About the role#
The Virginia Department of Transportation offers paid internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in engineering and public service. This program integrates academic theory with workplace skill development. Interns gain exposure to various functional areas within the department, focusing on technical and leadership growth. Depending on performance and business needs, there may be opportunities to extend the internship into the academic year.
What you'll do#
- Apply engineering principles and practices to assigned program areas.
- Communicate with staff, external contacts, and consultants while representing the department.
- Prepare and maintain daily project documentation and records.
- Enter and update data to meet deadlines.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment.
- Follow guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transport.
- Proactively resolve issues and keep supervisors informed of field observations.
What you'll need#
- Current full-time enrollment in an Associate degree program or higher.
- Undergraduate students must maintain 12 credit hours per semester; graduate students must maintain 9 credit hours.
- Must be at least a rising sophomore and at least 18 years old by the start of employment.
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles and mathematics up to algebra and geometry.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and smartphone applications.
- Ability to perform manual labor, including handling and preparing material samples.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Location & details#
- Location: Bristol, Virginia.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Part-time.
- This is a paid internship.
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.
