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 is currently seeking to fill a Engineering Geologist Intern within the Headquarters Engineering Geology Section. This position works within the Unstable Slopes Management Program, performing field and office work related to inventory, assessment, and scoping of various unstable slopes and related constructed geotechnical assets on a statewide basis.

This position will research contract as-builts, create job files and enter information into the USMS database, as well as assess the condition of constructed geotechnical assets and unmitigated unstable slopes.

The positions and work performed include:

• Provide engineering geology support to the Unstable Slopes Unit under the supervision of a Transportation Engineer 4.
• Aid members of the Engineering Geology Construction and Design Unit on various field and analytic tasks.

What to Expect 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held in this role, the Transportation Engineer Intern will:

• Research the USMS and other WSDOT databases, geotechnical design reports, and as-built construction documents. Compile information into organized files and prepare various maps using GIS.
• Perform field inventory and assessments of unstable slopes and constructed geotechnical assets (rockfall fences, horizontal drains, and slope netting). Document findings using handwritten notes and drawings, electronic tablets, GPS, and/or cameras, and enter field information into a database.
• Write daily reports, compiling data, researching data, entering data, collecting data, and storing data.

  
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
At the time of appointment, must have completed at least three (3) years or be a recent graduate of a four-year degree program in Geological Sciences, Engineering Geology, or a closely related field which includes coursework in Geologic Field Mapping.
OR 
Current or recently graduated student in a Graduate degree program in Geological Sciences, Engineering Geology or closely related field.
Must have a valid Washington State Drivers License.
Must have the ability to travel overnight and work outside in adverse conditions.

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, SR View, GIS software tools to collect data and produce reports with graphics.
• Fully understand basic statistical analysis, research methods and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret images to report data.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

 
Important Notes 

• This is a 6-month non-permanent opportunity.

 
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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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: 

• 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. 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, Sidra Fields, at fieldss@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 21DOT-HQ-04913n in the subject line.