Transportation Engineering / Planning Intern

David Evans and Associates Inc (DEA's) is seeking a motivated Transportation Engineering / Planning Intern to join our dynamic Smart Mobility group. This group blends transportation planning with traffic engineering design to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of impactful transportation projects, gaining hands-on experience in both disciplines while working alongside experienced professionals.

This position offers flexibility in location, with the option to work in our Apple Valley, Ontario, or Tustin, CA offices, and you may also have opportunities to support projects in other Southern California offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive Data Analysis: Analyze transportation data using spreadsheets or specialized software, applying traffic analysis tools to evaluate intersection and highway operations. Conduct statistical analyses, develop detailed methodology and assumptions memoranda, write summary reports, and oversee data collection efforts. Translate raw data into visually compelling informational graphics that communicate key findings to stakeholders.
• Graphics and Mapping: Prepare high-quality graphics and maps illustrating project sites, transportation networks, transit routes, and active transportation facilities for level of service deficiency studies, environmental impact reports, and various planning documents. Leverage tools like AutoCAD, GIS, and Adobe Illustrator to create accurate visual representations that support technical analysis and project communication.
• Transportation Impact Studies: Participate in comprehensive transportation impact studies for land development and public infrastructure projects. This includes trip generation, traffic distribution and assignment, multimodal level of service analysis, solution evaluation, derivation of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics from model data, site access and safety assessments, conceptual multimodal street design, intersection improvement planning, cost estimation, and preparation of formal, detailed reports.
• Regulatory Planning Contributions: Participate in multi-disciplinary teams to develop transportation and parking elements for regulatory documents, including General Plans and Specific Plans for large-scale residential, commercial, mixed-use, or industrial developments, ensuring compliance with local regulations and long-term sustainability goals.
• AutoCAD/Civil3D Design Support: Use AutoCAD or Civil3D to revise engineering construction plans based on redline markups for traffic signals, signing, and striping plans. Develop conceptual layouts for streets and intersections, including lane configurations and traffic signal placements. Ensure that design changes are accurate and aligned with project specifications.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Project Coordination: Collaborate closely with supervisors, project managers, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution, clear communication, and timely delivery of tasks.
• Field Surveys & Data Collection: Conduct field visits to collect data, conduct surveys, perform inventories, confirm as-built plans, and observe/document real-time traffic, safety, and operational conditions to inform project decisions and validate models.
• Data Compilation & Analysis: Compile, organize, and review collected data for accuracy, then analyze it for use in planning studies, development impact assessments, and design plans. Ensure all data-driven insights are accurately reflected in project outputs.
• Collision & Safety Studies: Conduct statistical analysis of collision data to identify traffic safety issues, supporting the development of Local Roadway Safety Programs (LRSPs) and safety-focused studies aimed at improving road conditions.
• Graphics and Reporting: Create detailed graphics and maps for inclusion in technical reports, and assist in compiling full reports and technical appendices, ensuring clear, concise, and visually informative project documentation.
• Supportive Design Studies: Perform supportive analyses for design projects, including sight distance analysis, traffic signal warrant analysis, queue analyses, truck turning template studies, and pavement traffic index calculations, ensuring design solutions are practical and data-driven.
• Technical Support for Project Managers: Provide project-specific technical insights and data to project managers, aiding in the preparation of project reports, design plans, and the overall successful execution of projects.

Basic Qualifications:

• Academic Progress: Applicants must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or Urban Planning with a transportation emphasis, having completed at least 2+ years of coursework.
• Software Competency: Coursework or hands-on experience using AutoCAD or Civil3D, with the ability to apply these skills to transportation design and engineering projects.
• Transportation Engineering Fundamentals: Strong foundational knowledge in highway engineering and capacity concepts through relevant coursework, preparing candidates to engage with real-world transportation systems and projects.
• Technical Writing Skills: Demonstrated above-average technical writing abilities, capable of producing well-organized, clear, and precise documentation, reports, and memoranda.
• Microsoft Office Suite Expertise: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, enabling candidates to efficiently handle data analysis, reporting, and project coordination tasks.
• Growth Mindset: A proactive attitude and willingness to take on increasing levels of responsibility as experience and skills are developed.
• Collaboration & Independence: Ability to excel both as part of a team and while working independently, showcasing strong interpersonal communication skills and self-motivation.
• Estimated Salary Range: $22-28/hr