Public Art 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:

• Semester students: May 18th to July 24th   
• Quarter students:  June 15th to August 21st

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Sound Transit Art Program (STart) utilizes 1 percent of construction budgets, as identified in each voter-approved capital initiative, to bring a human scale and thoughtful detail into the large transportation infrastructure that Sound Transit builds. Sound Transit’s Art Program touches all facets of Sound Transit’s facilities throughout the Puget Sound region – Link (light rail), Sounder (commuter rail), Stride (bus rapid transit), and Tacoma Link (city single-car). The Start intern will have an opportunity to be a part of the team that enhances the passenger experience through engagement through artwork and telling the public about it. 

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:

• Work with the entire STart Team with a focus on the communications and data side of the program.  
• The internship will involve field work as well as office work.
• The internship will entail the development of a variety of multi-media interpretive support material about the art projects, including written, digital, photography and video assets. 

POTENTIAL PROJECTS:

• Create information sheets about art initiatives for internal communication, the public and the media. 
• Collaborate on a group project for post-occupancy evaluation at selected transit stations to assess current needs and inform future art integration.
• Organize art project and maintenance photo library, written background text, and media coverage.
• Aid with the transition of artwork documentation from development to Collection Management and long-term stewardship.
• Assist with art selection processes, special initiatives, and field work as needed. 

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 Art, Art History, Arts Administration, Project Management, Communications, Urban Design/Planning, related field or relevant two-year certificate. 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Demonstrated understanding and/or experience with archival practices, including cataloging and records management.
• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary art practices and interest in Public Art. 
• Experience with basic graphic design.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work autonomously and within a team environment.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and work collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to draft succinct business correspondence.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of database principles and software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a standard office 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.

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.