Metro Mobility Internships (Graduate Intern III)

Full Job Description

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to graduate students currently enrolled and continuing in the fall of 2026 in full-time status at an accredited university/college. Proof of full-time enrollment is required.

Get real world experience with us! Metro's Mobility Division is seeking student interns to work within our Market Innovation, Service Development and Contracted Services sections. There are 13 graduate intern positions to fill for the 2026/27 summer and school year.

Internships are estimated to end 12 months from the date of hire and/or until you can no longer qualify as a student intern. Who are we looking for?

Metro Mobility is looking for student interns that have graduated college and are working at the graduate level on a master's or higher degree. We are looking for interns who are interested and excited to gain relevant experience from working for the state's largest public transit agency. Candidates should be self-starters, interested in learning about public transit and working for a local government dedicated to planning for and offering access to public transportation within King County.

Graduate Intern Position	Section in Metro Mobility Division
Position1: Research	Market Innovation
Position2: Connecting to Transit	Market Innovation
Position3: Innovative Mobility	Market Innovation
Position 4: Employee Transportation Program	Market Innovation
Position 5: Youth Mobility Program	Market Innovation
Position 6: Fares Policy	Market Innovation
Position 7: System Expansion & Integration, Policy/Planning	Service Development
Position 8: Service Development Strategic Initiatives	Service Development
Position 9: Service Planning	Service Development
Position 10: Mobility Services	Contracted Services
Position 11: Alternative Services	Contracted Services
Positions 12 & 13: Neighborhood Pop Up	Communications & Customer Service

This recruitment may be used to generate an eligibility pool for future Intern vacancies that may occur in this classification within this workgroup. The eligibility pool will be retained for 12 months from the date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Requirements

Position 1: Research Intern

(Positions 1 – 6 are in the Market Innovation Section)

About the Market Innovation Section: Market Innovation expands the reach of public transportation by breaking barriers and developing new products and services.

The Research Team works to ensure that leaders and teams across Metro have the data and research they need for the design, implementation and evaluation of our programs and services.

Our work is dynamic and reflects the emerging questions and needs related to mobility, program and pilot evaluation, and customer and employee experiences.

JOB DUTIES:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of research efforts including literature reviews, surveys, research & evaluation plans, interviews, and participant recruitment.
• Develop internal materials (e.g., research briefs, memos, presentations) that feature data from Metro's surveys, qualitative data collection, travel trends, location-based data, or other research efforts.
• Support Metro teams to collect data, interpret and apply findings to answer key questions, design/program short surveys or observational studies.
• Interpret, report, and help visualize quantitative data for decision-making, such as program-level data dashboards.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Familiarity/proficiency with data sets and analysis including quantitative and qualitative data.
• Familiarity with research design principles and approaches.
• Interest in, or knowledge of public transportation, social science research approaches, customer research or related topics.
• Experience using or eagerness to learn Excel, GIS, Power Bl, R, and Python or SQL.
• Verbal and written communication skills, including those that support collaboration with a variety of different internal teams.

Position 2: Connecting to Transit Intern

The Connecting to Transit team works to improve customers' access to transit and the larger regional system by creating safe and convenient connections for people to walk, roll, bike or share rides to transit facilities.

Connecting to Transit integrates a range of mobility options at transit facilities by improving access pathways (i.e., safe routes to transit) and transit facilities (i.e., mobility hubs) to increase non-motorized and zero-emission access mode share and grow ridership.

JOB DUTIES:

Assist with programs that improve access to multiple mobility options including walking, biking, rolling, shared bikes, scooters, and on-demand services such as Metro Flex.

• Data collection, analysis, reporting, and visualization for decision-making.
• Support public and stakeholder engagement for transit rewards initiatives, active transportation infrastructure improvement and mobility hub projects.
• Coordinate collection of bike and vehicle parking data toward improving data quality and analyses.
• Manage and respond to questions and communications from customers via program email inboxes with support from the Connecting to Transit team.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Professional or academic experience using software for data analysis and/or data visualization (e.g. Excel, GIS, Power Bl, and Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong analytical skills including data collection and analysis.
• Process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Creative thinking to draw connections and synthesize different bodies of work.
• Understanding of how systemic racial, social, and economic inequities have affected transit accessibility.

Position 3: Innovative Mobility & Health Through Housing Intern

The Innovative Mobility Program improves customer experiences of transit by facilitating and accelerating the evolution of programs, tools, policies, and practices, helping Metro meet the moment and prepare for future mobility and marketplace developments.

The Health Though Housing Program is part of Innovative Mobility and it coordinates mobility services to supportive housing sites to address financial and other barriers to transportation.

The program’s goal is to improve mobility and wellbeing and toward doing so, it operates the EasyTrip Universal Basic Mobility pilot.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support the Innovative Mobility Program’s equitable payment interoperability work, consisting of:
  1. EasyTrip Universal Basic Mobility pilot operations and evaluation;
  2. Mobility Wallet market research, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement; and
  3. Developing new features in ORCA for fare distribution.
• Contribute to program modernization and process improvement, in partnership with operational work groups within Metro.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, report and presentation development for internal and external stakeholders to guide strategic decision making.
• Coordinate onsite events to promote enrollment and engagement in mobility services among Health Through Housing program participants.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Demonstrated interest in the role of technology and electronic payment systems in transit and mobility.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Analytical skills including data analysis, research, troubleshooting, and critical thinking.
• A commitment to equity, social justice, and sustainability.
• A collaborative and innovative approach to problem solving.
• Comfort with supporting on-site events providing services to at-risk communities.

Position 4: Employee Transportation Program Intern

The Employee Transportation Program (ETP) works to administer transportation benefits to approximately 18,000 King County employees across 136 King County worksites implementing innovations in commute programming, curated communication and organization skills, and a hands-on approach to employee engagement.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support the Employee Transportation Program’s short and long-range planning, analysis, and administration for projects including Commute Trip Reduction surveying, commuter incentives, event tabling, presentation/outreach efforts, and multimodal (transit, vanpool, bike, walk, ferry) subsidy programs.
• Support Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Team with projects and initiatives that may include Revive I-5 & FIFA mitigation, regional TDM campaigns for Metro service changes, and partnerships with community-based organizations and local jurisdictions.
• Build relationships with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders such as KC employees, ID Access and Security, and regional agencies/partners.
• Analyze data and workflows to implement recommendations for efficiency, dashboard, and service improvements.
• Develop and publish marketing and communications collateral such as ETP social media content, internal/external communications, and programmatic announcements.
• Aid with grant funding research and proposal development.
• Support partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and local jurisdictions
• Work in conjunction with a Project Manager(s) to implement and administer high priority initiatives:
  1. King County employee e-bike pilot.
  2. Commute Trip Reduction survey tasks including outreach and communication.
  3. Support FMD ID/Access and Security in King County department-wide ID badge replacement process.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Analytical skills including data analysis, research, troubleshooting, and critical thinking.
• A commitment to equity, social justice, and sustainability.
• A collaborative and innovative approach to problem solving.
• The ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Position 5: Youth Mobility Program Intern

Metro’s Youth Mobility Program works to give young people the skills and confidence to ride public transit through education, outreach, community partnerships, and internships.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support Youth Mobility programming, including Youth ORCA card partnerships, the Youth Transit Summer Internship, transit education, student surveys, and more.
• Administrative tasks: organize supplies, manage databases, track cards, take meeting notes.
• Draft, edit, and publish external communications, like a program newsletter.
• Interact with youth and families at school and community events, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Support onsite and offsite activities during the Youth Transit Summer Internship for high school students, July 13-31.
• Communicate with community groups, schools, or other partners via email, phone, and in person.
• Create or modify presentations or outreach materials to fit specific audiences.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data in Excel or other programs.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Experience in public outreach, customer service, or other arenas interacting with the public.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to speak to different audiences.
• Interest in public transportation.
• Experience working with young people (especially ages 10-18).
• Experience working with multilingual communities.
• Experience with GIS, Excel, or data visualization programs.
• Self- motivated skills to communicate needs, suggest improvements, and work without constant supervision.
• Keen attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.

Position 6: Fares Policy Intern

The Fare Policy and Strategy Program advances Metro’s fare vision through policy development, partnership, regional collaboration, innovation, and ongoing research and evaluation.

Our vision is to deliver a fares system that is easy, fair, and affordable – with a focus on meeting the needs of riders facing the biggest barriers.

The Fares Team is small but mighty, working in close collaboration with Metro colleagues and regional partners to deliver for our customers.

This year we are focused on delivering a set of regional policy aims in collaboration with political leadership and transit agencies throughout the Puget Sound; coordinating implementation of program and policy changes to improve access to fares – especially for riders with barriers; stewarding our fare systems and revenue; and carrying out rigorous evaluation as Metro’s approach to fares changes and grows.

JOB DUTIES:

• Research and evaluation – contributing to research design; collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; reviewing literature, industry standards, and peer agency practices; and sharing outcomes and conclusions with diverse stakeholders.
• Policy analysis and development – analyzing current and proposed policies at the agency, county, and state levels. Assisting Metro in developing positions and/or responses to inquiries. Contributing to proposed legislation or other County council transmittals.
• Communications and engagement – contributing to the development of FAQs, informational documents, and customer information to support rider engagement in, knowledge of, and access to the fares system.
• Program design and implementation – providing support for planning and program design.
• Participation in matrixed teams – participating and collaborating with matrixed teams including colleagues from Metro, partner transit agencies, and others to develop consensus, cooperate productively, and deliver on shared goals and deliverables.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Experience using data to inform thinking and decision making.
• Curiosity, inquisitiveness, and a willingness to try and learn new things.
• A commitment to equity and centering the most impacted communities and people.
• A genuine interest in public transit, public service, or a career in local government.

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Position 7: System Expansion & Integration Intern

(Positions 7 – 9 are in the Service Development Section)

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About the Service Development Section: Metro's Service Development Section is responsible for the planning and Implementation of transit services, schedules, facilities, regional partnerships, and performance management.

The System Expansion and Integration team works to support transit system growth by developing and implementing policies and plans, improving integration between different services and providers, and building out Metro's RapidRide system.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support projects related to program evaluation, mid and long-range planning, Bus Rapid Transit development, and transit integration with Sound Transit's Link.
• Conduct research and literature reviews to support plan and policy development.
• Assemble data collection, analysis, synthesis, and visualization.
• Write and/or review memos, reports, and/or presentations.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Strong communication, writing, and research skills.
• Attention to detail and can manage multiple tasks.
• A collaborative and flexible approach to solving problems.
• Experience with meeting or group facilitation in highly collaborative work environments.
• Experience using data analysis tools like Excel, GIS, Power Bl, or another software.
• Experience with programming languages, such as R, Python, or SOL will be considered a plus.

Position 8: Service Development Strategic Initiatives Intern

The Service Development Management Team supports strategic planning across work groups and represents service needs in Metro's key initiatives. The Zero Emissions Team is a matrixed, cross-divisional team that is leading Metro's transition to a zero­ emissions fleet.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support planning for enterprise-wide strategic initiatives including transitioning routes to zero emissions fleet and route terminal planning.
• Data collection, analysis, synthesis, and visualization.
• Writing and/or reviewing memos, reports, and/or presentations.
• Conducting and summarizing research on peer agencies or transit industry trends.
• Support facilitation of cross-divisional work groups.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Strong communication, writing, and research skills.
• Attention to detail and can manage multiple tasks.
• A collaborative and flexible approach to solving problems.
• Experience with meeting or group facilitation in highly collaborative work environments.
• Experience using data analysis tools like Excel, GIS, Power Bl, or another software.
• Experience with programming languages, such as R, Python, or SOL will be considered a plus.
• A demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Position 9: Service Planning Intern

The Service Planning Team works to design and implement bus route changes to the transit network.

Service Planning creatively leads the development of transit and mobility solutions for and with the people of King County to ensure easy, reliable, and attractive transportation that promotes socially equitable and healthy outcomes.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support service planning projects.
• Collect data for analysis, synthesis, and visualization using tools such as Excel, ArcGIS Pro, Power Bl and/or R.
• Write and/or review memos, reports, and/or presentations.
• Conduct survey analysis and reporting.
• Special projects.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Strong communication, writing, and research skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• A collaborative and flexible approach to solving problems.
• Experience with meeting or group facilitation in highly collaborative work environments.
• Experience using data analysis tools like Excel, GIS, Power Bl, or other software.
• Experience with programming languages, such as R, Python, or SQL will be considered a plus.
• A demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Position 10: Community Transportation Services Intern

(Position 10 and 11 are in the Contracted Services Section )

About the Contracted Services Section: Metro's Contracted Services Section provides customers with information to access the full potential of Metro's transportation choices.

This section is responsible for communicating and interfacing with customers and for growing new customers.

Contracted Services manages and operates the Access Paratransit, Vanpool, Metro Flex, DART, Community Van and Community Access Transportation (CAT) programs.

The Community Transportation Services team works to design and implement community-based mobility options to provide right-sized transportation services where traditional fixed route is not the best fit.

Programs range from volunteer­ driven vehicles for Community Van to local agency operated services for Community Access Transportation and on demand response service for Metro Flex.

JOB DUTIES:

• Support oversight of Community Transportation Services team operations.
• Support field auditing and contract compliance efforts for Community Transportation Services programs.
• Develop improved data infrastructure to enhance program metric tracking and visualization.
• Assist with program strategy development through data analysis, research, and communication with relevant stakeholders within Metro and in the community.
• Assist with outreach and marketing for Community Transportation Services programs.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Program and project management skills.
• Strong analytical skills including data collection and analysis.
• Creative thinking to draw connections and synthesize different bodies of work.
• Interest in or knowledge of dynamic public transportation services.

Position 11: Alternative Services Intern

The Future of Paratransit team works to support the development and implementation of the future vision for Access Transportation, King County Metro's ADA Paratransit Service.

These efforts are aimed at providing Access riders with a high level of service quality and customer experience, while providing a safe and efficient service.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist with the Access Paratransit Program.
• Assist with alternative services programs for people with disabilities registered for ADA paratransit service such. Access On Demand (AOD) among others.
• Research best practices, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration through interaction with King County Metro department staff, area employers and their employees, local jurisdictions, and transportation management associations.
• Experience being part of a transit/transportation street team effort.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Program and project management skills.
• Process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Research and analysis skills.
• Writing skills in a variety of formats such as memos, reports and presentations.
• Interest in or knowledge of Demand Responsive Public Transportation.

Positions 12 & 13: Neighborhood Pop Up

Positions 12 & 13 are in the Customer Communications & Services Section

About the Customer Communications & Services Section: Metro’s Customer Communications & Services Section provides direct customer support to transit riders by phone and in person.

The Neighborhood Pop-Up program delivers ORCA and transit education at outreach events across King County, creating accessible, community-based ways to meet Metro customer needs.

Through partnerships with cities, schools, businesses, libraries, and community organizations, the program connects riders to transit services and reduces barriers to ORCA access.

The Neighborhood Pop-Up Program is recruiting two (2) intern positions which are focused on supporting community engagement, raising awareness of public transportation services, and promoting equitable access to transit resources.

They offer hands-on experience in outreach, public service communication, and project management support.

The work for these positions will be predominantly performed on site and at locations throughout King County and may have a teleworking component.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist in planning neighborhood pop-up outreach events and occasionally provide direct support to riders at events.
• Design educational materials to educate riders about routes, schedules, ORCA programs, and trip-planning tools.
• Support physical and digital outreach efforts, including content creation and community engagement.
• Conduct rider surveys and gather feedback from community members and partner organizations to identify unmet needs, gain insight on promotional techniques, and improve service delivery.
• Conduct community rider surveys and collect local partner feedback to inform service improvements.
• Help track program outreach metrics and prepare program reports.
• Strengthen and support partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to expand transit awareness and book events.

THIS INTERNSHIP WOULD BEST MATCH STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

• Interest in public transportation, community and program development, or social equity.
• Strong communication, writing, and research skills
• Experience engaging with community members and multilingual groups.
• Self-motivated skills to communicate needs, suggest improvements, and work without constant supervision.
• Data entry or basic survey and research analysis experience
• Proficiency in SharePoint, Microsoft Office and/or Adobe Software
• A current driver’s license and the ability to be added to King County’s insurance.
• The ability to push, pull and lift about 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• The student is currently enrolled or can demonstrate enrollment in a graduate-level program for the 2026/27 school year.
• The student is willing to work throughout the 2026/27 school year and be physically present to attend in-person, at offices in Downtown Seattle. These positions are a combination of in person and telework.
• Advanced communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and adapt to evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working in interdisciplinary teams and facilitating meetings or workgroups.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, decision-making, or program implementation.
• Interest in or experience with public transportation, urban planning, mobility services, or transportation policy.

Additional Information

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to graduate students currently enrolled and continuing in the fall of 2026 in full-time status at an accredited university/college. Proof of full-time enrollment is required.

HOW TO APPLY

Attend one of two voluntary, information sessions where prospective interns can meet Mobility team members and learn more about the positions.

While attendance is not required, these open-house sessions can help you decide which three of the positions you are interested in applying for.

Computers will be available at these events for you to submit your applications on site.

The open-house sessions will start with a brief overview about each of the positions and then offer an opportunity for applicants to talk directly with hiring leads about the positions.

The two open-house events will be held in downtown Seattle at King County offices on:

Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, from 10 a.m. – noon at King Street Center, 8th Floor Conference Room at 201 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104. Meet a Metro staff member in the lobby to give you access to the elevator and the 8th floor conference room.

Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at King County’s Chinook Building, Conference Center Room 123 at 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104. No access is required, once through the revolving doors, head to conference room 123, located behind the elevators.

1. Submit an online employment application, to include all relevant employment history and experience related to this role as well as responses to the supplemental questions.

Upload your cover letter along with any other relevant additional documents or materials. Resumes are not required for this application.

Your letter should explain why you are interested in working at King County Metro and how you meet the qualifications for the position(s) outlined above.

All application materials will be reviewed for completeness and written communication skills.

2. Answer the supplemental questions at the end of the application -- including the questions that ask you to identify and rank which three of the positions you would like to apply for.

The application and upload of all materials is due by 11:59PM on Friday, April 10, 2026.

APPLICANT REVIEW PROCESS

Application documents received will be reviewed and competitive applicants will be scheduled for interviews for the three positions as indicated by your answer to the supplemental question.

Interviews are expected to occur during the last two weeks of April and intern position awards will be made during the first week of May 2026.

Final offers are contingent on the successful completion of reference checks. Proof of full-time enrollment (defined by the school) in a graduate degree program for the Spring 2026 and/or Fall 2026 quarters/semesters will be required for student internships at the time of hire.

QUESTIONS and CONTACT

For questions, please contact Mobility.internship@kingcounty.gov

Benefits: Interns receive a free ORCA transit pass for unlimited rides on King County Metro and Puget Sound region transit services. These classifications are not eligible for retirement, holidays nor vacation pay.

Union Membership: These positions are not represented by a union.

Class Codes: 299801

Work Schedule: This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.

Work Location:King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104

Telecommuting: The work associated with these job classifications will be performed through a combination of teleworking complemented with onsite work.

The specific mix can be agreed between Intern and supervisor. King County employees are expected to work onsite a minimum of two to three days per week.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop.

When not working onsite, the intern must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Working onsite desk space and an internet connection are provided.

The intern will be expected to report in person primarily at King Street Center, 201 S Jackson Street but potentially at other various locations in King County for work.

Interns must reside in Washington state during the period of this internship.

Onsite work is most often completed via shared workspaces at King County’s downtown Seattle offices but could include work in other locations.

Unless accomplished via the provided ORCA card, commuting to onsite work will be at the expense of the employee.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity.

Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.