Transportation Planning Intern | Multiple

About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans designs builds and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the addition to maintaining over 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT manages the worlds longest floating bridge leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan holds the record for the worlds widest tunneling project and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking multiple Transportation Planning Interns to provide college students and recent graduates with meaningful hands-on experience in the transportation planning profession. These positions offer practical exposure to real-world planning processes concepts and tools while supporting Region Planning staff on a variety of planning efforts. Interns may assist with planning studies program support community engagement technical analysis and research. Work products may include written summaries research briefs maps and graphics GIS and StoryMap content presentations dashboards and other communication materials tailored to the intended audience. Assignments may span areas such as multimodal and Complete Streets planning safety analysis equity and environmental justice support land use coordination long-range planning data collection and performance measurement freight planning project development support and policy or grant research.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Transportation Planning Intern will:

• Assist with organizing and supporting community engagement activities such as meetings workshops listening sessions focus groups tabling and partner events.
• Prepare accessible and audience-appropriate engagement materials using plain language visuals and ADA considerations.
• Develop and distribute outreach materials including flyers presentations email content StoryMap/web content and social media messaging to encourage public participation.
• Document community questions feedback themes and follow-up items to support planning staff and project teams.
• Analyze demographic and geographic data to identify equity considerations and historically overburdened or vulnerable populations.
• Collect and summarize research datasets and background materials to provide concise findings and planning-level recommendations.
• Create maps graphics and visual materials using GIS and other tools to illustrate transportation context community assets and environmental features.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners participate in meetings and trainings and support collaboration and follow-through on planning activities.

• Education/Academic Preparation: Completion of at least two semesters or three quarters (or equivalent) of coursework toward a bachelors or masters degree in urban planning transportation planning community planning geography public policy environmental studies or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Transportation Planning Knowledge: Understanding of urban and transportation planning principles and practices including active transportation modes such as walking cycling micro-mobility as well as mobility assistance devices used as accommodation for a disability.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess data identify problems and apply logical solutions.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats with team members and supervisors.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others to support shared goals project coordination and successful outcomes.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to identify concerns contribute to solutions and make sound decisions with guidance and direction.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to produce accurate work and ensure quality in written technical and administrative work products.
• Time Management and Organization: Ability to plan prioritize and complete tasks within established deadlines.
• Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: Ability to adjust to changing priorities learn new tools or methods and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Professionalism and Integrity: Ability to follow safety protocols maintain professional conduct and demonstrate ethical decision-making and accountability.
• Use of Technology and Software Proficiency: Ability to use software tools to support planning research documentation mapping analysis and communication.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• Ability to conduct site visits to various locations in the region for data collection community engagement and project outreach with office planners.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including inclement weather in the outdoors and various geographic locations.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Software and Technical Tools: Ability to use or quickly learn software tools such as Microsoft Office GIS and online databases to support data collection analysis and presentation.
• Research and Summarization Skills: Foundational knowledge of research methods and the ability to summarize findings in a clear organized and concise manner.
• Visual Interpretation and Mapping: Ability to interpret maps images and other visual data to support planning analysis and decision-making.
• Community Awareness: Basic understanding of transportation and/or land use issues affecting historically marginalized communities including people with disabilities people with limited incomes immigrant and refugee communities and others who experience disproportionate transportation burdens or barriers.
• Multilingual Communication: Bilingual or multilingual communication skills that support inclusive outreach and engagement.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These positions are generally filled for a short-term duration of 3 to 6 months with a specific end date established.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type duties or location of the position. For union-represented positions more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit .

• Work-Life Balance We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals lifestyle.
• Paid Leave In addition to 12 paid holidays full-time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses including tuition reimbursement programs government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• PlanFor Your Future WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-61153i in the subject line.