1DOT Pathways Internship Program

Steer Your Way to a USDOT Internship Today!

The Department of Transportation is hiring students for its 1DOT Pathways Internship Program (GS-0099-03/04/05/07 - from $15.59 to $37.17 per hour) in multiple locations across the United States. Apply today by visiting https://www.usajobs.gov/job/889728300 (open to U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the USA, as well as current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution). This internship announcement closes on 11/03/2026 (but submit your application as soon as possible to receive the best consideration).

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) ensures the Nation has the safest, most efficient, and modern transportation system in the world which improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.

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The 1DOT Pathways Internship Program puts you at the center of modernizing America's infrastructure. Whether you are passionate about engineering, data analytics, business policy, or information technology this is your chance to collaborate with top experts and actively shape the future of national transportation.

As a 1DOT Pathways Internship Program participant, you will:

• Tackle real-world analytical, technical, and administrative challenges that directly impact communities.
• Build your resume through hands-on mentorship and progressively complex projects tailored to your discipline.
• Partner with senior specialists to design, analyze, and optimize critical transportation operations.
• Draft high-impact policy briefings, data reports, and executive presentations for DOT leadership.

We are looking for driven, innovative undergraduate and graduate students ready to disrupt the status quo. If you are a proactive problem-solver eager to translate classroom theory into practical, data-driven solutions for the Federal government, USDOT is your launchpad!

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at least half-time in an accredited educational institution. Scheduled to begin on May 30th (2027), these temporary Pathways student intern positions offer the potential for extension throughout the academic year for eligible participants, as well as a direct pipeline to permanent civil service careers upon successful program completion.

Click here to learn more about 1DOT and apply!

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Whether you want to work right where you go to school or head back home for the summer, we've got a spot for you! Check out all the incredible locations across the country where you can launch your DOT internship journey:

Northeast: Hartford (CT), Washington (DC), Cambridge (MA), Trenton (NJ), Massena (NY), Harrisburg (PA), Ashburn (VA), and McLean (VA)

Southeast and Caribbean: Tallahassee (FL), Atlanta (GA), Tupelo (MS), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Columbia (SC), and Sevierville (TN)

Midwest: Chicago (IL), Matteson (IL), Ames (IA), Lansing (MI), Columbus (OH), and Madison (WI)

South Central and Great Plains: Little Rock (AR), Lake Charles (LA), Oklahoma City (OK), Austin (TX), Dallas (TX), Fort Worth (TX)

Mountain West and West Coast: Los Angeles (CA), Lakewood (CO), Salem (OR), Salt Lake City (UT), Vancouver (WA)

Click here to learn more about 1DOT and apply!

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The DOT "Modes"

1DOT Pathways Interns may work in any of DOT's 11 operating administrations (OAs).

The OAs are more commonly referred to as "modes" of transportation:

Office of the Secretary of Transportation: OST relies on a dedicated workforce of approximately 800 to 1,000 employees to serve as the principal policymaking and oversight body for the entire U.S. Department of Transportation. OST coordinates national transportation strategies, manages major infrastructure grant programs, and ensures all operating administrations work cohesively to deliver a safe, equitable, and modern transportation system.

Federal Aviation Administration: FAA employs approximately 40,000 to 45,000 dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to regulate civil aviation and manage the nation's complex air traffic control system. The agency collaborates with the airline industry and airports to enforce strict aviation regulations and ensure the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Federal Highway Administration: FHWA utilizes its workforce of roughly 2,300 to 2,800 employees to partner with state and local governments in designing, building, and maintaining the nation's highway and bridge infrastructure. The agency is dedicated to delivering a world-class system that ensures safe, reliable travel across interstate networks, national forests, Indian reservations, and other public lands.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: FMCSA relies on a dedicated team of 1,000 to 1,200 employees to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses on our national highways. The agency collaborates with federal, state, and local enforcement groups to implement strict commercial vehicle regulations and promote rigorous safety standards across the motor carrier industry.

Federal Railroad Administration: FRA leverages its team of 950 to 1,100 personnel to promote and enforce safety regulations across America's expansive freight and passenger rail networks. The agency works diligently to ensure that tracks, equipment, and operations remain in safe, working condition to facilitate the reliable movement of people and goods nationwide.

Maritime Administration: MARAD operates with a workforce of about 700 to 850 employees who are committed to fostering the development and maintenance of a robust United States merchant marine and maritime industry. The agency actively supports waterborne transportation by improving port infrastructure, ensuring ship safety, and advancing seamless integration with other land-based transportation networks. Additionally, MARAD oversees the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point (New York), which educates and trains future leaders of the nation's maritime services.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA employs roughly 550 to 750 professionals dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing vehicle-related crashes on U.S. roadways. The agency achieves this critical mission by setting rigorous vehicle performance standards, enforcing recalls for safety defects, and educating the public on safe driving behaviors.

Federal Transit Administration: FTA relies on between 500 and 600 staff members who work closely with state and local transit providers to fund and support comprehensive public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and ferries. The agency prioritizes improving mobility, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring equitable access to safe and reliable transit options for all communities.

Office of Inspector General: OIG utilizes a specialized staff of 350 to 425 auditors and investigators to provide independent, objective oversight of the Department of Transportation's programs and operations. The agency is fundamentally committed to enhancing program efficiency and integrity by actively detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse across all transportation sectors.

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation: GLS operates with a focused team of 120 to 145 employees responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The agency works in tandem with its Canadian counterparts to manage essential lock facilities, promote maritime commerce, and ensure environmental stewardship along this vital international shipping corridor.

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Get in Touch with Our Team!

We want to make sure you have everything you need to submit a successful application! Reach out to USDOT staff at transjobs@dot.gov and we will be happy to assist you!

Click here to learn more about 1DOT and apply!

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