Transportation Engineer Intern | State Geotechnical Office

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join the Engineering Geology Section within the State Geotechnical Office. This is a unique opportunity for currently enrolled students, or recent graduates who want to observe and participate in real world application of their field. This position will support statewide geotechnical design, construction support, geotechnical asset inventorying and assessment, and unstable slope inventorying and assessment through a combination of field and office work. The intern will assist with research, data collection and organization, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, field assessments, technical documentation, and reporting activities that support transportation projects across the state, including unstable slopes and fish passage work. Our top candidate will possess coursework or experience in research, GIS and mapping applications, data management, and problem-solving, and strong teamwork and communication skills. This position, located in Tumwater, will work within the Unstable Slopes Management program, performing field and office work related to unstable slope and geotechnical asset inventory, assessment, and scoping on a statewide basis. This position will be required to perform field work outdoors, generally on or near a roadway. This work is sometimes performed in inclement weather and may occur during daytime or nighttime hours. Exposure hazards include hot, cold and windy weather; high-speed traffic; wildland fire smoke, vehicle exhaust and dust; traversing steep or uneven terrain; unstable slopes; loud noise; and construction equipment. If you enjoy traveling, working outdoors, and you’re looking for professional experience to add to your resume, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Currently enrolled with at least three years of completion or recent graduate from an undergraduate degree program in Geological Sciences, Engineering Geology or a closely related field that includes coursework in Geologic Field Mapping; or currently enrolled or recently graduated from a master’s program in related field
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate with team members and supervisors.
Ability to work effectively with others to achieve project goals.
Skilled at ensuring accuracy and quality in work products.
Skills and ability to plan, prioritize, and complete tasks within deadlines.
Skills to apply relevant software tools to support geotechnical design reporting.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to travel overnight and work outside in adverse conditions.

Nice To Haves

A Washington State Geologist-In-Training (GIT) certification.
Strong background in field geology methods, including field observations, data collection, mapping, and documentation techniques.
Proficiency using GIS and mapping applications to collect, analyze, and present data.
Coursework in engineering geology, and/or engineering.

Responsibilities

Research, collect and organize information from WSDOT databases, geotechnical design reports, and as-built construction documents.
Compile information into organized files and prepare various maps using GIS.
Participate in conducting field inventories and performing condition assessments.
Document findings using handwritten notes and drawings, electronic tablets, GPS, and/or cameras and drones; enter field information into databases.
Assist with statewide geotechnical design and construction-support work related to unstable slopes, fish passages, and other transportation projects.
Assist members of the Engineering Geology Section with various field and analytic tasks.