Transit-Oriented Development Intern - Summer 2026

This is a paid internship, range of $22/hr - $39/hr (depending on role and qualifications) for those currently pursuing undergraduate degrees and higher rates for those currently pursuing graduate level degrees. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including: 

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner. 


• Employee Assistance Program. 


• Paid Time Off: An accrual of up to 4 hours per pay period. Up to 2 floating holidays. 


• Full-time interns will receive an ORCA card at no cost. This card can be used on buses, trains, water taxis in the Puget Sound region, along with the Monorail and Seattle Streetcar. 


• In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues. 

Tentative 2026 Internship Dates:

• Semester students: May 18th to July 24th    


• Quarter students:  June 15th to August 21st

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Sound Transit's Office of Planning and Development leads the agency’s planning functions, taking an integrated, shared approach to delivering the best planning and development outcomes for local partners and creating strong, sustainable, transit-focused communities.

The Community Development sits within the Office of Planning and Development and works to foster vibrant, livable communities by creating opportunities for affordable housing, retail and community spaces near our stations. The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) intern will work within the Community Development Office to advance equitable development outcomes across the Sound Transit service area and have an opportunity to provide a meaningful impact on TOD planning and project development work.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

JOB DUTIES:

• Provide support to TOD Project Managers on real estate development tasks as assigned.


• Maintain best practices on TOD documents and research, data on real estate development near transit stations, and other data sources on issues related to TOD, displacement, and economic opportunity.


• Review and summarize literature on strategic TOD research topics and others as assigned.


• Distribute design and construction deliverable documents, track and compile reviewer comments.


• Review and circulate draft property transfer documents and agreements.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS:

• Strategic Research
  
  
  
  • Literature review of strategic TOD planning and implementation and other related subjects.
  
  
  • Qualitative data gathering: potential survey design and implementation.
  
  
  
  


• Lynnwood City Center Station TOD - support design review of TOD project with development partner, internal teams, and City of Lynnwood.


• Affordable Homeownership Initiative - support the potential transfer of two surplus sites to the City of Seattle for affordable homeownership.


• Stride BRT Transfer of Development Rights - design and distribute marketing materials for a TDR opportunity in Bothell/Canyon Park.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be a current college student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor's or graduate degree program in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Real Estate, or other non-technical discipline or relevant two-year certificate.          

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and platforms (SharePoint, OneDrive).


• Familiarity with basic real estate concepts and principles.


• Familiarity with basic urban planning and community development principles.


• Knowledge of communities and neighborhoods adjacent to Sound Transit service lines both active and under development.


• Basic budget and financial document comprehension and analysis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in community engagement and outreach best practices


• Ability to read and understand architectural and engineering plans. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.


• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.