SDOT Transportation Planning & Data Analysis Intern
Position Description
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT’s Transportation Planning and Data Analysis intern posting spans four teams whose work shapes how Seattle’s transportation system is planned, analyzed, and operated. Each team offers a distinct focus—from street safety and pedestrian infrastructure to sustainable commute programs and transit policy—but all share a commitment to data-driven decision-making, equity, and building a safer, more connected city.
By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these four opportunities
Opportunity 1: Transportation Planning & Project Development Intern (Graduate)
SDOT’s Pedestrian and Neighborhood Projects Team is seeking graduate interns to help make Seattle’s streets vibrant, safe, and well-connected public spaces. Working alongside a Senior Transportation Planner, interns will contribute directly to the design and delivery of non-motorized transportation projects—including sidewalks, walkways, and neighborhood greenways—funded through the Seattle Transportation Levy. This role is ideal for students with a strong interest in urban planning, community engagement, and transportation equity.
Key Responsibilities:
Opportunity 2: Vision Zero Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)
SDOT’s Vision Zero team leads the City’s efforts to end serious injuries and fatalities on Seattle’s streets by 2030. This intern will work alongside engineers and planners to apply the Safe Systems approach to real roadways—gaining direct experience in traffic safety data analysis, project development, GIS mapping, and design. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in transportation engineering, planning, or street safety research.
Key Responsibilities:
Opportunity 3: MyTrips Transportation Planning Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)
The MyTrips program provides sustainable commute options to 14,000 City of Seattle employees, advancing climate goals by reducing solo driving and promoting active transportation. Working within the Transportation Options Program, the MyTrips intern will help develop and implement programs, run commute webinars, produce outreach materials, and support data analysis and program administration. This role is a strong fit for students interested in Transportation Demand Management (TDM), behavior change communications, or sustainability program management.
Key Responsibilities:
Opportunity 4: Streetcar Program Intern (Graduate)
SDOT’s Streetcar & Transit Corridors Team oversees the policy, strategy, planning, and budget for the Seattle Streetcar to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. The Streetcar Program intern will support day-to-day program operations including data collection and analysis, report writing, field studies, and communications—while participating in high-level policy discussions and infrastructure tours. This role is well suited for students with strong writing skills and an interest in transit policy, public finance, or urban design.
Key Responsibilities:
Educational Benefits:
For your reference, please refer to each of the options above.
Qualifications
Education:
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
Preferred Areas of Study:
Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Environmental Studies, Sustainable Transportation, Public Administration, Urban Design, or a related field.
Minimum Qualifications:
All undergraduate majors, except engineering and accounting students, must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
All graduate students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Desired Qualifications:
Internship dates:
Start/End Dates: June 2026 to June 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 8 am and 5 pm 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.
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.
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.
Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT’s Transportation Planning and Data Analysis intern posting spans four teams whose work shapes how Seattle’s transportation system is planned, analyzed, and operated. Each team offers a distinct focus—from street safety and pedestrian infrastructure to sustainable commute programs and transit policy—but all share a commitment to data-driven decision-making, equity, and building a safer, more connected city.
By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these four opportunities
Opportunity 1: Transportation Planning & Project Development Intern (Graduate)
SDOT’s Pedestrian and Neighborhood Projects Team is seeking graduate interns to help make Seattle’s streets vibrant, safe, and well-connected public spaces. Working alongside a Senior Transportation Planner, interns will contribute directly to the design and delivery of non-motorized transportation projects—including sidewalks, walkways, and neighborhood greenways—funded through the Seattle Transportation Levy. This role is ideal for students with a strong interest in urban planning, community engagement, and transportation equity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the development and design of non-motorized transportation projects, including community engagement, data collection, and analysis.
- Produce external-facing materials including maps, graphics, flyers, presentations, and reports.
- Support community outreach and engagement through events, workshops, and direct community conversations.
- Compile and analyze data to support transportation investment recommendations and SDOT policy development.
Opportunity 2: Vision Zero Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)
SDOT’s Vision Zero team leads the City’s efforts to end serious injuries and fatalities on Seattle’s streets by 2030. This intern will work alongside engineers and planners to apply the Safe Systems approach to real roadways—gaining direct experience in traffic safety data analysis, project development, GIS mapping, and design. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in transportation engineering, planning, or street safety research.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support project development including prioritization, conceptual designs, field investigations, and preliminary cost estimates.
- Collect, organize, and analyze traffic and GIS data; create data visualizations, geospatial maps, and dashboard reports.
- Respond to ad hoc data requests and custom mapping needs from project teams and stakeholder groups.
- Research and present findings on regional and international Vision Zero best practices, guidance documents, and pilot projects.
Opportunity 3: MyTrips Transportation Planning Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)
The MyTrips program provides sustainable commute options to 14,000 City of Seattle employees, advancing climate goals by reducing solo driving and promoting active transportation. Working within the Transportation Options Program, the MyTrips intern will help develop and implement programs, run commute webinars, produce outreach materials, and support data analysis and program administration. This role is a strong fit for students interested in Transportation Demand Management (TDM), behavior change communications, or sustainability program management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide personalized commute trip plans and assist employees with carpool and vanpool matching.
- Lead commute option webinars and develop graphics and promotional materials for program campaigns and events.
- Conduct surveys and data analysis to understand employee commuting needs; create and maintain program dashboards.
- Support administration of MyTrips Rewards, the Parking Garage Discount Benefit program, and other TDM initiatives.
Opportunity 4: Streetcar Program Intern (Graduate)
SDOT’s Streetcar & Transit Corridors Team oversees the policy, strategy, planning, and budget for the Seattle Streetcar to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. The Streetcar Program intern will support day-to-day program operations including data collection and analysis, report writing, field studies, and communications—while participating in high-level policy discussions and infrastructure tours. This role is well suited for students with strong writing skills and an interest in transit policy, public finance, or urban design.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process and analyze streetcar performance and financial data for reports and memos.
- Draft SDOT communications related to the streetcar, including website updates, memos, and blog posts.
- Conduct site visits and collect field data to support improvements to streetcar processes and rider experience.
- Attend team meetings with partners including King County Metro, division meetings, and professional training sessions.
Educational Benefits:
- Apply classroom transportation planning and/or engineering principles to real-world challenges in one of the nation’s leading municipal transportation agencies.
- Develop skills in GIS, data analysis, project management, and public communications—with mentorship from experienced SDOT planners and program managers.
- Build a portfolio of planning, research, and analytical deliverables to support your career in transportation, urban planning, or public policy.
- Gain exposure to how equity, climate goals, and transportation investment intersect across a major city’s transportation system.
- 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.
- 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.
For your reference, please refer to each of the options above.
Qualifications
Education:
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
Preferred Areas of Study:
Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Environmental Studies, Sustainable Transportation, Public Administration, Urban Design, or a related field.
Minimum Qualifications:
All undergraduate majors, except engineering and accounting students, must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
All graduate students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear professional materials.
- Experience collecting, organizing, or analyzing data in an academic or office setting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Experience with ArcGIS or comparable GIS/mapping software.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other graphic design tools.
- Interest in transportation equity, climate action, traffic safety, or sustainable transportation.
- Experience supporting community outreach, stakeholder engagement, or customer service activities.
Internship dates:
Start/End Dates: June 2026 to June 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 8 am and 5 pm 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.
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.
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.
Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.