Intern, Rail Operations

Job Description

College Intern – Regional Rail

Under direct supervision, supports OCTA’s Rail initiatives by assisting with compiling and analyzing rail performance data, preparing presentations and reports, attending and summarizing Committee and Board meetings, graphic design, and supporting special projects. The position will also provide opportunities to participate in field work and gain firsthand exposure to rail and transit operations, programs, and projects.

You will perform a variety of professional entry-level duties related to your major field of study and the sponsoring department's current business operations. As a College Intern, you will be exposed to OCTA's career opportunities in the transportation industry. You will gain deeper awareness of transportation's many facets through your OCTA orientation, projects and teams, and internal networking.

OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.

The pay range is from $20.00 - $23.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare presentations, reports, and materials highlighting rail performance metrics, including ridership and on-time performance.
• Support analysis of rail system performance data and trends.
• Assist with rail program, budget, and project tracking.
• Attend Committee and Board of Directors meetings and prepare meeting notes and summaries.
• Participate in rail and transit field work to gain firsthand industry experience.
• Conduct research and complete special projects related to rail and transit.
• Compile and organize data for reports, presentations, and decision-making.
• Support document control, file organization, and records management activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Currently enrolled full-time college student (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) at an accredited two- or four-year college or university
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree relevant to transportation, planning, business administration, engineering, data analytics, public administration or a related discipline
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Interest in public transportation, rail operations, transportation planning or related areas
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Ability to learn technical concepts and take on increasingly responsible assignments.
• Detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working collaboratively in a professional environment.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Gain real-world transportation experience while working on rail and transit programs that serve Orange County.
• Turn data into insights by working with ridership, on-time performance, and other key rail metrics.
• See transportation in action through opportunities to participate in rail and transit field work.
• Learn how public agencies operate through exposure to projects, budgets, programs, and OCTA’s Committee and Board processes.
• Build your professional network while learning alongside experienced transportation professionals.
• Strengthen your resume with meaningful projects and practical experience related to your field of study.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.
Apply now to gain meaningful experience and contribute to OCTA’s transportation initiatives.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.