Construction Intern

Construction Intern
Union Position; Up to 1 positions
Construction Interns; Portland, Oregon (US-OR) 
Limited - Term FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5504  

 

About Us:

 

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.  

 

In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.

NOTE:

 

The scheduled start date for this position is July 13, 2026.

The Role:

 

Our Construction Internship Program is a great opportunity to acquire on-the-job training & practical work experience to prepare for potential full time employment at NW Natural. You would start as a Construction Intern Level 1 and if you are successful at the end of the first 3 months, you will move up to a Construction Intern Level 2 for about 6 months. Once you’ve successfully completed the program, you will be given the opportunity to bid and/or interview for a regular full time position as a Construction 2 team member. Over time with demonstrated performance and abilities, you can promote up into other construction classifications or jobs within NW Natural.  

Day to Day:

 

• Performs manual labor functions under the direction of more highly skilled employees.
• Learns basic construction skills as a member of a construction crew.
• Assists in the installation, lowering, maintenance and replacement of mains and services.   
• Works in an environment that will require traffic flagging functions, coning and signing for a safe work zone.   
• Works in close proximity to heavy equipment, for example, backhoe, mini-excavator, bore machine, dump trucks, and jack hammer.   
• Operates Company vehicles in compliance with state/local laws and Company policies and procedures.   
• Appropriately wears required protective equipment and safety gear.   
• Acts and communicates in a professional, respectful, and cooperative manner in connection with all activities associated with NW Natural.   
• Follows supervisory instructions and is flexible and adaptable to changing conditions and expectations.   
• Maintains punctual, regular, and reliable attendance.   
• Demonstrates the Company’s core values and complies with all Company policies and procedures.  

Come on your first day with:

 

• Basic knowledge, skills, and ability in field construction methodology.    
• Ability to learn the associated tools and mechanized equipment such as backhoe, mini excavator, bore machine, dump trucks, and jack hammer.     
• Ability to learn proper digging techniques.      
• Manual dexterity adequate to effectively use basic tools including, but not limited to hand tools, power/pneumatic tools, etc.    
• Basic math and reading skills.    
• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.    
• Ability to interface with employees and customers to answer questions or resolve issues with tact and diplomacy.    
• Ability to perform physically demanding work involving walking, standing, bending, twisting, wrist turning, grasping, lifting, squatting, kneeling, reaching, or assuming awkward postures for 8+ hours.    
• Ability to hear normal voice at 3 feet and warning signals/horns during field operations.     
• Near/distant vision for driving and reading information to complete work assignments.     
• Moderate/severe exposure to uneven surfaces, noise, vibration, high-speed rotating machinery, and odorant inhalation.
• Must be able to lift a maximum of 100 lbs.    
• Must be clean shaven.    
• Ability to work in adverse weather or terrain conditions.    
• Valid OR/WA driver’s license, any required certifications and/or endorsements, and satisfactory driving record. Must hold, or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A.
• Must be able to work overtime and travel outside the assigned location.      
• Subject to random drug testing.    

 

Qualification Period:

3 months