1DOT Internship Program (Pathways)

Summary

This internship is part of the Department of Transportation's 1DOT Pathways Internship Program, expected to begin May 30, 2027. This is a temporary internship with a possibility of extension throughout the academic year provided the employee remains eligible for employment in the Pathways Intern Program. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) on at least a half-time basis in a qualifying educational institution.

Duties

The 1DOT Internship Program empowers aspiring public servants to engage directly with the operational and policy challenges shaping modern government. Positioned across the Department of Transportation (DOT), interns collaborate with professional engineers, analysts, economists, financial experts, human resources, and more professionals to advance national transportation initiatives. Participants actively coordinate in professional operations, gaining firsthand exposure to how engineering, business and policy, Information Technology (IT), Mathematics, finance, safety, or human capital intersect to sustain and modernize the nation's transportation systems. The 1DOT Pathways Student Trainee works in support of the office they are assigned to which may include: Performing a variety of engineering, mathematics, IT, or analytical and administrative assignments selected to broaden skills and providing practical experience aimed at developing the employee's ability to perform progressively complex tasks and assignments. Performing assignments designed to orient, train, and increase the student's knowledge in either engineering, IT, mathematics, business, economics, management analysis, financial management, safety oversight, human resources, administrative support, and/or transportation program operations. Assisting professionals, analysts, specialists, and program staff with the planning, design, maintenance, operation, review, organization, and interpretation of business, engineering, mathematics, or IT projects in relation to transportation. Assisting in the development of materials for briefings, reports, presentations, policy documents, communications products, conference materials, and executive summaries for supervisors and leadership. The Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks highly motivated, driven, and innovative undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about contributing to the modernization of the Federal Government and the advancement of the national transportation sector. Ideal candidates are interested in applying their knowledge and skills in business & policy, engineering, information technology, or mathematics/statistics operations to address challenges and improve government operations. They demonstrate strong analytical and/or technical aptitude, leadership potential, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a desire to translate academic knowledge into practical solutions that support DOT's mission. Academic Background: Preferably currently enrolled in a relevant degree program for either Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics, IT, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Communications, Management, Data Analytics, Transportation, or a related discipline. Core Competencies: A demonstrated track record of analytical problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational capabilities, and exceptional communication skills. Mission Alignment: A proactive eagerness to learn and apply concepts in business, engineering, information technology, or mathematics/statistics, using data-driven decision-making to improve government operations, support innovation, and advance the national transportation sector. The 1DOT Internship Program integrates on-the-job training with pertinent education by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. GS-0199-Economics Student Trainee Series GS-0599-Financial Management Student Trainee Series GS-1899-Safety Inspection Student Trainee Series GS-2199-Transportation Student Trainee GS-2299-lnformation Technology Trainee GS-0299-Human Resources Student Trainee Series GS-0399-Administrative Support Student Trainee Series (e.g., Communications, Public Affairs, Program Support, Data Analytics, Administrative Management) GS-1199-Business and Industry Student Trainee Series GS-0099-Community Planning Student Trainee GS-0099-Environmental Protection Specialist GS-0199-Engineering Psychologist GS-0899-Engineering Student Trainee Series GS-2299-lnformation Technology Management Student Trainee Series GS-1599-Mathematics & Statistics Student Trainee Series https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#GS-TECH=&url=List-by-Occupational-Series.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the education requirements for each grade in which you are requesting consideration by the closing date of this announcement. GS-03: Completion of one academic year of post-high school study. GS-04: Completion of two academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree. GS-05: Completion of four academic years of post-high school study leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree. GS-07: Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR Superior Academic Achievement: In the upper one-third of graduating class; OR a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0, as recorded on official transcript, or based on courses completed during final 2 years of curriculum; OR a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0, based on average of required courses completed in major or required courses in major completed the final 2 years of curriculum. Due to the education requirement of this position, an official or unofficial transcript must be submitted at the time of application. If transcripts are not received, you will be rated as ineligible. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior to a final offer of employment. You may use 2026 in-progress semester/quarter hours to qualify for a higher grade level. Qualifications will be determined based on completed and in-progress hours stated on your unofficial transcript submitted at the time of application. You must provide updated transcripts that show any/all degrees conferred, current grades and registration with cumulative GPA to support your educational claims (acceptance letter is also required if applicable to current academic status). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will rec