Intern, Rail Operations

About the Role

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 offers opportunities to participate in field work and gain firsthand exposure to rail and transit operations, programs, and projects.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Pay

The pay range is from $20.00 - $23.00 per hour, depending on education level.

Schedule

Approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

Why Join Us

• 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.

This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.