Intern, Contracted Services

Job Description College Intern – Contracted Services Join OCTA’s Contracted Services team as a College Intern and gain hands-on experience supporting transit operations and contractor performance oversight for services that help keep Orange County moving. In this role, you will assist with operational data analysis, performance monitoring, reporting, field observations, and contractor coordination while learning how OCTA evaluates the quality, reliability, safety, and compliance of contracted transit services. You will work alongside experienced transportation professionals and gain exposure to the day-to-day processes used to monitor service delivery and support a positive customer experience.

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 $20.00 – $23.00 per hour, depending on education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits.

The work schedule is approximately 20 hours per week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period. An eligibility list may be established for up to six months from the posting date. This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You’ll Do Assist with tracking, organizing, and analyzing transit operational and performance data using Excel, Power BI, and other internal systems Gain experience in contract management and contractor performance oversight, including monitoring customer service, on-time performance, service reliability, and other transit performance standards Learn about compliance requirements related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), drug and alcohol testing, recordkeeping, and applicable State and Federal requirements Participate in field observations and site checks to observe transit service delivery, customer service, safety practices, detours, and operational impacts Participate in coordination meetings with contractors and staff and assist with preparing written communications and presenting information Prepare reports, meeting materials, logs, spreadsheets, and other documentation supporting transit operations and contractor oversight Help monitor performance indicators such as on-time performance, missed trips, customer complaints, and service reliability Collaborate with transportation professionals and gain practical exposure to the day-to-day management and oversight of contracted transit services 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 in Transportation Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, Data Analytics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Interest in learning how transit operations and contracted transportation services are managed and evaluated Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to work with data, spreadsheets, reports, and other business information Effective written and verbal communication skills Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment Ability to perform entry-level professional work and acquire increasingly complex technical knowledge and skills Initiative, curiosity, and willingness to take on progressively responsible assignments Why You’ll Love It Here Gain hands-on experience in transit operations and contractor performance management Learn how public transportation services are monitored for quality, reliability, safety, and compliance Work with real-world transit data and tools such as Excel and Power BI Participate in field observations and see firsthand how transit services are delivered Develop professional skills through meaningful projects, mentoring, career counseling, and collaboration with experienced transportation professionals Explore career opportunities throughout OCTA and gain a broader understanding of the transportation industry Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

Apply now to gain meaningful professional experience and help support safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation services throughout Orange County. 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 other legally protected status. OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator.

With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs. We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County.

Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.