The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. This is accomplished by setting and enforcing safety performance standards for motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment, and through grants to state and local governments to enable them to conduct effective local highway safety programs.

NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations, and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics. NHTSA also conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety, to develop the most efficient means of bringing about safety improvements.

NHTSA offers an intern program that permits students to work up to a full time schedule on an array of projects. Duties range from collecting data on targeted populations, preparing special studies or analyses of alleged safety problems, and performing the various steps in the closeout process, as prescribed in the Office of Contracts and Procurement's written closeout procedures, to supporting NHTSA through the overall management of its information requirements and resources, automated information and telecommunications systems.

As an intern, you can work around your class schedule during any semester, and even during holidays and breaks, up to 40 hours per week. You will be assigned to an office that matches your area of study, enabling you to receive invaluable work experience while you earn an hourly salary ranging from $10.39/hour to $17.64/hour. Previous experience, major, classification in school, and grade point average determine how much you will be paid. Payment is arranged through a cooperative agreement between your school and NHTSA. This means that your school will pay your salary, and NHTSA will reimburse the school according to the terms of the agreement. The length of service lasts one year from the initial start date, and can be renewed at the end of that year.

NHTSA is continuously accepting applications for the following majors: mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, electrical engineering, accounting, finance, statistics, sociology, psychology, computer information systems, networking, programming, communications, and, of course, transportation. The hiring process takes place year-round. NHTSA's headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., but the agency also has ten regional offices that service cities across the United States. For more information, please contact Terrance Webster at 202-366-1784, twebster@nhtsa.dot.gov. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a team that prides itself on "people saving people."

AS OF: 08-29-01

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO AGENCY INFORMATION GATEWAY