Ecosystem Intern - Summer, 2026

This is a paid internship, range of $22/hr - $39/hr (depending on role and qualifications) for those currently pursuing undergraduate degrees and higher rates for those currently pursuing graduate level degrees. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including: 

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner. 
  Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off: An accrual of up to 4 hours per pay period. Up to 2 floating holidays.
• Full-time interns will receive an ORCA card at no cost. This card can be used on buses, trains, water taxis in the Puget Sound region, along with the Monorail and Seattle Streetcar.
• In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues. 

Tentative 2026 Internship Dates:

• Quarter students:  June 15th to August 21st
  

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Sound Transit’s CDD department oversees the planning and development of large-scale transportation projects and oversees environmental permitting, environmental construction compliance, and ecosystem restoration throughout the Puget Sound region via our – Link, Sounder, ST Express, and Tacoma Link projects. The intern will join the Environmental Permitting and Ecosystem team that oversees our ecosystem services and learn how ecology dovetails within a large regional transit system. They will have the opportunity to explore a variety of environmental restoration and mitigation projects located adjacent to and near transit infrastructure.  

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist staff biologists with field investigations, overseeing mitigation plantings, post-construction mitigation monitoring to ensure mitigation sites are meeting required performance standards, and mitigation site construction oversight. 
• Assist with ongoing projects and research related to ecosystem services and Sound Transit sustainability goals. 
• Contribute to annual monitoring reports and technical memorandums.
• Handle vegetation data, photo documentation, and GPS/GIS data. 
• Assist with research related to environmental permitting, planting guidelines, and other duties.  

POTENTIAL PROJECTS:

• Wetland and stream mitigation monitoring (East Link Extension, Lynnwood Link Extension, Downtown Redmond Link Extension, and Federal Way Link Extension). 
• Evaluation and measurement of ecosystem services using previously developed tools. Areas to be evaluated include wetlands, streams, buffers, and upland vegetation communities. 
• Assist with Migratory Bird Treaty Act compliance and program development.
• Research requirements for environmental permitting for future project extensions including Operation and Maintenance Facilities (north and south), Everett Link Extension, Tacoma Dome Extension or for current facilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be a current college student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor's or graduate degree program in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Biology, or a closely related field., or other non-technical discipline or relevant two-year certificate.         

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Basic computer skills that include proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.) and Microsoft Teams. 
• General support during fieldwork (with a Senior Biologist), including basic data collection, generalized research, documentation and note taking, and summarizing information. 
• Plant and wildlife identification skills.
• Knowledge of wetland and stream processes. 
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving in support of ecosystem projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Demonstrated interest in restoration and mitigation in urban environments.
• Prior experience with GPS data collection and using iPads to collect, record, and manage field data. 
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative vegetation sampling methods.
• Coursework in ecology, botany, wetland science, and/or wildlife biology. 
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery when visiting job sites during construction and when working in the field.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required. This includes rubber boots and basic field supplies. 
• Work in water and around poisonous and thorny plants.
• Travel to various project sites throughout the greater Seattle area.  

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.