What are the responsibilities and job description for the SDOT Landscape Architecture Intern position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT’s Landscape Architecture intern posting covers two complementary roles within the Urban Forestry Program and the Landscape Architect’s Office. Both positions involve working outdoors in Seattle’s neighborhoods and green spaces, contributing to the health and expansion of the city’s urban tree canopy. One role focuses on street tree inventory fieldwork across the city; the other supports a USDA-funded ecological restoration project in West Seattle developed in partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and community organizations. Together, these internships offer a rare opportunity to contribute to both the science and design side of urban forestry in a major city.
By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these opportunities:
Opportunity 1: Urban Forestry Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)
SDOT’s Urban Forestry Program maintains and expands Seattle’s street tree canopy, which provides critical environmental, social, and economic benefits to city residents. These interns will support a citywide tree inventory update project—collecting field data on SDOT and privately maintained street trees, verifying and updating inventory records, and using iTree software to assess the benefits of Seattle’s urban forest. Candidates with tree identification skills, GIS experience, and a willingness to work outdoors across the city are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
SDOT’s Landscape Architect’s Office is seeking a graduate intern to support the Delridge Native Forest Garden—a USDA-funded ecological restoration project in West Seattle developed in collaboration with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Green Seattle Partnership, and Delridge Neighborhood Development Association. The intern will assist the Senior Landscape Architect with site monitoring, planting plan design, public outreach, and tree inventory updates. Additional work may include smaller design projects, research on landscape architecture topics, and development of construction specifications and details.
Key Responsibilities:
Educational Benefits:
For your reference, please refer to each of the options above.
Qualifications
Education:
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
Preferred Areas of Study:
Landscape Architecture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, or a related field with interest in urban ecology, tree canopy management, or ecological design and restoration.
Minimum Qualifications:
All undergraduate majors, except engineering and accounting students, must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Undergraduate engineering and accounting students must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
All graduate students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Desired Qualifications:
Internship dates: Start/End Dates: June 2026 – June 2027
Schedule:
Intern will work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.
Salary:
Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 per hour.
Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour.
Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process.
Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
Driver License: A valid WA State Driver’s License is preferred for field-based positions. A complete driving abstract may be required at the time of hire.
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT’s Landscape Architecture intern posting covers two complementary roles within the Urban Forestry Program and the Landscape Architect’s Office. Both positions involve working outdoors in Seattle’s neighborhoods and green spaces, contributing to the health and expansion of the city’s urban tree canopy. One role focuses on street tree inventory fieldwork across the city; the other supports a USDA-funded ecological restoration project in West Seattle developed in partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and community organizations. Together, these internships offer a rare opportunity to contribute to both the science and design side of urban forestry in a major city.
By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these opportunities:
Opportunity 1: Urban Forestry Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)
SDOT’s Urban Forestry Program maintains and expands Seattle’s street tree canopy, which provides critical environmental, social, and economic benefits to city residents. These interns will support a citywide tree inventory update project—collecting field data on SDOT and privately maintained street trees, verifying and updating inventory records, and using iTree software to assess the benefits of Seattle’s urban forest. Candidates with tree identification skills, GIS experience, and a willingness to work outdoors across the city are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct field data collection on SDOT and privately maintained street trees, including tree identification, condition evaluation, and assessment of tree performance in the built environment.
- Verify, analyze, and update inventory records and documents, including the review and editing of plant lists and other policy documents.
- Evaluate and catalog potential tree planting sites in equity priority areas to support future urban forestry investments.
- Use iTree software to report on the social and economic benefits of Seattle’s street trees.
SDOT’s Landscape Architect’s Office is seeking a graduate intern to support the Delridge Native Forest Garden—a USDA-funded ecological restoration project in West Seattle developed in collaboration with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Green Seattle Partnership, and Delridge Neighborhood Development Association. The intern will assist the Senior Landscape Architect with site monitoring, planting plan design, public outreach, and tree inventory updates. Additional work may include smaller design projects, research on landscape architecture topics, and development of construction specifications and details.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct regular site visits at the Delridge Native Forest Garden to monitor plant mortality, identify noxious weeds, and update the site’s tree inventory using CAD, GIS, and Excel.
- Create planting plans, specifications, scopes of work, and cost estimates for review by the Senior Landscape Architect.
- Participate in public outreach events including tabling, site visits, and volunteer stewardship events in the Delridge neighborhood.
- Research landscape architecture topics such as soil specifications, climate-adapted species, and best practices for protecting tree roots during construction.
Educational Benefits:
- Develop tree identification, urban forestry inventory, and ecological assessment skills through hands-on fieldwork across Seattle’s street tree network and restoration sites.
- Gain applied experience in landscape design, planting plan development, construction documentation, and GIS-based spatial analysis on live City projects.
- Learn to use iTree software to analyze and communicate the social and economic benefits of urban trees—a valuable skill for careers in urban forestry and environmental planning.
- Receive mentorship from licensed landscape architects and urban forestry professionals.
- Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills.
- Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
- Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth.
- Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies.
- Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
- Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment.
- Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more.
- Participate in the City’s Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth.
For your reference, please refer to each of the options above.
Qualifications
Education:
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
Preferred Areas of Study:
Landscape Architecture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, or a related field with interest in urban ecology, tree canopy management, or ecological design and restoration.
Minimum Qualifications:
All undergraduate majors, except engineering and accounting students, must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Undergraduate engineering and accounting students must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
All graduate students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Desired Qualifications:
- Coursework or field experience in tree identification and/or urban forestry inventory.
- Experience with data collection, analysis, and basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to perform sustained outdoor fieldwork in varying weather conditions, including traversing extended distances on foot.
- Strong attention to detail in field documentation, data entry, and record-keeping.
- Experience with ArcGIS or comparable GIS/mapping software.
- Knowledge of or experience with tree inventories, iTree software, or urban canopy assessment.
- Background in ecological restoration, native plant communities, or climate-adapted planting. Strong written communication skills for report writing, research, and outreach materials. Project management or volunteer coordination experience.
Internship dates: Start/End Dates: June 2026 – June 2027
Schedule:
Intern will work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.
Salary:
Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 per hour.
Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour.
Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
- Completed NEOGOV online application.
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process.
Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
Driver License: A valid WA State Driver’s License is preferred for field-based positions. A complete driving abstract may be required at the time of hire.
Salary : $23 - $28