Pathways Student Intern (Civil Engineer) null

About the United States Department of Transportation

The United States Department of Transportation is the federal agency overseeing the nation's transportation policies and programs, ensuring a safe, efficient, and interconnected transportation system that serves the needs of the American people. From highways to air travel, railways, and maritime operations, USDOT plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in the United States.

Your role

Duties:

The Pathways Student Intern's (Civil Engineer) typical work assignments may include:

• Working under the guidance of and in close association with senior personnel performs a variety of work assignments consisting of established, specific, and related tasks that have been selected to orient the employee in the practical application of basic principles, concepts, and techniques of the occupational field. Assignments are selected based on their progressive training value for the individual.
• Researching technical guidance on general approaches, standards and criteria, and application of policies and concepts in each of the broad functions including planning and environment, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
• Providing support to Division Transportation Engineers who monitor federal aid projects to ensure that projects are developed according to Federal laws, regulations and policies and that projects are constructed according to plans and specifications. Participating in engineering reviews and construction inspections, analyze findings, and make draft recommendations to Transportation Engineers.
• Assisting Division Transportation Engineers as they evaluate projects in terms of right-of-way needs, structural and geometric design standards and applications, safety, traffic service, cost-effectiveness, constructability, maintainability, and appropriateness for the transportation system.
• Tracking data/maintaining databases of varied Federal-aid performance data and drafts reports as requested. Participating in initiatives/activities as required by the Division Performance Plan to implement programs, products, processes, or technologies that contribute to the achievement of their National Strategic Goals.

Training & development

During the internship, gain practical experience by applying basic engineering principles and techniques under the guidance of senior personnel. Throughout the internship, supported Division Transportation Engineers in monitoring Federal-aid projects, participated in engineering reviews, assisted in project evaluations, and maintained performance data, contributing to achieving National Strategic Goals.

Salary & benefits

The annual salary for the role can range from per $39,576 - $77,599 year.

• Health insurance: Coverage for employees, spouses, and children under 26.
• Dental and vision insurance: Separate plans for dental and vision care.
• Life insurance: Various coverage options, including for family members.
• Student loan repayment and forgiveness: Programs to assist with federal student loans.
• Long-term care insurance: Coverage for long-term care needs.
• Flexible spending accounts: Pre-tax accounts for healthcare or childcare expenses.

Career progression

Advance your Civil Engineering career at the United States Department of Transportation, where strategic mentorship, ongoing professional development, and impactful projects pave the way for your accelerated growth and leadership within the nation's transportation sector.

Work-life balance

At the United States Department of Transportation, they prioritize a healthy work-life balance, fostering an environment that supports both personal well-being and professional excellence, ensuring their team thrives in delivering impactful contributions to the nation's transportation landscape.

Culture & vibe

Experience a collaborative and innovative culture in Civil Engineering at the United States Department of Transportation, where a dynamic vibe empowers engineers to thrive, driving excellence in shaping the nation's transportation infrastructure.

About you

The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a Civil Engineering (or similar) bachelor or master's degree program. The ideal candidate has a high interest in public service. Additionally, the ideal candidate is interested in advancing their technical knowledge in highway design, structures, safety, traffic operations, pavement, quality assurance of highway materials, and asset management. Fluent Spanish language preferred.

This is a Student Internship position under the Pathways Internship Program.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen and meet the requirements of the program.
• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Apply and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

Pathways Eligibility:

To be eligible for appointment to a position in the DOT Internship Program, throughout the appointment, an individual must:

• Be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seek a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution on a half to full-time basis (as determined by the educational institution).
• Seeking a degree that is relevant to this position.
• Be able to work at least 16 hours per week, depending on your academic schedule, and preferably full-time during the summer. 
• Grade qualifications must be met before the start date.

If selected you: 

• Must sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement;
• May be employed throughout the academic year;  
• Must maintain status as a current student;
• Must maintain good academic standing, at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
• Must furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and
• Must verify academic status (transcript) at the end of each academic term.

Knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs): 

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

• Civil Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods required to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain facilities such as pavements, bridges, culverts, and tunnels.
• Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
• Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• iintern.usajobs.gov
• youtube.com/@USDOTFHWA
• help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits