Geology Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $3,840.00 - $5,137.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05589i
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
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.
What to Expect
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.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer Intern will:

• 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.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Education Eligibility: Currently enrolled with a 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
• Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate with team members and supervisors.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others to achieve project goals.
• Attention to Detail: Skilled at ensuring accuracy and quality in work products.
• Time Management & Organization: Skills and ability to plan, prioritize, and complete tasks within deadlines.
• Technology & Software: Skills to apply relevant software tools to support geotechnical design reporting.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel overnight and work outside in adverse conditions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional Certification: A Washington State Geologist-In-Training (GIT) certification.
• Field Geology Methods: Strong background in field geology methods, including field observations, data collection, mapping, and documentation techniques.
• GIS & Mapping Applications: Proficiency using GIS and mapping applications to collect, analyze, and present data.
• Engineering Geology Knowledge: Coursework in engineering geology, and/or engineering.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This is a non-permanent intern position, expected to last up 3 - 5 months.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
• Two letters of recommendation are also strongly encouraged but not required to be considered. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can attest to your work ethic, technical skills, and job-related competencies.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. 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 viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05589i in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that...