Public Transportation Safety Administrator (WMS3)
State of Washington
FreshPosted Mar 16
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Posted: March 16, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Transportation Engineer Intern | Bridge (Two Positions)
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$3,840 - $5,137
per month
Type
Internship
More Engineering jobs →Closes
April 1, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This internship offers two summer positions in Washington's transportation department, where one intern helps inspect bridges alongside experienced staff, and the other assists with evaluating repairs and doing math for bridge structures.
It's hands-on work that involves climbing high, working in tough outdoor spots, and traveling overnight to keep state bridges safe and reliable.
It's ideal for college students or recent grads studying civil engineering who want real-world experience in bridge safety and maintenance.
Key Requirements
- Currently enrolled in or recently completed at least two semesters/three quarters of a Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering at an accredited school
- Solid grasp of civil and structural engineering basics
- Strong analytical skills to review data, spot issues, and suggest fixes
- Good verbal and written communication for team coordination
- Comfortable working at heights over 100 feet, in confined spaces, around water, and in bad weather
- Ability to handle frequent overnight travel and uneven terrain
- Proficiency with computers and engineering software
Full Job Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.
Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.
In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking two summer interns to join the Bridge and Structures Division in Tumwater, WA.
One position will support the regional inspection staff as a co-inspector and the other position will support the bridge repair engineer in assessing repair projects and performing structural calculations.
These roles provide college students or recent college graduates with working exposure to the field of structural condition assessment of bridges and tunnels.
The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) dictate the scope and requirements of a bridge inspection program.
These positions support WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation by ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridges on the state highway system.
What to Expect
These positions perform work at heights exceeding 100 feet, in confined space environments, over and around waterways, outdoors with exposure to inclement weather, and frequently traverse uneven terrain. Frequent overnight travel is required.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer Intern will:
- Assist in the completion of in-service bridge inspections.
- Perform structural analysis and calculations to aid in the development of repair plans
- Perform non-destructive evaluation of concrete and steel structures using ultrasonic, magnetic particles, and dye penetrant testing.
- Use a variety of techniques and access equipment, including but not limited to Under-Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT), bucket trucks, scaffolding, or boats to access structures.
- Complete inspection reports under the supervision of a Lead Inspector.
- Use knowledge of a variety of software programs and operate computers and computer accessories.
- Assist with work preliminary to an inspection trip to ensure inspection team readiness, including reviewing bridge reports and files, preparing inspection packets and coordinating WSDOT, other agencies, and rental companies for the use of specialized access equipment, inspection resources, and traffic control operations.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Education Eligibility: Meets the education eligibility requirements for student employment as outlined in RCW 43.06.420 and completion of at least two semesters or three quarters of study in a Bachelor or Master of Science in Civil Engineering curriculum at an accredited college or university.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of civil and structural engineering principles and practices.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess data, identify problems, and apply logical solutions.
- Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate with team members and supervisors.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others to achieve project goals.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Skills to identify issues and contribute to solutions under guidance.
- Attention to Detail: Skilled at ensuring accuracy and quality in work products.
- Time Management and Organization: Skills and ability to plan, prioritize, and complete tasks within deadlines.
- Adaptability and Learning: Skills and ability to adjust to changing tasks or methods and is willing to learn new skills.
- Professionalism and Ethics: Ability to follow standards, safety protocols, and demonstrates integrity.
- Technology and Software: Skills to apply relevant software tools to support engineering analysis and design.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
- Ability to work at heights exceeding 100 feet, in confined space environments, over and around waterways.
- Ability to travel overnight to perform site visits.
- Ability to work nights and weekends.
- Ability to work outdoors with exposure to inclement weather, and frequently traverse uneven terrain.
- Ability to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) as required for bridge inspections.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Structural Technical Knowledge: Structural Engineering course emphasis in curriculum.
- Technology & Software Proficiency: Skilled with MSOffice applications, Finite Element Analysis, MathCAD.
Important Notes
- This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) intern positions and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- These are non-permanent intern positions, expected to last up to four (4) months.
- In addition to the listed base pay, these positions are eligible for an additional 10% while either operating an UBIT from the bucket or while serving as back-up operator on the bridge deck for a minimum of four (4) hours per working day.
- These positions are not eligible for remote work and require frequent overnight travel.
- 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, please visit www.uscis.gov
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.
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 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 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 of 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.
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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05543m in the subject line.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes