emails, memos, reports, and other technical writing.
• Supporting project delivery, commitment to quality, and project administration.

As a student, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, although depending on the location, 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.

 

Courtenay, BC

In our Courtenay branch, you can expect to be involved in civil engineering projects, working with both Indigenous communities and municipalities. You would be involved in a broad range of civil engineering work such as:

• Municipal infrastructure design and construction inspections, stormwater modelling and analysis, fish aquaculture design and hydraulic modeling, road design, asset management, and construction contract preparation/administration.

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

• Utilizing software (such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PCSWMM, WaterCAD), cost estimating, report writing, research, client relationships, and construction inspections.

 

Kelowna, BC (Transportation Planning)

In our Kelowna branch, you can expect to be involved in transportation planning projects, such as:

• Traffic analysis and modelling, planning and design for highways, urban and rural roadways, active transportation and transit projects, traffic data collection and analysis, and technical writing and communications.

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

• Transportation planning and engineering in a variety of contexts throughout British Columbia.
• Utilizing software (such as MS Word/Excel, Synchro / SimTraffic)
• Technical writing and communications.

 

Nelson, BC

In our Nelson branch, you can expect to be involved in civil engineering projects, such as:

• Municipal infrastructure design and construction, stormwater modelling and analysis, water resource management, road design, site grading, asset management, construction inspection and field reviews

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.

 

Surrey, BC

In our Surrey branch, you can expect to be involved in civil engineering projects, such as:

• Geometric road design, traffic modelling, water resource management, hydraulic modelling, grading plans, and municipal infrastructure planning and design, including preparing funding applications for Indigenous communities.

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

• Utilizing software (such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MS Excel, GIS, PCSWMM, Synchro / SimTraffic, HY-8, and Hydraulic Toolbox), cost estimating, report writing, research, client relationships, and construction inspection.

 

Vancouver, BC (Active Transportation)

In our Vancouver branch, you can expect to be involved in active transportation engineering projects, such as:

• Preparing conceptual and detailed design drawings for multi-modal transportation projects ranging from active transportation to urban streets.
• Traffic data collection, analysis, modelling, and transportation-related research.

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

• Using software (such as MS Excel, Synchro, AutoCAD, GIS, Civil3D).
• Transportation planning, traffic operations, roadway design, and active transportation.
• Technical writing, communications, cost estimating, and building client relationships.
• Construction documents and field inspections.

 

Vancouver, BC (Indigenous Communities, Municipal Infrastructure, and Design-Build)

In our Vancouver branch, you can expect to be involved in civil engineering projects, such as:

• Municipal infrastructure design, water, sanitary, and stormwater modelling and analysis, road design, grading plans, and funding applications.
• Working on various types of projects for clients across three different municipal engineering practices.

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

• Utilizing software (such as MS Excel, WaterCAD, PCSWMM, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, HY-8, and Hydraulic Toolbox), quantity take-offs, cost estimating, report writing, research, client relationships, construction contracts and field inspections.

 

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 3^rd or 4^th year of study. Related experience is beneficial but is 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 infrastructure, water resources, river engineering, transportation planning, traffic modelling and analysis, road design, and civil infrastructure.
• Curious – You are eager to learn, ask questions, and listen deeply. You know that 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, both verbal and written, allowing you to take the complicated and make it easy to understand, using research and data to deepen understanding and tell a compelling story.
• Problem Solving – You enjoy applying theory and conducting research to provide workable solutions related to the implementation of engineering work.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence is considered an asset (required for some of the listed jobs to perform 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 Indigenous communities, all levels of government, commercial and residential land developers, and the natural resource sector.

 

Our Commitment to You

At Urban Systems we make significant investments in our people, which is why we take great care to hire those who we believe will thrive in Urban Systems over the long term. We’ve become recognized as a workplace of choice by nurturing a unique corporate culture that sets us apart and provides:

• Meaningful Rewards and Recognition – The positions will have an hourly range of $25.00 – $29.00 an hour. The amount offered will be based on the location, experience, and qualifications of the successful candidates. The range is negotiable based on your skillset and experience.
• Relocation Assistance – We recognize that moving to a new location for a short period of time can be difficult. To offset the cost of moving expenses, if applicable, we will provide relocation assistance to support your temporary transition to join our team.
• Engaging Work Environment – Be part of a fun, engaging workplace where hard work accomplishes great things.
• Work with Motivated Teams – The opportunity to work with industry-leading professionals in a collaborative environment to help you gain the most out of your term.
• Learn and Grow – You can look forward to ongoing career development, on the job career growth, and learning through challenging and interesting project opportunities.
• Perks and Benefits – Urban Systems provides a variety of benefits for students, such as a monthly transit subsidy, paid sick leave, and wellbeing support.

 

How to Apply

If this describes your background, skills, and attributes, please visit our website for more information and submit your resume and cover letter. If it doesn’t describe you exactly, but you feel you are well-suited to this opportunity, we still encourage you to apply.

Deadline for applications: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 9:00 am PDT