Jobs › Xcel Energy

Dam Safety Civil Engineering Intern- WI

Xcel Energy · Eau Claire, WI · $21.20–$24.60 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you ask for help when you are new and unsure?

What they are checking: An internship depends on this more than on existing skill.

What do you want to be able to do by the end of this internship?

What they are checking: The posting names opportunities to learn and grow in renewable generation.

This is based in Eau Claire in Wisconsin. How does that fit your plans?

What they are checking: Whether working in Eau Claire actually fits their plans, so location doesn't become an obstacle after they accept the internship.

What would you do

What is the point of an emergency action plan for a dam?

What they are checking: Whether they understand why a dam needs an emergency action plan, because planning for failure protects lives downstream and is a named responsibility.

You see something on site that does not look right. What do you do?

What they are checking: An intern speaking up is the harder version of technical judgment.

About the work

Tell me about your civil engineering studies and any project work you have done.

What they are checking: The posting is a civil engineering internship in dam safety.

What do you understand about what a dam safety inspection looks for?

What they are checking: Whether they understand what dam safety inspections look for, since inspections are a named duty and catching problems early protects people downstream.

What would you be watching for during a construction observation?

What they are checking: Whether they know what to watch for during construction observation, because spotting work that departs from the design is a stated part of this role.

How would you go about reviewing plans and specifications?

What they are checking: Whether they have a careful method for reviewing plans and specifications, since catching errors on paper is cheaper and safer than in the field.

What does risk evaluation mean to you in this context?

What they are checking: Whether they understand risk evaluation for dams, which weighs failure likelihood against consequences and is a named duty in this internship.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Xcel Energy.

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond. Xcel Energy has exciting opportunities to learn and grow in your knowledge of Renewable Generation. Work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operations of Xcel Energy’s hydroelectric renewable generation assets. Work as an entry level engineering analyst performing various tasks primarily related to dam safety and hydro operations. Candidate will work with departments such as Hydro Operations and Energy Supply Projects. Duties will include construction observations, dam safety inspections, plans and specifications review, risk evaluation, emergency action planning, and technical report writing and review. The candidate will learn and gain knowledge about the history of the hydroelectric facilities, design features of hydroelectric dams, and federal requirements for the facilities. Through practical field experience and mentoring, successful candidate will gain significant professional and technical skills. This position is located in Hydro Operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to: • Attend annual dam safety inspections alongside Operations and regulatory agencies. • Participate in risk evaluations and gain an understanding of how dam safety work is prioritized to maintain reliable facilities. • Support construction observation activities and review plans and specifications for dam safety projects at hydro facilities. • Assist in preparing technical reports and reviewing applicable federal regulatory requirements. This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs. Minimum Requirements: • Current student, Sophomore or higher • Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering • There will be travel to the hydroelectric facilities. The candidate must have the able to travel to various hydroelectric facilities at least 25% of the time as the facilities are located throughout northwestern Wisconsin. • Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy. Preferred Qualifications: • Civil Engineering major with interest dam engineering and hydropower. • Course work in engineering statics, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design. • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in technical writing • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com . Non-Bargaining The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hour This position is eligible for the following benefits: Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Deadline to Apply: 10/15/26 EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF) All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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