Planning and Research Intern - PennDOT Bureau of Planning and Research (College)

THE POSITIONThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is excited to announce its search for enthusiastic college students to participate in the 2026 Summer Employment Program! This unique internship opportunity allows students to engage in a variety of projects across multiple disciplines, including communications, data management and analytics, fiscal management, engineering, planning and research, archaeology, and much more. The program is thoughtfully designed to help you enhance your professional skills, apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges, and work alongside passionate teams dedicated to maintaining and improving Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure. If you are eager to learn, develop your abilities, and make a meaningful contribution, we encourage you to submit your application today! DESCRIPTION OF WORKInterns within the Bureau of Planning and Research will play a crucial role in developing and maintaining the geometrical data for road centerlines and intersections, which are essential components of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Model Inventory of Roadway Elements (MIRE) safety initiative. This initiative aims to enhance roadway safety through a detailed catalog of roadway and traffic data elements, accompanied by a comprehensive data dictionary that facilitates informed, data-driven safety decisions. The inventory of road centerlines is required to encompass all public roadways throughout the Commonwealth, ensuring a complete representation of the transportation network. Additionally, the intersection geometries will account for various configurations, including all at-grade intersections, ramp connections, and rotary legs, thereby providing a thorough understanding of the roadway system's layout and functionality.Work Schedule and Additional Information:Full-time internship that will run from May 2026 through August 2026Work hours will vary based on positionTelework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 1 day a week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONSInternship Requirements: Must be currently enrolled or intending to enroll FULL-TIME or PART-TIME in a two-year degree, bachelor's degree, or advanced program for the fall semester.Acceptable major: Geographic Information Systems or Geospatial Technologies or a closely related major.Must be a Pennsylvania resident or currently enrolled at a Pennsylvania college or university.In good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher)Must be at least 18 years of ageAdditional Requirements:You must be able to perform essential job functions. If you do not meet these requirements but are still interested in a summer position with PennDOT, please see the Student Summer Worker job posting to explore additional job opportunities. For example, if you intend to enroll in college for the first time in the Fall, you may be eligible for a Student Summer Worker position in DOT's Summer Employment Program!How to Apply:Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.Veterans:Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.