MDOT Internship Program

About the role

Are you an independent, energetic, self-sufficient, and highly motivated undergraduate/graduate student? Do you have a passion for public service? Are you excited to gain government experience in areas such as design, construction, project management, surveying, and planning (just to name a few!)? This opportunity is a great way for you to bridge the gap between going to school and landing a great job.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is a diverse, innovative agency serving your family, friends, Michigan citizens, and visitors. Undergraduate/graduate students will have the opportunity to gain work experience, develop professional competence and long-range career goals, integrate work experiences with academic knowledge, and establish a professional network. Begin your MDOT journey today!

Typical Work Assignments

This opportunity provides valuable work experience in civil engineering and/or transportation planning by learning the ropes from more experienced professionals. In an on-the-job training capacity, work assignments could include performing entry and intermediate level work, including but not limited to inspection, testing, surveying, design plans, community and local partner engagement, forecasting, geospatial mapping technology, data analysis, asset management and project administration for the department road, bridge, and facilities programs.

Work locations are located throughout the State of Michigan. Assignments will be taken into consideration based on the work area that you choose in the supplemental questions section on the job application, but based on operational need you may be considered for a different work area. Please refer to the work descriptions for more information about the different work areas and work assignments.

Housing

MDOT offers a temporary structured housing option for candidates who meet one of the following criteria:

• Can provide documentation of Pell Grant eligibility
• Have a commute of more than 90 minutes one-way to the assigned work area

This is a taxable benefit that may be available based on operational need and the allocated budget.

• Pay Rates
• First Participation Year: $20.07/hour
• Second Participation Year: $21.82/hour
• Third Participation Year: $22.44/hour
• Fourth Participation Year: $23.09/hour
• Fifth Participation Year: $23.55/hour
• Sixth Participation Year: $24.26/hour

This is a seasonal program that runs from approximately April 25 to October 31, 2027 and includes the following benefits:

• Overtime compensation (per SEIU bargaining agreement)
• Competitive pay rates
• Flexible work schedules (contingent upon operational need)
• Holiday pay
• 16 hours of initial annual (vacation) leave
• Accrue annual and sick leave every pay period (per SEIU bargaining agreement)
• 401K benefits
• Housing

To be considered for the Internship Program you must

• Be a currently enrolled undergraduate/graduate student, with priority to Civil Engineering, Civil Technology, Construction Management, Land Surveying, Planning, and Geographic Information Systems.
• Possess a cumulative GPA with a 2.0 or higher.
• Attach current unofficial college transcripts or if you are a first semester/term student attach a current course schedule. The transcript/course schedule must include the student's name, college/university information, credits earned (if applicable), and grades received to date (if applicable). First semester/term college students must provide a transcript reflecting earning a minimum of 24 semester credits or 36 term credits and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher prior to entry into the program.

Failure to meet the above requirements for new and returning students may result in forfeiting any rights of consideration for employment or, if hired, may lead to dismissal.

• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
• Possess a valid driver's license by April 23rd, 2027.
• Candidates are required to demonstrate progression in the program by enrolling and successfully completing classes and courses that are consistent with their area of study.
• The program may require a Certification in Federal Material Testing and Sampling Methods (involves passing a written and proficiency exam to be completed after hire).
• Internship participants are encouraged to apply for available permanent MDOT positions after finishing their degree. Some positions may accept applicants who expect to complete their degree in the following semester.
• This program may have the ability to work a hybrid (office/home) schedule. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises.

Click here for more information on the MDOT Internship Program.