Internships at the FHWA Office of Safety and Operations: Responsibilities and Duties

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a pivotal agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT), is dedicated to improving national mobility, ensuring public safety, fostering transportation system efficiency, and safeguarding the environment. A crucial component of its operational framework involves the Office of Safety and Operations, which, along with other administrative and program delivery divisions, relies on the valuable contributions of interns. These internships, primarily facilitated through the Pathways Program, offer students invaluable real-world experience in their fields of interest while engaging in vital public service. This article will delve into the multifaceted responsibilities and duties of interns within the FHWA's Office of Safety and Operations, exploring the diverse areas where their contributions are essential.

Understanding Transportation Operations and Systems Management

At its core, transportation operations encompass the intentional strategies, tools, and real-time actions necessary for a transportation system to function safely and reliably as envisioned by planners, designers, builders, maintenance crews, and safety specialists. This concept is often encapsulated under the industry term Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO). Martin C. aptly describes operations as the fulfillment of prior decisions, focusing on the real-time user experience and the assurance of safety and reliability. Interns in this sphere can expect to engage with various aspects of TSMO, including managing disruptions, exploring innovative operational strategies, understanding the integration of connected vehicles and emerging technologies, and contributing to freight management and operations. They may also be involved in the delivery of various programs and grants that underpin these operational objectives.

The Pathways Program: A Gateway to Federal Service

The Pathways Program acts as a critical mechanism for recruitment into entry-level positions within the FHWA, particularly within its field offices like the Federal Lands Highway (FLH). This program is designed to connect college students, majoring in fields such as Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering Management, Geomatics (Surveying) Engineering, and Environmental Engineering, with short-term staffing needs. Interns have the flexibility to work either full-time or part-time, with work hours adjustable to fit their schedules, provided they do not exceed 40 hours per week. The specific discipline an intern is assigned to depends on their area of focus and the immediate needs of the division office. This program is instrumental in providing students with a tangible understanding of what an FHWA planner or engineer does, and how their roles impact broader program development and project execution processes.

Diverse Internship Assignments within FHWA

The FHWA's commitment to fostering a well-rounded intern experience is evident in the wide array of assignments available. These assignments are structured to provide practical, hands-on experience that complements academic learning and offers a glimpse into the daily operations of a federal agency.

Bridge Inspection and Management

Within the Bridge Inspection Program, interns gain exposure to the critical task of inspecting and structurally rating approximately 2,200 structures owned by the National Park Service and other Federal agencies. These inspections, conducted biennially in accordance with national standards, generate data that feeds into a bridge management system. This system is vital for defining, supporting, and programming future improvement projects. Under the guidance of engineers, interns in this area will operate specialized inspection equipment, meticulously record data, create essential sketches, and prepare required reports. The Bridge Management section further offers interns an understanding of the programming and long-term planning assistance provided to partner agencies' bridge programs.

Construction Contract Administration

Interns assigned to construction contract administration are introduced to the intricacies of ensuring a contractor's adherence to the technical, environmental, and aesthetic requirements outlined in contract plans and specifications. This assignment provides a foundational understanding of the administrative aspects of construction projects, emphasizing quality control and compliance.

Environmental Compliance

The Environmental section plays a crucial role in supporting engineering staff by ensuring adherence to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and various other Federal and State environmental laws and regulations. Interns in this area will contribute to the preparation of environmental documents and gain experience in managing environmental contracts, thereby understanding the agency's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Structural and Roadway Design

Interns get an introduction to the design and analysis of essential transportation structures, including bridge foundations, retaining walls, cut and fill slopes, and land and rock slide repairs. This practical experience extends to roadway design, covering the entire process from preliminary stages through the completion of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E).

Hydraulics and Drainage Engineering

The Hydraulics staff provide critical engineering recommendations to highway and bridge designers, addressing a wide range of drainage-related challenges commonly encountered in highway planning, design, and construction. Interns here contribute to ensuring the effective management of water resources within transportation infrastructure.

Materials Engineering and Pavement Analysis

FLH Division Offices house operational highway materials laboratories that offer valuable basic materials training and conduct essential materials analysis for design and quality control during construction. These laboratories support geotechnical and roadway design, materials testing, and quality assurance. With AASHTO accreditation in common highway materials testing, interns gain exposure to the analysis and design of asphalt and concrete pavements, understanding the science behind durable and safe road surfaces.

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Planning and Program Development

Interns assisting the Planning section are involved in reviewing infrastructure condition data, management plans, and operational and safety needs. Their work contributes to the development and recommendation of long-range plans for various highway, transit, and trail construction programs. Additionally, interns in the Programs section gain familiarity with the lifecycle of projects, from initial account setup at project conception to final closure. They learn about the responsibilities of stewardship and oversight, becoming acquainted with key program groups such as the Federal Lands Transportation Programs, the Federal Lands Access Program, and State Programs.

Roadway Inventory and Condition Analysis

The roadway inventory team is responsible for providing crucial roadway inventory and condition analysis for the National Park Service and other Federal Lands Management agencies. Utilizing state-of-the-art data collection vehicles equipped with advanced technology, this team documents pavement conditions, geometrics, and drainage systems through video logs and roadside inventory reports. The collected data is instrumental in defining, supporting, and programming improvement projects. Interns contribute to this effort, supporting Federal agencies in developing effective pavement management systems.

Surveying and Mapping

Interns working with the Survey and Mapping team assist in data collection and the preparation of topographic and planimetric mapping essential for highway design and construction. This involves working with field crews to conduct control, planimetric, topographic, cadastral, and subsurface utility surveys. Office staff collaboration focuses on processing survey data and compiling base maps, leveraging the latest computer technology for both data collection and mapping preparation.

Transportation Operations and Safety

The Transportation Operations section provides expert technical guidance on highway safety and traffic issues, including safety appurtenances, roadside design, and traffic operations. Interns assist engineers in reviewing PS&E packages for projects involving safety systems, ensuring early safety considerations are integrated into planning, design, and construction phases. They also contribute to traffic and safety studies, encompassing speed studies, highway operation studies, queue studies, traffic calming initiatives, work zone safety assessments, pedestrian safety analyses, road safety audits, and crash data analysis. This hands-on involvement in real-world safety assessments offers profound educational and rewarding experiences, directly impacting the safety and efficiency of the nation's roadways.

Administrative and Support Functions

Beyond direct project involvement, interns may also contribute to critical administrative and support functions within FHWA. These areas are crucial for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the agency's operations.

Office of Human Resources (HAHR)

The Office of Human Resources (HAHR) is responsible for developing and administering comprehensive agency-wide HR policies and programs. Interns here might support activities related to policy, planning, data analysis, HR operations (staffing, processing, benefits), and talent development. The office acts as an advisor and advocate on a wide range of HR issues, including recruitment, workforce planning, compensation, employee benefits, performance management, and employee wellness. Strategic planning execution and the development of accountability programs for risk assessment and program review are also key functions. HAHR services FHWA offices nationwide, with staff often co-located in geographically dispersed offices.

Office of Information Technology and Data Services (HATS)

Led by a career Senior Executive Service Office Director who also serves as the Chief Technology Officer, the Office of Information Technology and Data Services (HATS) provides a strategic IT focus, leadership, and governance for FHWA and select DOT Agencies. Interns in this office contribute to developing and implementing scalable, cost-efficient, and innovative IT solutions. HATS also manages data services and governance, Section 508 compliance, records management, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) services. This office is at the forefront of IT planning, system improvements, and the adoption of new technologies to enhance program delivery and internal operations. They play a vital role in information security, data management, and promoting public access to highway data, including leading the agency's FOIA program.

Office of Management Services (HAMS)

The Office of Management Services (HAMS) develops agency-wide policies and provides expertise in administrative programs, facilities management, fleet maintenance, support services, alternative duty location (ADL) employees, and audio-visual services. Interns here contribute to strategic planning and business actions for facilities, management support, and communications. They may also be involved in areas such as Personal Identify Verification, coordinating the Agency ADL Program, and updating Organization and Delegations of Authority Programs.

Discretionary Grants Coordination Division (DGCD)

The Discretionary Grants Coordination Division (DGCD) develops and coordinates agency-wide discretionary grant policies, ensuring strategic planning, advocacy, and unified communication for critical departmental policies. Interns can gain insight into the complex process of managing a significant grants portfolio, from announcement of funding opportunities and application review to awards, monitoring, and post-award review. This division ensures accountability and maximizes the return on federal grant investments.

Workforce Programs Division

This division focuses on increasing the capacity of the internal and external transportation workforce to meet current and future industry demands. Interns may participate in activities related to strategic planning, coordination with departmental offices, and communication with educational institutions to foster transferable skills. Expanding workforce development strategies, including implementing new curricula, grant education programs, and hands-on career opportunities for students at all levels, are key areas of focus. The division emphasizes developmental programs such as the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program and the Pathways Internship Program.

Mission Support Division (MiST)

Comprised of Budget, Financial, Acquisition, and Program Analysts, as well as Administrative Assistants, the Mission Support Division (MiST) is integral to the smooth functioning of the FHWA. The Pathways Internship program itself is managed within this division, underscoring its role in facilitating student opportunities.

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