About the role#
The Virginia Department of Transportation offers a paid summer internship program for students interested in public service. You will gain practical work experience by applying your academic knowledge to real-world engineering projects. This role involves both technical tasks and self-leadership development, with the potential for some interns to extend their work into the academic year based on performance and business needs.
What you'll do#
- Apply principles of engineering technology to assigned program areas.
- Communicate with staff, consultants, and external contacts.
- Prepare and maintain daily project documentation and records.
- Enter and update data to meet project deadlines.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment.
- Follow guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transport.
- Proactively resolve issues and keep your supervisor informed of field observations.
- Perform special duties as assigned while maintaining a positive image of the department.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment as a full-time student in an Associate’s degree program or higher.
- Status as a rising sophomore or equivalent.
- Full-time undergraduate status (12+ credit hours) or graduate status (9+ credit hours) before and after the internship.
- Minimum age of 18 by the start of employment.
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles and mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Proficiency with computers, MS Office, and smartphones.
- Ability to perform manual labor, such as handling and preparing material samples.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to work independently, collaborate in teams, and make timely decisions.
Location & details#
- Location: Bristol, Virginia.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Sponsorship: Not provided.
About Virginia Department of Transportation
The Virginia Department of Transportation manages the construction, maintenance, and operation of roads, bridges, and tunnels across the state. Established in 1906, the agency oversees one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the United States. It also provides funding for public transportation, rail, seaports, and airports through the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The department is based in Richmond and employs approximately 4,729 people.
How to get in at Virginia Department of Transportation
Securing an internship at the Virginia Department of Transportation requires speed because early applicants often receive more attention before the candidate pool grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first. This timing is a significant advantage when competing for positions in a large government agency. You can also improve your chances by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles to ask about the position or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces the contact information for these recruiters, allowing you to bypass the standard queue and connect directly with the people managing the hiring process.
