Salary: $21.00 – $28.10 Hourly
Location: King County – Multiple Locations, WA
Job Type: Internship
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Job Number: 23DOT-NWR-TEIntern-Environment
Closing: 2/28/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

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 has two exciting environmental internship positions available this summer in Northwest Region (Seattle, WA).  This region covers King County north to the Canadian border and the cascade mountain crest west to the Puget Sound. This is a great opportunity to learn about the exciting work WSDOT is doing to meet environmental stewardship goals in a real-world setting. The Environmental Office directly supports the transportation needs of Washington State by providing environmental technical studies, field investigations, interagency coordination, and construction support to WSDOT projects and operations. A specific area of focus in our team is supporting a substantial effort to remove barriers to salmon under highways and provide access to upstream habitat. The successful candidate will receive exposure to the various roles in the Environmental Office and WSDOT project teams and gain hands-on experience assisting the program in biological studies, fish & wildlife, environmental permitting and compliance, cultural resources, air quality, acoustics, water quality, hydraulics, and other environmental disciplines. 

What to Expect
Under direct guidance and mentorship, Environmental Interns will assist in a variety of entry-level environmental duties, to include:

  • Serve as an assistant to Environmental team members; assist fish removal from in-stream work areas, mark and set stakes; collect samples; compile data.
  • Assist with preparing environmental documentation (assembling data, performing studies, writing reports, developing graphics/maps, etc.).
  • Assist with biological, stormwater, hazardous materials, stream, and environmental impact assessments including conducting relevant field work 
  • Assist with preparation of plans, specifications and estimates. 
  • Create related charts, maps, graphs, diagrams, and exhibits.
  • Learn processes for performing job-site tests and analyzing test results.
  • Assist with project inspections, community engagement, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Assist Environmental Project Controller with coordinating projects.
  • Perform other tasks as needed.

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

  • Currently enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Natural or Physical Sciences, or other related fields of study.
  • Proficiency with computers, office software, and GIS software
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to safely traverse uneven terrain in adverse conditions
  • Ability and willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites throughout assigned geographic area.

Important Notes 

  • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 
  • Internships are temporary employment opportunities, expected to last 3 – 6 months, for students working toward an undergraduate degree (RCW 43.06.420).
  • This recruitment will be used to fill positions at Northwest Region Headquarters in Seattle, WA.
  • 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. 
  • 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.  
  • Application review will begin on February 7th, 2023. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 

Why WSDOT

  • Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
  • 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.
  • Tuition Assistance – 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. 
  • 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.

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 your experience to date (in reverse chronological order)
  • 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
  • Two letters of recommendation are also strongly encouraged, but not required to be considered. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can attest to your work ethic, technical skills, and job-related competencies. 

To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3875062/environmental-services-intern-northwest-region. 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.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
 
Contact us: For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at strebal@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference Environmental Intern in the subject line.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

To Apply
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3875062/environmental-services-intern-northwest-region