Job Duties

What drives you? Whether it's knowing the work you do makes a difference, having a great work/life balance, working on exciting and challenging projects, leading innovation and championing change or simply working with a great group of people who are committed to professionalism. At the Virginia Department of Transportation, we have something for you.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is currently searching for students to join our Engineering Internship Program in multiple areas and locations throughout the state. VDOT’s Internship Program gives Interns exposure to the diverse types of work the Department performs and prepares them for a future career in transportation. This program also gives Interns hands-on job assignments and the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of professionals, with structured training opportunities that align with VDOTs current and projected workforce needs.

SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE

Interns spend the summer working on unique projects and activities. In addition, interns will have the opportunity to network with other interns.

VDOT is seeking students majoring in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Materials Engineering or related engineering discipline with a focus or concentration in transportation to work in areas such as Traffic Engineering, Construction, Materials, Structure and Bridge, Environmental, Residency Operations, Location and Design, and Maintenance. We are seeking candidates with strong analytical skills, interpersonal and presentation skills, customer service, time management and organizational skills.

THE LOCATION

Richmond, VA is a vibrant city blending historic charm with modern energy. Richmond is known for its thriving arts scene, top-tier dinning and access to beautiful outdoor spaces, including the James River. VDOT’s Central Office is in Richmond, VA where the Commissioner’s Office, Engineering, Maintenance, Operations and Business Support divisions are located. The internship opportunities in the Central Office have the opportunity to serve in different areas such as Structure and Bridge, Location and Design, Materials, Right of Way, Transportation Planning, Traffic Engineering, Cost Estimation, Construction, Environmental, Strategic Innovation, Alternative Project Delivery and our nationally recognized Virginia Transportation Research Council. Note that the Research Council although attached to the Central Office is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Visit https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/about/divisions/ for more information about the divisions of VDOT. Hiring Range applies to both undergraduate and graduate candidates.

Additional vacancies may be filled from this recruitment.

VDOT employees serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and traveling public daily through our mission to plan, deliver, operate and maintain a transportation system that is safe, moves people and goods, enhances the economy, and improves quality of life. VDOT is the third largest state maintained highway system in the country, maintaining over 58,000 miles of roads, bridges, and tunnels, and employing over 7700 people through a diverse workforce. Our culture includes teamwork, transparency, nimble learning, creativity and collaboration that values differences.

We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics. Your success in our organization depends upon modelling these values, therefore visit http://www.virginiadot.org/about/missionandvalues.asp to review them and, if in agreement, we welcome you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of employment.
• As of May 2025, be a rising sophomore (2nd year), junior (3rd year) or senior (4th year) enrolled in undergraduate study in a two-year or four-year college/university.
• Graduate students are eligible to apply.
• Second year or transferring Community College students may apply.
• Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours per semester for graduate students. Students must be enrolled full-time at the time of application.
• Have basic knowledge of engineering principles.

Additional Considerations

Successful candidates will have demonstrated academic excellence in their major program and be motivated, customer focused and action-oriented individuals with a drive for learning on the job and achieving results. You will have demonstrated ability to make quality and timely decisions, take initiative, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, prioritize and organize multiple demands in a continuously changing environment, use a computer and software applications, have a basic knowledge of engineering principles, and can meet established deadlines. Ability to anticipate problems, provide solutions, follow instructions, learn quickly and collaborate with teammates.

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Engineering, or related field desired.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to make quality and timely decisions.
• Ability to anticipate problems, provide solutions, follow instructions, learn quickly, and collaborate with teammates.

Special Requirements

• A resume and current unofficial transcript must be submitted via this online application process.
• Work assignments may require unrestricted mobility in irregular terrain, work in an outdoor environment, and the ability to lift, bend and stand for long periods of time.
• Assignments may include requirements to wear personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety vest, safety boots, etc.) and the ability to work from heights (may include requirements to wear fall protection equipment).
• U.S. work authorization required.

Special Instructions

• You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
• Students who are transferring from a community college to a college or university for their junior year (3rd year) should provide their final community college transcript and their letter of acceptance to their new institution as an attachment to their application.
• Selected candidates will start their internship in May/June 2025, and work until August 2025.
• Based on interest, business need, and available funding, students may have the opportunity to continue working during the academic year.
• Housing and relocation are not provided.
• This position is not eligible for telework.
• This position requires a fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check, DMV Record Check and Work History Verification with references.
• We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.
• VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.
• The position you are applying for is an Hourly/Wage position. Hourly (wage) employees may not work more than an average of 29 hours a week and cannot exceed 1500 hours the wage employment year (5/1 - 4/30). This position does not include health insurance, retirement or paid leave benefits.
• Additional positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days.
• State applications and/or resumes will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the state applicant tracking system. State applications and/or resumes submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. Applicants are expected to fully represent qualifications and work history on the State application and/or an uploaded resume to be considered for this position.