Intern, Specialized Transit Services

Job Description College Intern – Specialized Transit Services Join OCTA’s Specialized Transit Services team as a College Intern and gain hands-on experience supporting programs and services that provide mobility and transportation options throughout Orange County. In this role, you will support one of the department’s three sections and assist with activities such as program administration, data analysis and reporting, customer and community outreach, contract compliance, research, and process improvement. You will contribute to projects that support the effective delivery of specialized transportation programs while gaining exposure to the important role these services play in connecting communities across Orange County.

Under direct supervision, 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 Assist staff with data collection, analysis, reporting, and identifying program or service trends.

Support the development and maintenance of reports, dashboards, tracking systems, databases, and other program resources. Assist with program and contract compliance activities, audits, documentation, and report preparation. Support customer, community, agency, and stakeholder outreach and communications.

Assist with research and the review of program materials, policies, procedures, and industry practices. Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, reference materials, and other program documentation. Participate in special projects and other activities that support the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of Specialized Transit Services programs Shadow staff and gain exposure to the various programs, functions, and services within the Specialized Transit Services Department.

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, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Data Analytics, Sociology, or a related field. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to review and interpret program information and statutory language. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when working with data, records, and program documentation.

Ability to provide professional customer service and communicate effectively with cities, agencies, stakeholders, and members of the public. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing multiple assignments and priorities. Why You’ll Love It Here Gain hands-on experience supporting specialized transportation programs that provide mobility options throughout Orange County.

Learn how transportation programs are administered, monitored, and evaluated to support customers and communities. Gain exposure to multiple functions within Specialized Transit Services through projects and opportunities to shadow experienced staff. Develop valuable skills in data analysis, program administration, compliance, research, reporting, and stakeholder communication.

Work alongside transportation professionals and partner agencies while learning about careers in public transportation and public service. Contribute to programs that help connect people with transportation options that support mobility, independence, and access throughout the community. Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

Apply now to gain meaningful experience and help shape the future of transportation funding and capital programming at OCTA. 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. 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.