About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT Eastern Region Planning Office is currently seeking to fill a Transportation Planning Technician 1 internship position located in Spokane, WA. In this role, you will assist the planning office with small-scale, short-term tasks related to the community engagement and environmental justice work of Eastern Region Planning. You will support implementation of Community Engagement Program, environmental justice, communications objectives, and planning goals. This includes meeting the engagement needs for multiple new and ongoing projects and programs including the North Spokane Corridor (NSC), Lease Lands, the Land Bridge across I-90, Complete Streets, and Placemaking and Placekeeping work in the NSC/I-90 Corridor. Outcomes and products will be conveyed in writing, graphical representations, Geographic Information Systems, PowerPoint presentations, Tableau Dashboards, and other communication mechanisms as appropriate to the information and audience. This is a unique opportunity for currently enrolled or a recently graduated student looking to apply their classroom training to real world scenarios. The Transportation Planning Technician 1 internship provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the practical application of multimodal transportation procedures, concepts, and techniques in an on-the-job environment.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you may:

• Assist in organizing and participating in community engagement events, such as meetings, workshops, and focus groups.
• Engage with diverse community members to gather feedback on transportation projects and initiatives.
• Analyze demographic data, maps, and other resources to identify overburdened and vulnerable populations.
• Collect data and literature, analyze data and source, and report results to identified audiences using effective communication.
• Conduct research on transportation-related issues, with a focus on identifying environmental justice concerns and equitable solutions.
• Review project documents and StoryMap content for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to WSDOT standards.
• Utilize GIS software to create maps, visualizations, and StoryMaps illustrating transportation infrastructure, demographics, and environmental factors.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders, such as community organizations and government agencies, to leverage resources and enhance engagement efforts.
• Participate in team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to share insights and contribute to project planning and implementation.

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

• Must be involved in a college institution or recent graduate (within two years). 
• Demonstrated ability to convey technical concepts to a general non-technical audience through written and graphic formats. 
• Experience with and an understanding of active transportation modes of travel (walking, cycling, micro-mobility, inclusive of use of mobility assistance device related to a disability).

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 MS Office, GIS, 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 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 affecting 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 candidate preferred as many of the citizens and stakeholders WSDOT serves are from different cultures and backgrounds.

 
Important Notes 

• This internship opportunity is expected to last up to 3-6 months. 
• This internship is approved for part-time or full-time, depending on the selected candidate’s availability and business needs.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. 
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 3%, effective on July 1, 2024.
• 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 . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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  

 
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 for more information. 

 
Check out this video to learn more:  

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. 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  
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Daisha Jordan, at . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-ER-61325n in the subject line.