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Graduate Engineer and Land Surveyor Training Program

Graduate Engineers and Land Surveyors group photo taken at the the Spring 2026 Grad Meeting
Graduate Engineers and Land Surveyors at the Fourth Street Bridge in Austin, Minn., in May 2026

MnDOT's Graduate Engineer and Land Surveyor Training Program (Grad Program) provides practical experience through structured job rotations for college graduates with a civil, construction, environmental, geo, or structural engineering degree, or a land surveying degree. Trainees participate in a variety of professional, managerial, and technical development opportunities while rotating through MnDOT’s engineering and land surveying functional areas. This structure gives trainees a broad understanding of MnDOT’s operations and its commitment to serving communities across the state.

Program highlights

  • Develop a personalized rotation plan that best meets your career goals with the help of a support team made up of supervisors and mentors
  • Regular performance reviews throughout each rotation
  • Gain valuable knowledge and experience to apply toward your Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license
  • Develop skills, explore MnDOT Districts, and network with other Grads and industry professionals at biannual Grad Meetings

Trainees who complete all Grad Program requirements are promoted to a Graduate Engineer 2 or a Land Surveyor in Training and assigned a permanent position at MnDOT.

Download the grad program flyer (PDF).

To be eligible for the Graduate Engineer and Land Surveyor Training Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Completed a degree from an ABET-accredited college or university by their start date, in:
    • Civil Engineering
    • Construction Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Geoengineering
    • Structural Engineering
    • Land Surveying
    • Or a closely related engineering degree
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Legal eligibility for employment in the United States

Trainees are required to rotate through various functional areas of MnDOT to gain a broad understanding of MnDOT's organizational goals, policies, and personnel. While program participants are free to design a rotation plan to meet their future career goals, they must also complete the following before the end of two years:

  • A 6-month rotation in Design
  • A 6-month rotation in Construction (overtime required)
  • One rotation outside their homebase location
  • Achieve satisfactory performance reviews for each rotation

In addition to rotation requirements, Grad Program participants must also complete the following to be promoted to a Graduate Engineer 2 or a Land Surveyor in Training and assigned a permanent position at MnDOT.

  • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam
  • Volunteer a minimum of 20 hours at MnDOT-sponsored events
  • Receive a recommendation from their Grad Program Advisor

Grad Program participants are also required to earn their Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Surveyor (PS) license within six years of starting the Grad Program.

Grad Program participants are hired as either a Trainee – Graduate Engineer or Trainee – Graduate Land Surveyor, depending on their degree and area of focus.

The trainee pay rate as of July 1, 2026, is $27.02 - $39.87, depending on level of education and experience.

Trainees work full-time hours (40 hours/week) throughout the two-year program, with some rotations requiring overtime hours.

The Graduate Program equips engineers and land surveyors with the experience needed to grow as future industry leaders. In addition to hands-on rotational assignments, trainees are encouraged to continue developing their skills through classroom learning and seminars that strengthen their technical abilities and professional confidence. Training may include courses in effective presentations, computer drafting and design, technical engineering subjects, and business writing.

After completing the program, graduates are encouraged to explore diverse roles and career paths across the agency. Staying flexible and adapting to new opportunities helps professionals bring fresh perspectives to MnDOT’s work and supports a fulfilling, long-term career in public service.

How to apply

The Grad Program is no longer accepting applications for 2026 positions. The application period for 2027 start dates will open in September 2026.

Graduate Engineer and Land Surveyor Training Program applicants must fill out an application at mn.gov/careers and submit all required additional documents via email to the Grad Program Coordinator to be considered for the program. Applications are incomplete until all required documents are received. Applications missing required items will not be considered.

How to apply @ mn.gov/careers

  1. Go to mn.gov/careers
  2. Select Search open positions
  3. Enter the keyword "Grad Trainee" in the search box
  4. Select the job title
  5. Select the Apply button
  6. Sign in or select Register Now to create an account

The system will guide you through the rest of the application process.

Additional application information

All applicants must submit the following documents to the Grad Program Coordinator via email. In the subject line include your first and last name and the email attachments. Example: John Smith – Transcripts and FE proof.

  1. Attach your transcripts and any identifying credentials such as Proof of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
  2. In the body of the email, list and rank your desired job locations for permanent placement at the end of the two-year program

Applicants with a degree from an international university and who have not passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in the state of Minnesota must provide:

  • Proof of eligibility to become licensed in the state of Minnesota upon meeting the professional engineering experience requirement
  • Provide paperwork proving your degree is equivalent to a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, environmental engineering, geoengineering, or structural engineering