Environmental Services Intern



Environmental Services Intern

Salary

$20.34 - $27.21 Hourly

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

22DOT-NWR-12947n

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

01/23/2022

Closing Date

2/28/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Application review will begin on February 6, 2022. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT has two exciting environmental internship positions available this summer in Northwest Region.  This region covers King County north to the Canadian border and the cascade mountain crest west to the Puget Sound. This is a great opportunity to learn about the exciting work WSDOT is doing to meet environmental stewardship goals in a real-world setting. The Environmental Office directly supports the transportation needs of Washington State by providing environmental technical studies, field investigations, interagency coordination, and construction support to WSDOT projects and operations. A specific area of focus in our team is supporting a substantial effort to remove barriers to salmon under highways and provide access to upstream habitat. The successful candidate will receive exposure to the various roles in the Environmental Office and WSDOT project teams and gain hands-on experience assisting the program in biological studies, fish & wildlife, environmental permitting and compliance, cultural resources, air quality, acoustics, water quality, hydraulics, and other environmental disciplines.  
 
 What to Expect
Under direct guidance and mentorship, Environmental Interns will assist in a variety of entry-level environmental duties, to include:
 

  • Serve as an assistant to Environmental team members; assist fish removal from in-stream work areas, mark and set stakes; collect samples; compile data.
  • Assist with preparing environmental documentation (assembling data, performing studies, writing reports, developing graphics/maps, etc.).
  • Assist with biological, stormwater, hazardous materials, stream, and environmental impact assessments including conducting relevant field work 
  • Assist with preparation of plans, specifications and estimates. 
  • Create related charts, maps, graphs, diagrams, and exhibits.
  • Learn processes for performing job-site tests and analyzing test results.
  • Assist with project inspections, community engagement, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Assist Environmental Project Controller with coordinating projects.
  • Perform other tasks as needed.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Currently enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Natural or Physical Sciences, or other related fields of study.
  • Proficiency with computers, office software, and GIS software
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to lift and transport up to 30 pounds of various material and equipment
  • Ability to safely traverse uneven terrain in adverse conditions
  • Ability and willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to job sites throughout assigned geographic area
 
Important Notes 
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
  • This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last 3 – 6  months.
  • The salary listed for this position includes a legislative approved 5% premium for workers in King County.
  • The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.

Why WSDOT 
  • 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. 
 
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? 
 
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 
  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 
 
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
 
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Cori Shull, at ShullCo@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-NWR-12947n in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Are you currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program for Environmental Sciences, Public Administration, Biology, Natural or Physical Science, Environmental Engineering, or other related fields of study?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If answer is yes to the previous question, please specify field of study and degree/certificate type currently pursued. If you answered 'No' to the previous question, please indicate degree field that you are currently studying
03
Please enter your projected graduation date in the space provided:
04
Please briefly describe your knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and issues in the Pacific Northwest.
05
Do you have the ability to lift and transport up to 30 pound of various material and equipment?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you have the ability to traverse uneven terrain?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Are you able and willing to work in adverse weather conditions?
  • Yes
  • No
09
By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all WSDOT employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
10
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
11
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact