Transportation Planning Interns



Transportation Planning Interns

Salary

$3,401.00 - $4,541.00 Monthly

Location

Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

Job Type

Internship

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

23DOT-HQ-05053im

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

02/16/2023

Closing Date

3/9/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



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’s Active Transportation Division (ATD), Multimodal Planning & Data Division (MPDD), and Transportation Safety & System Analysis Division (TSSAD) are currently seeking to fill three Transportation Planning Technician 1 internship positions located in Olympia, WA. These are unique opportunities for currently enrolled or recently graduated students looking to apply their classroom training to real world scenarios. The Transportation Planning Technician 1 internships provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the practical application of planning, communications, data science/data analysis, in an on-the-job environment.

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

  • Develop materials and content for complete streets and safe system implementation grounded in principles of transportation equity by reviewing, assessing, and synthesizing relevant transportation safety materials. 
  • Assist other staff in identifying and clearly communicating opportunities for change in policies, procedures, programs that will create a more equitable system for all transportation system users. 
  • Assist in developing work plans and content for WSDOT Safety and Active Transportation Programs.
  • Collect data and literature, analyze data and reports results to identified audiences.
  • Learn about transportation safety for all modes, the agency’s strategic highway safety and active transportation plans and goals, programs, and projects by participating in tasks that help shape content for delivery.
  • Prepare reports, technical memorandums, briefings, and presentations on deliverables.
  • Participate in meetings, conferences, and other events.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Attendee or recent graduate with one year from a college institution. 
  • Demonstrated ability to convey technical concepts to a general non-technical audience through written and graphic formats.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Possess strong technical skills with the capability to learn and use a variety of software such as Microsoft Office and various online databases to collect data and produce reports and graphics.
  • Fully understand basic research methods and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret images to report data.
  • Experience with and an understanding of active transportation modes of travel (walking, cycling, micromobility, inclusive of use of mobility assistance device related to a disability).
  • Experience and knowledge of transportation and/or land use issues on a local, state, and/or national level affective racialized people, people with disabilities, people living on a limited income, immigrant and refugee community members, and others who experience disproportionate transportation burdens and barriers.
  • Bilingual skills as many of the citizens and stakeholders WSDOT serves are from different cultures and backgrounds; in particular, proficiency in languages identified in WSDOT’s Language Access Plan for statewide vital documents (Arabic, Chinese, Somali, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Russian).

 Important Notes 

  • This recruitment will be used to fill three internship positions and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.  
  • These are non-permanent internships, expected to last approximately 3 - 6 months in duration.
  • 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.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate 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.  
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
 
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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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.  
  • Plan For 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.
 
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. Include relevant experience gained through formal professional employment and volunteer or unpaid experience. 
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. Include relevant lived experience. Lived experience includes experience as a community leader/member of a community who has been disproportionately impacted by and/or underserved by the state’s transportation system including Black, Indigenous, or communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrant, and refugee community members, and nondrivers.
  • One (or both) of the following:
    • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from professional contacts who can speak to your character, work ethic, and readiness for this career opportunity. Professional contacts may include current or previous employers, professors, coaches, or other non-relatives in similar role; OR,
    • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work or volunteer 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.
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at GieseR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-05053im 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 accredited college program, or have you recently graduated in the last 12 months?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you answered yes to the previous question, please indicate degree field in the space provided, and projected graduation date (Otherwise type N/A):
03
Do you have experience using active transportation modes of travel (walking, cycling, micromobility, inclusive of use of mobility assistance device related to a disability) for everyday transportation?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you have experience creating graphics, PowerPoint presentations, web content, or other communication formats in addition to written materials?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have experience describing, analyzing, or illustrating complex processes or procedures?
  • Yes
  • No
06
These internship positions are expected to last 3-6 months. Is this acceptable to you?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 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
08
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
09
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
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