SDOT Finance & Contracts Administration Intern

About the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)

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 Finance & Contracts Administration Intern posting covers two distinct internship opportunities within the Finance & Administration Division (FAD): the Contracts & Procurement team and the Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Budget team. Both roles sit within the same division and offer hands-on exposure to the financial and administrative operations that keep the department running. By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these two opportunities:

Opportunity 1: Contracts & Procurement Intern (Undergraduate)

SDOT’s Contracts & Procurement unit executes consultant contracting and purchasing procurements for the entire department — from drafting Requests for Qualifications through contract execution, amendments, compliance audits, and closeout. This internship has been a cornerstone of the C&P team for nearly 10 years and serves as a direct pathway into government contracting careers. Interns will support the full lifecycle of consultant contracts: monitoring the dedicated contracts inbox, processing staff additions and annual rate adjustments, managing document filing and data entry across City systems, assisting with public disclosure requests, and participating in structured weekly training led by the Contracts Manager. Interns also gain exposure to the broader team’s work through C&P weekly meetings and, where possible, are involved in the next cohort’s recruitment and onboarding — a unique professional development opportunity.

Key Responsibilities (Contracts & Procurement Intern):

• Monitor the dedicated contracts inbox daily, triage incoming contract request forms, and respond to or escalate inquiries from SDOT project managers and consultants.
• Process consultant contract staff additions and annual rate adjustments, and follow closeout checklists for expired contracts across multiple City systems.
• Log, track, and update contracting data in team file systems and Worklog; assist with public disclosure requests and document management.
• Participate in weekly C&P team training sessions and broader team meetings; assist with onboarding of the next intern cohort where applicable.

Opportunity 2: Finance & Budget Intern (Undergraduate or Graduate)

SDOT’s O&M Budget Team manages the financial planning and operational budgeting for the department. This internship supports critical administrative and analytical functions from organizing SharePoint file systems, developing and maintaining Internal Operating Procedures (IOPs), resolving data discrepancies, and supporting ad-hoc reporting and annual budget cycle activities such as encumbrance reviews. The ideal candidate is collaborative, organized, and motivated, with an interest in public sector finance, budget administration, or business operations. This role offers a broad view of how a major city department manages its financial health and internal processes.

Key Responsibilities (Finance & Budget Intern):

• Plan and implement a complete SharePoint file organization system for the O&M Budget team, improving document accessibility and consistency.
• Create, finalize, and organize Internal Operating Procedures (IOPs); document processes as directed by Finance & Administration leadership.
• Research and resolve data discrepancies within FAD; develop and implement ongoing data maintenance schedules.
• Support Finance Analysts and division leaders with ad-hoc reporting, deliverables, and annual budget cycle actions such as encumbrance reviews.
• Handle administrative responsibilities including project tracking, monitoring deadlines, note-taking, and drafting communications.

Please note that these tasks are estimates and may change depending on the interests and skills of the applicant. Tasks will also evolve as new priorities emerge.

Educational Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in government contracting, procurement administration, and public sector budget operations that meets the work experience requirements for many City contracting career paths.
• Develop professional office skills including contract processing, data entry, records management, and business communication across diverse audiences.
• Learn to navigate City-specific data and financial systems with training provided, building technical competencies applicable to public administration and finance careers.
• Work alongside experienced contract specialists and budget analysts, building professional relationships and an understanding of municipal finance and procurement practices.

Professional and Educational Benefits:

• 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.

Competitive Pay and Benefits:

• 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.

Job Responsibilities Breakdown:

• Monitor dedicated inbox and process incoming contract actions including consultant staff additions, rate adjustments, and related documentation. (30%)
• Maintain and update data systems, SharePoint files, and tracking tools to ensure accurate and organized records. (25%)
• Support ad-hoc reporting requests, encumbrance reviews, and annual budget cycle activities in coordination with the O&M Budget team. (20%)
• Draft internal communications, develop operating procedures, and document processes as directed by program and finance leadership. (15%)
• Respond to inquiries from SDOT project managers and consultant staff professionally and escalate issues as appropriate. (10%)

Please note that these tasks are estimates and may change depending on the interests and skills of the applicant. Tasks will also evolve as new priorities emerge.

Qualifications:

• Education: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
• Preferred Areas of Study: Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Economics, Pre-Law, or a related field.
• Minimum Qualifications: All undergraduate majors, except accounting students, must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Undergraduate accounting students must maintain a 2.5 GPA. All graduate students must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Desired Qualifications: Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills with strategies for tracking multiple in-progress items. Professional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with varying audiences. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Comfort learning and using new data systems; training will be provided on City-specific platforms. Coursework or experience in accounting, contracting, procurement, or public finance. Prior office or administrative work experience. Familiarity with SharePoint or similar document management platforms. Interest in public sector administration, government procurement, or municipal finance.

Additional Information:

• 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. Undergraduate accounting students will be paid $29.30 - $29.30 per hour. Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour. Graduate accounting students will be paid $30.24 - $30.24 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. For students transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program, submit admissions offer to the graduate program to confirm intention of enrollment. 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.
• Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences. Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.

Key skills/competency

• Contracts Administration
• Procurement
• Budget Management
• Financial Analysis
• Data Entry
• Record Management
• Microsoft Office Suite
• SharePoint
• Public Sector Finance
• Administrative Support