About the role#
The Virginia Department of Transportation offers a paid internship program for undergraduate and graduate students. This role provides hands-on experience in public service and engineering technology. Interns work on real projects, participate in educational work experiences, and contribute to the daily operations of the district. Depending on performance and business needs, there may be opportunities to extend this internship into the academic year.
What you'll do#
- Apply principles of engineering technology to assigned program areas.
- Communicate with VDOT staff, consultants, and external contacts.
- Prepare and maintain daily documentation of project activities.
- Enter and update data to meet deadlines.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment.
- Follow guidelines for equipment use, storage, and transport.
- Resolve project issues and avoid delays.
- Keep your supervisor informed of field observations and developments.
- Interpret and apply agency policies and procedures.
What you'll need#
- Current full-time enrollment in an Associate degree program or higher.
- Undergraduate students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester.
- Graduate students must take at least 9 credit hours per semester.
- Standing as at least a rising sophomore or equivalent.
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles.
- Mathematics skills 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, including handling and preparing material samples.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of employment.
Location & details#
- Location: Warrenton, Virginia.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- This is a paid, full-time position.
- All positions require pre-employment screenings, including a criminal history background check, DMV record check, work history verification, references, a physical, and a drug screen.
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.
