About the role
Job Description College Intern – Project Development Start building your career while helping advance environmental and sustainability initiatives in Orange County! As a College Intern supporting OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Program, Rail and Sustainability Planning, and other environmental programs, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside transportation and environmental professionals on meaningful projects and initiatives. 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 experienced transportation professionals. You will have opportunities to strengthen your problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills while benefiting from mentorship, career development, and internal networking. 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 will consist of approximately 20 hours per 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 Support day-to-day activities associated with OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Program, Rail and Sustainability Planning, and other department programs. Assist with the implementation, administration, and monitoring of contracts and related project activities. Support coordination with internal departments, consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders.
Assist with the internal routing, tracking, and review of environmental documents. Research, compile, organize, and analyze information to support environmental and sustainability projects. Prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets, tracking tools, correspondence, and other project materials.
Assist with tracking project schedules, activities, deliverables, and follow-up items. Participate in meetings and special projects related to environmental planning, sustainability, rail, and transportation. Work with and learn from professionals across different areas of expertise based on your interests and department needs.
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 environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, urban or transportation planning, public administration, engineering, or a related field. Interest in environmental planning, sustainability, transportation, rail, or public-sector programs.
Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and track multiple assignments. Ability to work collaboratively with staff and stakeholders. Initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and take on increasingly responsible assignments.
Why You’ll Love It Here Make a meaningful impact by supporting environmental and sustainability programs that benefit Orange County. Gain real-world experience in environmental planning, sustainability, rail, contract administration, and project coordination. Learn how environmental projects move forward through exposure to document review, contract monitoring, and stakeholder coordination.
Explore your interests through mentorship with OCTA professionals working across a variety of environmental and transportation disciplines. Build valuable professional skills in research, analysis, communication, project tracking, and collaboration. Grow your professional network while exploring career opportunities in transportation, environmental planning, and sustainability.
Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs. 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.