Ferry Operations Intern

MBTA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly transportation pass

Job summary

The MBTA Ferry Operations internship supports the Project Manager and Deputy Director in project development, contractor oversight, and day-to-day coordination. You will gain hands-on experience with ferry service management, capital projects, and collaboration with contractors, maritime stakeholders, and MBTA departments.

This onsite internship requires 40 hours per week for at least two months (January and February 2027), and is ideal for a motivated problem solver interested in ferry projects

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate/bachelor’s degree program for the entire internship duration.
• Strong project management and maritime operations or engineering exposure.
• Excellent PowerPoint and MS Office skills.
• Able to pass writing and spreadsheet skills tests.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Support Ferry Operations in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, documentation, and reporting.
• Monitor contracted ferry service performance and respond to disruptions or feedback.
• Assist in preparing materials for operations and capital initiatives.
• Collect data for planning and operational analysis.
• Visualize and review ferry performance data including ridership and on-time metrics.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and maritime stakeholders.
• Track action items and contractor compliance.
• Support field activities and site visits as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Education

Undergraduate student in accredited program

Tools

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The MBTA Ferry Operations team manages contracted ferry service delivery and the development of capital projects to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient ferry transportation service is provided to all riders. As an intern, you will directly support Ferry Operations (including the Project Manager and the Deputy Director of Ferry Operations) in areas including project development, operating contractor oversight, and day-to-day operational coordination.

You will gain hands-on experience with how the ferry service is managed, how capital improvements are planned and executed, and how the MBTA collaborates with contractors, consultants, maritime stakeholders, and internal departments to deliver high-quality service. This internship is ideal for a motivated problem solver, interested in ferry projects and transportation operations.

We are seeking a detail oriented, curious, and collaborative intern excited to learn about ferry service management while helping drive continuous improvement across Ferry Operations.

We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work onsite (40 hours per week) for at least two months (January and February 2027).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support team in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, consultant coordination, documentation, and reporting.
• Monitor contracted ferry service performance, collecting operational data, and helping respond to service disruptions or customer feedback.
• Assist in the preparation of project materials for both operations and capital initiatives.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative information through datasets, observations, etc. in support of planning and operational analysis.
• Assist with the review and visualization of ferry service performance data, including ridership, on-time performance, and real-time vessel tracking information.
• Participate in coordination with internal departments, consultants, contractors, and external maritime stakeholders to support both day-to-day operations and ongoing projects.
• Help track project action items, deliverables, consultant submissions, and contractor compliance with contract requirements.
• Support field activities and site visits (boats, shipyards, and terminals) to observe service operations, project conditions, or stakeholder coordination, depending on project or operational needs.
• Assist in continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more specific departments or locations (refer to department-specific addendums or hiring manager guidance).
• Perform all other duties and projects assigned.
• The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and maintaining active status for the entire duration of employment in an accredited undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program.
• Above average proficiency with project management as well as maritime operations and/or engineering.
• Above average PowerPoint talents.
• Ability to pass writing and spreadsheet tests, demonstrating skills and talent as it relates to this position.
• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments.
• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.

Job Conditions

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers And Definitions

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [e-mail] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.