Intern, Contracted Services

Posted yesterday

octa energieSacramento (CA)

Business Operations Specialists, All Other Mixed Mode Transit Systems

SENIORITY

Intern

SALARY

$20.00 – $23.00 per hour

Apply

About the role

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 PowerPointInterest 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 BIParticipate 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.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.