Transportation Planning Intern

Benton-Franklin Council of Governments • Richland, WA

2d • $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

BFCOG is seeking a motivated and curious Transportation Planning Intern to join our Planning Department this summer and support meaningful regional transportation initiatives.

Enhancing mobility while addressing climate impacts and building safe, vibrant communities is critical for our region. BFCOG is actively working to update and implement coordinated transportation strategies, policies, and actions through the Regional Transportation Plan and related programs. As an intern, you will contribute to real projects that shape how our region grows and moves.

This internship provides hands-on experience in community engagement, transportation safety, congestion management, land-use planning, and transit-oriented development. You will support outreach to local jurisdictions, conduct data collection and analysis, research transportation best practices, and help prepare reports and presentation materials.

We are a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that works closely with public-sector partners across the region. This role offers exposure to multiple municipalities and agencies and provides an opportunity to apply technical knowledge while gaining insight into how regional planning decisions are made.

This is an ideal opportunity for an emerging planning professional who is eager to learn, contribute, and grow within a supportive team environment.

Employment with BFCOG is on an at-will basis.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in transportation, urban or environmental planning, land use, data science, sociology, geography, public administration, engineering, or a related field is required. Undergraduate students must have completed at least two years of coursework (junior standing or higher).

Nice To Haves

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with the public, professionals, and agency staff
• Interest in local and regional planning issues within the Benton-Franklin region
• At least one year of professional experience in planning or a closely related field is preferred. Experience may include both paid and unpaid work, including volunteer service (such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, student organizations, or community-based initiatives). We recognize that valuable skills are developed in many settings and will consider all qualifying experience.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, database tools, Tableau, web mapping tools, OpenStreetMap, or web-based visualization platforms is a plus

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and analyze quantitative and qualitative transportation data.
• Use standard software packages such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to analyze and present information.
• Research and assess transportation strategies and implementation actions.
• Assist with research on transportation best practices in peer regions.
• Support community engagement efforts and outreach to local jurisdictions.
• Help prepare reports, presentations, and materials for regional forums and meetings.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and events, including organizing materials and assisting with coordination.
• Support efforts to convene regional partners and facilitate collaboration across jurisdictions.

Benefits

• Available Paid Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, and Labor Day
• Accrual of up to 5 Paid Vacation Days
• Successful Interns are guaranteed consideration for future employment opportunities with BFCOG and other local jurisdictions
• Hybrid/Remote Work Considered & Flexible Work Schedule Options
• BFCOG-sponsored training opportunities
• BFCOG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern