What are the responsibilities and job description for the SDOT Vision Zero Research and Data Intern position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews-bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone-together!
Position Overview:
The Seattle Department of Transportation is committed to Vision Zero and working to end serious injuries and fatalities on city streets by 2030. SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and data-driven individual to support the Vision Zero team. This intern will help the Vision Zero team manage, update, and maintain the data that drives our decisions, and will analyze and report on data findings that will inform our program’s actions. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of skills in statistical testing, geospatial processing and analysis, literature reviews, and an excitement to learn about Seattle’s roadway system. This candidate should be comfortable with data analysis design, development, and implementation and the maintenance of dashboards, visualizations, datasets, and reports. This internship is full time during the summer with the option to extend into the school year.
Educational Benefits:
30% – Conduct statistical analyses and hypothesis testing to inform the development of Vision Zero strategies and support data-driven decision-making across program areas.
20% – Implement, maintain, and continuously improve data reporting dashboards and programmatic datasets to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable insights.
20% – Design, update, and manage dynamic data visualizations and geospatial maps to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
15% – Prepare reports and presentations that translate data findings into actionable recommendations, supporting strategic planning and evaluation within Vision Zero program areas.
15% – Provide timely support for ad hoc data requests, project development initiatives, and custom mapping needs across departments and stakeholder groups.
Qualifications
Education:
Open to all graduate students and Junior, Senior and Graduate Engineering students who are enrolled in an accredited educational program.
Preferred Areas of Study:
Progress towards a degree in data science, mathematics, public policy, engineering, urban planning, or a related field
Graduate students: Will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.
Junior & Senior and Graduate Engineering students: Will need to maintain a 2.5 GPA (undergraduate students) / 3.0 GPA (graduate students) or above throughout the internship.
Minimum Qualifications:
Internship dates: Start date: Mid-June 2025 End Date: June 23, 2026.
Schedule:
Intern will work up-to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school break. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday.
Salary:
Graduate students will be paid $26.71-$26.71 per hour.
Engineer students will be paid $26.41 - $29.72 per hour.
Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.
Hiring Process:
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check which includes a criminal history review.
Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews-bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone-together!
Position Overview:
The Seattle Department of Transportation is committed to Vision Zero and working to end serious injuries and fatalities on city streets by 2030. SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and data-driven individual to support the Vision Zero team. This intern will help the Vision Zero team manage, update, and maintain the data that drives our decisions, and will analyze and report on data findings that will inform our program’s actions. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of skills in statistical testing, geospatial processing and analysis, literature reviews, and an excitement to learn about Seattle’s roadway system. This candidate should be comfortable with data analysis design, development, and implementation and the maintenance of dashboards, visualizations, datasets, and reports. This internship is full time during the summer with the option to extend into the school year.
Educational Benefits:
- Apply classroom data analysis principles and problem solving to real world roadway challenges.
- Learn and gain experience with statistical testing, mapping, and program evaluation.
- Learn the nuances of Seattle's roadway safety system.
- Access to professional networking and training opportunities.
- Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
- Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills.
- Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth.
- Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies.
- Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
- Paid sick and safe leave after 90 days of employment.
- Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more.
- Participate in the City's Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth.
30% – Conduct statistical analyses and hypothesis testing to inform the development of Vision Zero strategies and support data-driven decision-making across program areas.
20% – Implement, maintain, and continuously improve data reporting dashboards and programmatic datasets to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable insights.
20% – Design, update, and manage dynamic data visualizations and geospatial maps to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
15% – Prepare reports and presentations that translate data findings into actionable recommendations, supporting strategic planning and evaluation within Vision Zero program areas.
15% – Provide timely support for ad hoc data requests, project development initiatives, and custom mapping needs across departments and stakeholder groups.
Qualifications
Education:
Open to all graduate students and Junior, Senior and Graduate Engineering students who are enrolled in an accredited educational program.
Preferred Areas of Study:
Progress towards a degree in data science, mathematics, public policy, engineering, urban planning, or a related field
Graduate students: Will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.
Junior & Senior and Graduate Engineering students: Will need to maintain a 2.5 GPA (undergraduate students) / 3.0 GPA (graduate students) or above throughout the internship.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Knowledge of statistical testing.
- Experience working with research methodologies.
- Experience with ArcGIS.
- Experience with Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or other dashboard platforms.
- Willingness to learn Seattle’s roadway network and roadway safety-related nuances.
Internship dates: Start date: Mid-June 2025 End Date: June 23, 2026.
Schedule:
Intern will work up-to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school break. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday.
Salary:
Graduate students will be paid $26.71-$26.71 per hour.
Engineer students will be paid $26.41 - $29.72 per hour.
Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.
Hiring Process:
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
- Completed NEOGOV online application.
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check which includes a criminal history review.
Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
Salary : $26 - $30
