SDOT Traffic Safety Intern

Position Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

Job Responsibilities

• Position Overview: By applying to this job posting, you are applying for the following internship opportunities with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). Applicants will be asked to indicate which opportunity interests them most and will be matched to the one that best fits their skills and interests. Opportunity 1: Vision Zero Intern Join SDOT's Vision Zero team, which leads the City's work to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on Seattle streets by 2030. You'll work alongside engineers and planners and get direct experience applying the Safe System approach to real roadways. The Safe System approach designs streets so that human mistakes don't lead to deaths or serious injuries. You'll help evaluate existing street conditions, gather traffic and GIS data, conduct traffic analysis, develop design concepts, and choose street safety treatments. Along the way, you'll gain experience with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Synchro. You'll also learn to apply national and local design guidance, including the MUTCD (the national standard for traffic signs and markings), Seattle Streets Illustrated, and NACTO design guides. Key Responsibilities: Design development: assist with conceptual designs for project plans and work orders, field investigations, and preliminary cost estimates Transportation studies: support collision data review and analysis, traffic modeling, and program tracking and reports Data analysis: collect and organize data, create data visualizations and maps, and support dashboard updates Policy and research: research Vision Zero best practices from other cities and countries, and help select safety treatments based on City policy Preferred Areas of Study: Civil Engineering; Transportation Engineering; Urban Planning; or another urban or transportation-related field Opportunity 2: Traffic Studies Intern (Driver License required) Join SDOT's Traffic Count Group, part of the department's Innovation Team, which collects data on how people use Seattle's streets, whether driving, biking, or walking. This data informs the City's investment decisions, before-and-after project studies, the SDOT Annual Traffic Report, and major efforts such as REVIVE I-5 reporting. You'll support the Traffic Studies Lead in managing SDOT's network of fixed traffic-counting cameras across Seattle. You'll also get hands-on exposure to how traffic data is collected, quality-checked, and reported. This role is ideal for a STEM student interested in how emerging technology, including AI and camera-based detection, is changing the way cities measure and manage traffic. Key Responsibilities: Help onboard, test, and maintain SDOT's fixed traffic-counting cameras, and coordinate repairs with the camera network support team Conduct comparison studies of traffic-counting methods, vendors, and technologies Research emerging technology in traffic counting, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and camera trends Process traffic volume data from pneumatic tubes and portable cameras for the Annual Traffic Report and Levy-supported projects Preferred Areas of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields, such as Civil Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering Professional and Educational Benefits: Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills. Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth. Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies. Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.

Position Overview

Opportunity 1: Vision Zero Intern

Opportunity 2: Traffic Studies Intern (Driver License required)

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program. All undergraduate majors must maintain a 2.0 GPA. All graduate majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Minimum Qualifications

• Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
• All undergraduate majors must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
• All graduate majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

• Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment. Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more. Participate in the City's Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth. Internship Start Dates: January 13, 2027 & January 27, 2027. Schedule: Intern will work up-to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings. Salary: Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 per hour. Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour. Hiring Process Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete. Completed NEOGOV online application. Cover letter. Resume. Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA. If applicable - for students transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program, submit admissions offer to the graduate program to confirm intention of enrollment. Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process. Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Driver License: Must have a current valid WA State Driver's License and a safe driving record. A complete driving abstract may be required at the time of hire at the applicant’s expense at the time of hired. Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences. Accommodation for people with disabilities is provided on request. The City is a Drug Free Workplace.
• Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment.
• Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more.
• Participate in the City's Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth.
• Internship Start Dates: January 13, 2027 & January 27, 2027.

Schedule

• Intern will work up-to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.

Salary

• Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 per hour.
• Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour.
• Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Cover letter.
• Resume.
• Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA.
• If applicable - for students transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program, submit admissions offer to the graduate program to confirm intention of enrollment.
• Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process.
• Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
• Driver License: Must have a current valid WA State Driver's License and a safe driving record. A complete driving abstract may be required at the time of hire at the applicant’s expense at the time of hired.
• Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.
• Accommodation for people with disabilities is provided on request.
• The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

Benefits

• Work on meaningful projects that complement your academic program Flexible working hours Access to professional and educational development Competitive pay Commuting benefits including an ORCA pass and car share discounts Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program A printable document including all intern benefits can be found here !
• Work on meaningful projects that complement your academic program Flexible working hours Access to professional and educational development Competitive pay Commuting benefits including an ORCA pass and car share discounts Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program
• Flexible working hours Access to professional and educational development Competitive pay Commuting benefits including an ORCA pass and car share discounts Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program
• Access to professional and educational development Competitive pay Commuting benefits including an ORCA pass and car share discounts Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program
• Competitive pay Commuting benefits including an ORCA pass and car share discounts Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program
• Commuting benefits including an ORCA pass and car share discounts Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program
• Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment) Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program
• Access to the City's new Flash Mentorship Program

Supplemental Questions