Equipment Services Fleet Management Intern

State-of-Iow; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Department of Transportation’s Equipment Services offers a summer internship in Ames, on-site, up to 40 hours per week during breaks and up to 20 hours per week during the school year.

The role focuses on equipment specifications, fleet records, data management, and procurement support, with hands-on exposure to statewide fleet operations and public-sector processes.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled students in a degree program.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to research technical information and produce clear documentation.
• Experience with data management and spreadsheets is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with reviewing and organizing vehicle, equipment, product, and material specifications.
• Research manufacturer information and compare vendor submissions with requirements.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets, trackers, and reports; assist with data validation and quality control.
• Support fleet and asset management by reviewing equipment records and assisting with title, registration, and inventory activities.
• Assist with online auctions and disposal activities, including documentation and recording.

Skills

Highly organized

Excel proficiency

Documentation

Written and verbal communication

Analytical problem solving

Record keeping

Independent with teamwork

Government operations interest

Education

Enrolled student in degree program

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bureau/Division: Operational Services Bureau
Location: Ames, Iowa (On-site)
Schedule: Up to 20 hours/week during the school year; up to 40 hours/week during breaks (flexible around class schedules)
Duration: Summer with option to extend into academic year

About the Role

The Equipment Services Fleet Management Intern supports the Iowa Department of Transportation's Equipment Services by assisting with projects involving equipment specifications, fleet and asset records, data management, procurement support, auctions and disposal, and general program administration. This position provides hands‑on experience in statewide fleet operations, public‑sector business processes, and equipment lifecycle management while working alongside experienced Equipment Services staff.

The intern will assist with defined projects, research, documentation, data management, and administrative activities under staff direction. Assignments may include specification research and review, spreadsheet management, product compliance verification, title and registration support, electronic file organization, online asset management, auction and disposal support, and limited program or cash‑flow tracking.

This internship is ideal for students interested in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, operations, engineering technology, automotive technology, data analytics, finance, project management, or related fields who are seeking practical experience in government operations. Successful candidates will be organized, detail‑oriented, analytical, and eager to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with reviewing, developing, updating, and organizing vehicle, equipment, product, and material specifications.
• Research manufacturer information, technical literature, certifications, and product data; compare products or vendor submissions with specification requirements for staff review.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets, trackers, comparison tools, reports, and other records; assist with data validation, reconciliation, and quality‑control projects.
• Support fleet and asset management by reviewing equipment records and assisting with title, registration, inventory, online asset‑management, and electronic recordkeeping activities.
• Assist with online auction and equipment‑disposal activities, including asset information, documentation, photographs, tracking, and record reconciliation.
• Organize electronic files, specification libraries, historical records, and shared folders; assist with office organization and process‑improvement projects.
• Support Equipment Services projects and administrative activities, including research, equipment acquisition or inspection documentation, meeting materials, presentations, program tracking, and limited cash‑flow or expenditure tracking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and the ability to learn new software systems.
• Ability to research technical information and produce clear, accurate, and thorough documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work professionally with employees, vendors, and other partners.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills with an interest in data, equipment, business processes, or program management.
• Ability to maintain organized electronic and paper records and handle detailed information accurately.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Interest in government operations, fleet management, procurement, asset management, supply chain, or equipment lifecycle management is preferred but not required.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of projects and support needs across Equipment Services.

What You’ll Gain

• Fleet and asset management
• Equipment specification development and compliance review
• Data and spreadsheet management
• Public‑sector procurement and business processes
• Project and program support
• Vehicle title and registration processes
• Auction and surplus asset disposal
• Research and technical documentationProcess improvement and professional communication

Currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution.