Metro College Intern (MTPD) Metro Transit Police Department

About the role

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) summer internship program provides college students with a firsthand look at the many career opportunities within law enforcement and public safety. Throughout the summer, interns are exposed to various aspects of law enforcement, including patrol operations, community engagement, and specialized units such as crime scene investigations and criminal investigations, Special Response Team (SWAT), K-9, training and recruiting. Interns will develop professional skills, build valuable connections, and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to serve a community. This program is designed to provide students with experiences that extend beyond the classroom and help them make informed decisions about their careers. MTPD’s interns work in various locations in the Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia area.

This is an introductory, preparatory, and training opportunity for college and graduate students designed to provide hands-on and practical transit industry work experience. Areas include but are not limited to: Bus and/or Rail Operations, Safety/Emergency Management, Engineering, Police, Information Technology, City/Urban Planning, and General business functions. Assignments are on a temporary basis not to exceed thirteen (13) weeks of summer employment. Student interns may rotate to various departments based on their major in college/university and/or the respective departmental assignment. The student intern is supervised by an appropriate Executive or designee.

Responsibilities

General duties

• Compiles, reviews, and analyzes data.
• Operates a personal computer to verify, input, and correct data required for producing reports.
• Researches data for and assists in the preparation of management, operations, technical, and administrative reports.
• Utilizes management memoranda, fiscal and operations reports, and data to complete assignments.
• Produces tangible work product specific to the assigned department, including presentations, reports, correspondence, graphic representation of data, and/or project plans.
• Reviews reports to identify problems based upon standard criteria and guidance from supervisors; recommends solutions as instructed.
• Participates in training sessions related to various functions performed by the department to which assigned; attends appropriate Authority, departmental, and office meetings to gain exposure to transit functions.
• Participates in and/or leads departmental meetings, working sessions, etc.

Other duties

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions.
• Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with the Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System, and just culture principles.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Knowledge of personal computers and other standard office equipment.
• Knowledgeable of computer software, specifically spreadsheets, word processing, and databases.

Skills

• Skilled with analyzing numerical data and preparing reports.

Abilities

• Ability to research methodology.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.

Tools & equipment

• Personal computer
• Microsoft Office Suites
• Office equipment

Supervisory responsibility

Not responsible for supervising others.

Education

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Must be attending an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in a discipline deemed appropriate for the position; the intern's major or area of concentration must be aligned with the academic and functional requirements of the position.
• Must have completed their freshman year and be entering their sophomore year of college.
• Must possess a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA.
• For progressive internships offering consecutive summer opportunities through graduation, the intern must receive a favorable performance evaluation for the prior summer to be considered for each subsequent summer.

About the organization

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation’s busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.

Evaluation criteria

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report