PAID INTERNSHIP FOR 3-4 MES STUDENTS
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has 3-4 internship opportunities in its Stormwater and Watersheds Program. The Evergreen State College students selected for this internship will create screen-digitized stormwater features for the Stormwater Features Inventory Database (SFID).
- Interns will conduct fieldwork using GPS and ArcPad or TerraSync software for data collection.
- Interns will be using ArcGIS 10 with extensions Workflow Manager 10 and Task Assistant
- Manager 10.
- Interns will be digitizing stormwater features from georeferenced asbuilt images and data collected along state highways.
- Interns will be researching support information and validating data.
The work will involve two phases:
- The field phase; and
- The office phase
In the field phase students will go out with WSDOT Stormwater Features Inventory crews working on mapping WSDOTs stormwater discharge locations and conveyance features. They will have the opportunity to: collect data using ArcPad, and potentially, TerraSync software; take detailed field notes for data QA/QC; interpret and assess stormwater systems. This activity will give the students a better understanding of how the GIS data is collected and how the office work ties to the field work.
In the office phase students will use three pieces of GIS software: ArcGIS 10, Workflow Manager, and Task Assistant Manager (TAM). The intern will screen-digitize stormwater conveyance features from scanned and georeferenced asbuilt drawings and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) documents; comparing and incorporating field collected GPS data gathered by: Stormwater Features Inventory field crews; Roadside Feature Inventory Program (RFIP) field crews; WSDOT consultants; and WSDOT region personnel. The intern will utilize drainage structure notes and drainage details to give supporting
information about the digitized stormwater features. Additionally, the asbuilt contract plan sheets and digital copies of hydraulic reports will be used to assist in data validation. Using Work Flow Manager, the intern will be assigned as built contracts to screen-digitize. Supporting data for each stormwater feature will be entered into SFID.
If there are returning students one could be chosen as the Lead intern. The Lead Intern would have additional responsibilities which would include: bringing the new interns up to speed on the office side of the inventory; answering questions as they arise as part of the mapping process data QA/QC; tracking of suggestions for workflow improvements; and reporting potential workflow improvements to WSDOT’s Stormwater Features Inventory Coordinator.
WSDOT will provide interns will all necessary equipment and training needed to complete work under this agreement. Intern activities performed under this contract will be supervised by WSDOT’s Stormwater Features Inventory Coordinator.
Safety
Each participating intern will be held to a minimum standard of expectations as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Interns will be conducting occasional field work to inventory stormwater features using GPS equipment. Inventory will take place within WSDOT right of way on busy highways. Interns will receive safety training and equipment and must follow standard WSDOT safety and field visit protocols as outlined in the pre activity safety plan developed for this work.
Essential job knowledge, skills and abilities
This internship is open to students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Studies Program and undergraduates. Other requirements include:
- At least one college level courses in GIS preferred.
- Ability to use a computer and meticulously process large volumes of information to produce data.
- Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing in English.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work methods and schedules.
- A Washington State Driver’s license is essential for this internship. Proof of possession of a valid driver’s license will be required prior to driving on state business.
This position may require occasional field work. In addition to the job functions listed above, the incumbent must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (e.g., hot, cold, rain, snow) for up to 8 hours a day, on uneven rough terrain, unstable ground , dense vegetation, and streams and wet areas with exposure to biting insects, common plant toxins, construction equipment, noise, and other hazards.
Internship hours of compensation and instruction
WSDOT has up to four paid internships available for the upcoming summer quarter and up to three paid internships for the fall quarter. Interns will be expected to devote 25 hours per week to this internship, of which 19 hours will be compensated and 6 hours will be unpaid instruction for approximately $3,000 for fall quarter. Normal hours will be scheduled within the 7:00 am to 5:00 pm period. Office hours during the Monday through Thursday period are preferred because they overlap with the supervisor’s work schedule but work on Fridays may be acceptable once training is completed. Scheduled hours and days may change due to project needs or workload. Applicant may apply for summer OR fall quarter. Students chosen in summer may have chance to continue internship into the fall.
To participate in an internship each student must meet the following:
1. Must be registered at Evergreen for the same quarter the internship takes place
2. Must be registered for 4 graduate internship credits
3. Approval of sponsoring professor and WSDOT Inventory Coordinator. The sponsoring professor will be Martha Henderson, or a professor acceptable to both WSDOT and TESC.
4. In order for the fieldwork to be performed, some of the students will be required to drive WSDOT vehicles. All students who will be driving shall possess a valid driver’s license. Each student shall be required to provide proof of a valid driver’s license before being allowed to drive on WSDOT business.
How to apply: Email your resume by Friday, September 7. Include a summary of relevant education and experience and provide contact information for three references.
Send to:
Cory Simon