The Opportunity:
These temporary positions/internships (approximately three to five months) will support the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) managers statewide with small scale, short-term research projects. These 13 positions include collecting and analyzing data, conducting field surveys, performing literature searches, assessing data to determine outcome or results and report findings and conclusions in writing as well as making presentations to interested audiences.

The future incumbents will have an opportunity to learn about transportation planning, operation, construction and administration programs and projects by participating in tasks that help shape an individual’s research capabilities and experience. This will include developing studies, work plans, collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting results. These positions will also conduct data manipulations and analysis to provide a statistical priority, or develop an agency design or position, assist with formulating policy recommendations or other tasks to support the research on topics of importance to the agency.

At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?

This position will perform the following work:

• Collects and/or validates transportation related data.
• Analyzes accident or safety data to identify trends /system deficiencies.
• Conducts interviews with professionals inside and outside WSDOT to collect data on experiences, policies, programs or process.
• Reviews research reports from national, state and local libraries to develop knowledge about the state of practice.
• Produces technical reports with graphics and text for presentation to wide range of audiences.

An ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Must be enrolled in a college institution or have graduated within the last year.
• Possess strong technical skills with the capability to learn and use a variety of software such as Microsoft Office, GIS software tools to collect data and produce reports with graphics.
• Fully understand basic statistical analysis, research methods and procedures.
• Ability to interpret images to report data.
• Valid driver’s license.
• The ability to drive to field sites and meetings as necessary.
• Ability to communicate in writing and orally the results of the research.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Please Note: These positions will be expected to work between 20-40 hours per week. The actual schedule and timeframe will be decided upon appointment. This recruitment may be used to fill other internship positions that may become available in this organization. These positions may be approved for telework, with the hiring authority’s discretion.

The type of position and base locations are noted below.

1. Bridge & Structures Office – Bridge Assessment Management (Tumwater, WA)
Review and research bridge inspection data for 160 plus bridge elements each, either in databases or from past inspection reports then determine the best way to summarize the rate of deterioration on a network of bridges.

2. Bridge & Structures Office – Bridge Seismic Categorization (Tumwater, WA)
Study WSDOT inventory identifying bridges based on the criteria provided for events identified for every bridge within the WSDOT’s bridge inventory for bridge location, structure type, foundation type, bridge length, number of spans, etc. Categorize bridges vulnerability to each seismic event using Excel spreadsheets.

3. Hydraulics Office – Streambed Material Survey (Olympia & Shoreline, WA) – 2 positions
The primary objective is to inspect existing fish passages and collect field data to help HQ hydraulics with updates to the design criteria for streambed material. Secondary objective is to assist with the data collection associated with BMP selection process.

4. Design Office – Project Risk Assessment & Value Engineering (Olympia, WA)
Analyze and evaluate transportation project cost risks and value. Examine performance of the tools and processes that support this type of work and identify potential improvements.

5. Maintenance Office – SPCC Plans (Olympia, WA) – 2 positions
Develop and write Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) plans as required where TEF is installing new above ground fuel tanks. Update existing SPCC plans where needed. Survey universal waste (florescent bulbs, batteries, etc.) storage at facilities. Conduct a survey and evaluate street waste disposal and locations and documented in an Excel spread sheet. Log all findings in an Excel spreadsheet.

6. Maintenance Office – Culvert Inspection (Olympia, WA) – 2 positions
Field inspections of culverts for condition assessment. Update and verify database inventory and check for attribute accuracy.

7. Maintenance Office – Guardrail Inventory (Olympia, WA)
Inventory guardrail, end treatments, and other barriers or safety features to update current HATS feature inventory. May also include collecting condition data when feasible.

8. Maintenance Office – Snow & Ice Program (Olympia, WA)
Automated vehicle locator (AVL/GPS) system data evaluation and analysis to support the snow and ice program: Electronically collect and field verify equipment inventories, validate vehicle sensor reporting and evaluate data quality from existing data sources. A report detailing findings and recommendations for future planning will be the final project deliverable.

9. Maintenance Office – Safety Rest Area Program (Olympia, WA)
Determine best management practices for cleaning safety rest area buildings statewide, collect information regarding current cleaning methods and products then collaborate with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program’s Plant Operations Support Consortium to generate standard operating procedures and training materials for cleaning methods at statewide rest areas.

10. Real Estate Services Office – Comparing Fair Market Values of Wireless Rental Rates (Olympia, WA)
Research, analyze and evaluate WSDOT wireless rental rates in comparison to the private industry and other public agencies.  The results of this research will ascertain whether WSDOT’s current method of determining fair market rent is consistent with the current wireless industry standards and best practices used by other entities.

Note: This position is covered by a union shop provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, you are required to become a member of the PTE, Local 17, or arrange to pay that union a representational fee. The union shop requirement shall be effective on the first day of the month following the employee’s initial 30 days in this classification.

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. You may need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position you will need to answer the supplemental questions, as part of the supplemental questions you will need to provide a letter of interest. Your letter of interest should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Erik Lunke at 360-705-7747 or email to lunkee@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 18DOT-HQ-04520nM.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email the recruiter.