NOTE: This summer internship is for up to 13 weeks, starting from the first day of the internship and ending no later than September 4, 2026. Interns are expected to work 35 hours per week in person.

Retaining Walls Intern

Job Description


About the Team

At the NYC Department of Buildings, we are responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. As an Agency, we are committed to remaining a premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our city safer. As an employer, we are committed to improving our performance and developing procedures that are streamlined, understandable, and transparent.

The Retaining Wall Team (RW) coordinates and monitors the enforcement of NYC Administrative Code 28-305.4 for structural Retaining Walls over 10 feet high on the public way. RW assists the NYC Parks Department with their Retaining Wall portfolio, reviews owner-submitted engineering Retaining Wall reports on a five-year cycle, inspects Retaining Walls to confirm submitted engineering reports, reviews assessment programs developed by the owner's engineer, and manages/organizes the annual Retaining Wall No Penalty Program.


Position Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE), the intern will:

- Participate in on-site evaluations of Retaining Wall structures and rock outcroppings.

- Assist in engineering review of TR16 structural assessment reports and Retaining Wall filings.

- Assist in writing engineering reports.

- Participate in analysis of Retaining Wall structures.

- Review plans and calculations in conjunction with Retaining Wall engineers.

- Participate in inspections of unsafe Retaining Wall structures, leading to the issuance of Emergency Work Orders and Emergency Declarations.

- Conduct site surveys using transits, laser levels, and tape measures.

- Participate in the inspection of rock outcroppings.

- Conduct telephone outreach for Retaining Walls.

- Provide graphic support for Retaining Wall presentations.

- Participate in administrative tasks related to the Building Information System.

An OSHA 10- Hour Construction Training is required for this role.


Major/ Field of Study

- Architecture, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.

SUMMER COLLEGE INTERN - 10234

As of June of the Program year the prospective intern must be a student matriculated in a college or be a recent college graduate (winter/spring term of the Program year).
NOTE: Appointment to this title is only valid for the duration of the Program, June - August each year.

- Ability to work with engineering documents and calculations. - Good organizational skills. - Proficient computer skills. - Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. - Detail-oriented with strong attention to detail. - Strong verbal and written communication skills. - Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

This internship does not require residency in a specific location however, interns must report to the work site in person.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.