Hybrid SDOT Community Projects 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:
From fall 2025 through spring 2026 with the potential to extend, this position will support planning and delivery of projects identified through the Neighborhood Initiated Safety Partnership Projects Program and the Council District Fund Program. These are two new community-focused programs included in the voter-approved 2024 Transportation Levy. 

The Neighborhood Initiated Safety Partnership Projects Program will prioritize projects based on community requests, frequency and severity of collisions, geographic equity which is assessed through Race and Social Justice Initiative metrics, and with guidance from the prioritization in the 2024 Seattle Transportation Plan. 

The Council District Fund will select projects based on Council Member and district priorities. This position conducts field evaluations, planning coordination with stakeholders, project development, and draft designs for various projects in the Project Development Division at SDOT. This position will also support the development of bike projects including Bike+ spot improvements and bike rack layout.

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

•40% Assists in the planning, project development, and outreached for community and Council Member-requested transportation priorities such as new sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, safety improvements, and public space enhancements.
•20% Coordinates with internal stakeholders by using the Complete Streets Checklist to identify opportunities and conflicts with SDOT-delivered projects.
•20% Collects and analyzes traffic data in the field and in the office, including traffic volumes and speeds, pedestrian counts, student travel patterns, and collision history, to help inform project design solutions.
•10% Assists in the planning and design of Bike+ spot projects for SDOT crew delivery identified in the City’s Seattle Transportation Plan and Trails Upgrade Plan to improve safety on our bike trail network.
•10% Assists in the design and layout of bike and scooter share parking facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Areas of Study: 
Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Engineering, GIS Studies. 

Undergraduate engineering students must maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA throughout the internship.
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:
•Knowledge and experience with urban transportation planning concepts like multi-modal design and Vision Zero goals. 
•Familiarity with City of Seattle, WSDOT, AASHTO, and NACTO pedestrian and bicycle design standards.
•Detail oriented with strong organizational, time-management and customer service skills.
•Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Power Point.
•Effective oral and written communication and customer service; proven ability to communicate information clearly, concisely, and accurately to all staff, contractors, vendors and other departments 
•Effectively work in multi-cultural workplace with diverse customer base.

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.
Undergraduate Engineering students will be paid $26.41 - $28.44 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 including the completion of a background check which includes a criminal history review.  

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.