Sustainability 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

Sound Transit's Office of Planning and Development takes an integrated, shared approach to delivering the best planning and development outcomes for local partners and creates strong, sustainable, transit-focused communities. The Sustainability intern will have an opportunity to be a part of the Sustainability team that oversees our Sustainability services and learn how a large regional transit system is managed.

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:

• General research and data collection on sustainability topic as needed.
• Data collection and analysis to support annual sustainability reporting KPIs and metrics, as well as sustainability initiatives for design and construction.
• Research on various sustainability topics.
• General writing and editing for internal and external communications about sustainability topics.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS:

• Research and assisting team members on analysis of third-party sustainability certifications such as LEED, Envision, and Salmon-Safe.
• Research feasibility and/or assisting team members on pilot design for various sustainable design features such as solar arrays.
• Data analysis to inform various sustainable design and construction topics such as costs of sustainable design and construction contractor greenhouse gas emissions.
• Writing and development of communication materials for various sustainability topics.

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 Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Public Affairs, or other non-technical discipline or relevant two-year certificate.          

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Understanding and passion about sustainability.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Computer skills with an emphasis with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and file management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• 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.