Environmental Intern (TPT1)

Description

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 state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Planning Technician Intern to join the Southwest Region Environmental Team. This internship provides a unique opportunity for college students or recent graduates to gain practical, hands-on exposure to the environmental field within transportation infrastructure. The role supports a team of Transportation Planning Specialists by assisting with environmental documentation, data collection, field studies, and compliance tasks required by federal, state, and agency laws and regulations. Environmental Interns gain experience with environmental assessments, permit preparation, GIS-based project summaries, and on-site construction monitoring while collaborating with design, construction, and environmental staff to help ensure transportation projects meet environmental requirements. The selected individual will also develop skills in applying multimodal transportation procedures, concepts, and techniques in real-world projects that positively impact communities and the environment across Washington State.

What to Expect
Core business hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and occasional extended hours may be required. This position performs work both indoors in an office setting and outdoors. While out in the field, duties may require navigating rough or steep terrain, which can include downed logs, dense brush, shallow streams, tidal channels and steep slopes. Travel within the Southwest Region for projects site visits or meetings with stakeholders, as well as occasional statewide travel for training, may be required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Intern will:

• Provide technical assistance support to higher level specialists within the SWR Environmental Team in carrying out environmental documentation, roadside restoration, and compliance responsibilities consistent with local, state, and federal regulations. 
• Assist with preparation of environmental documentation.
• Assemble data; assist in preparing biological, cultural, noise, and other special studies. 
• Research and write portions of permit applications. 
• Prepare environmental commitment lists and compliance notebooks for construction; prepare environmental memos and maps.
• Produce Environmental Review Summaries (ERSs) using GIS software for environmental scoping of future projects. 
• Perform field work and complete data collection. 
• Participate in various environmental studies such as biological assessments, hazardous material assessments, wetland delineations, and wildlife surveys; assist in compiling data, drawing supporting sketches and preparing reports.
• Assist Environmental Compliance Inspector. 
• Conduct fish exclusion work for projects requiring in water work, pre-project and active construction avian/wildlife monitoring and surveys.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Education Eligibility (Statutory Requirement): Meets the education eligibility requirements for student employment (internship) as outlined in RCW 43.06.420 and currently enrollment in an accredited educational institution for an undergraduate degree program.
• Environmental Knowledge: Understanding of environmental principles and practices in biology, environmental science, natural resources, or closely related disciplines. 
• Task and Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and manage multiple complex tasks concurrently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Research and Analytical Communication: Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources and produces clear, concise, and well-structured summaries and reports. 
• Computer and Information Systems Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to use personal computers and standard business software to evaluate data, generate reports, utilize databases, and prepare professional documents using word-processing applications. 
• Reliability & Professional Responsibility: Demonstrated ability to follow safety protocols, organizational standards, and instructions in a work or learning environment.
• Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate technical or project-related information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members, follow direction, and ask clarifying questions when needed. 
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrated willingness to take action to meet the needs of others. 
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 

In addition to the above competencies, the following are also required:   

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle for travel to job sites during work hours. 
• The ability to travel within the region for project site visits, meetings, and occasional statewide travel for training. 
• The ability to traverse rough or steep terrain. 
• The ability to manipulate and/or relocate tools and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Environmental Laws and Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations. 

Important Notes 

• Internships are temporary employment opportunities for students working toward an undergraduate degree (RCW 43.06.420).  
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel within limits of Southwest Region for projects site visits or meetings with stakeholders and occasional statewide travel for training may be required. 
• 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 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 telework options for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn 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.  
• 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. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, 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, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41594n in the subject line.