Hybrid SDOT Equity, Engagement, and Environmental Planning Intern bei City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!

Position Overview:
The Equity, Engagement & Environmental Planning (E3) Intern will support the City of Seattle’s Sound Transit (ST3) Program team by assisting with coordination, facilitation support, and documentation across the program’s three key Workgroups: Equity, Environment, and Engagement. The intern will help track workgroup attendance and support cross-team communication. 

This role offers a hands-on opportunity to support our team as we champion the City’s equity frameworks—including the Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), Racial Equity Toolkit (RET), and Transportation Equity Framework (TEF)—and gain skills in applying racial and social equity strategies across various project phases such as engagement, engineering, permitting, environmental review, and real property coordination.

Professional Benefits: 
•Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
•Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills.
•Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth.
•Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies.
•Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.

Competitive Pay and Benefits:
•Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment.
•Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more.
•Participate in the City's Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth.

Position Duties

•30% Assists in planning and facilitating Workgroup meetings and tracks workplan tasks. 
•25% Conducts research and analysis on equity frameworks, environmental justice, inclusive engagement strategies, and environmental topics. 
•15% Reviews ST analyses on variety of topics. 
•20% Drafts meeting notes, presentation materials, and coordination summaries. 
•10% Applies the City's equity frameworks and values to support internal planning and interdepartmental efforts. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.

Preferred Areas of Study: 
Diversity, Ethnicity, and or Gender Studies, Social Justice Studies, Communications, Public Administration, International Studies, Social Work, Linguistics, Planning, Sustainable Transportation and/or Social Sciences. 

Undergraduate majors must maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA throughout the internship.

You will be successful in this internship if you have:
•High degree of accuracy and attention to detail, 
•Enjoy tackling problems and finding solutions, 
•Ability to work independently or in a team, Fast learner with computer software skill aptitude, Interest in working in public service.

Desired Qualifications:
•Organized and reliable, with project coordination skills 
•Communication and writing skills. 
•Have an interest in public service, equity, environmental policy, or community engagement 
•Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and digital collaboration tools a plus.

Other Qualifications

Internship dates: Start/ End Dates: November 2025 – December 15th, 2026.

Schedule:
Intern will work up-to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.

Salary: 
Undergraduate students will be paid $21.78-$21.78 per hour.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.
Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.

1.Completed NEOGOV online application.
2.Cover letter.
3.Resume.
4.Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA. (Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.)

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process. 

Hybrid Work: 
Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.

Who May Apply: 
This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.