About the role#
The Virginia Department of Transportation is hiring a District Engineering Intern for the Culpeper District Traffic Section. This role offers students a paid opportunity to integrate academic theory with practical field experience. You will work directly with the District Traffic Engineer to observe traffic studies, safety programs, and engineering projects. Depending on performance and business needs, there may be opportunities to extend this role into the academic year.
What you'll do#
- Apply engineering principles and practices to assigned program areas.
- Communicate with VDOT staff, consultants, and external contacts.
- Prepare and maintain daily documentation for project activities.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment.
- Interpret and apply policies and procedures in daily work.
- Proactively resolve issues at the lowest level.
- Observe traffic studies and safety programs.
- Maintain accurate records and update data to meet deadlines.
What you'll need#
- Current full-time enrollment in an Associate degree program or higher.
- Status as a rising sophomore or above.
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Proficiency with computers, MS Office, and smartphones.
- Knowledge of mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
- Ability to perform manual labor, such as handling and preparing material samples.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Undergraduate students must maintain 12 or more credit hours per semester; graduate students must maintain 9 or more credit hours.
Location & details#
- Location: Culpeper, Virginia.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Part-time, rolling term.
- Compensation: 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.
