Ferry Operations Intern

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) invites an intern to join the Ferry Operations team to support project development, contractor oversight, and operational coordination. The internship is onsite in the Greater Boston area, 40 hours per week, for at least two months (January and February 2027), offering hands-on exposure to ferry service management and capital projects.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, curious, and collaborative, with interest in public transportation and

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.
• Strong interest in ferry operations or transportation planning.
• Ability to pass writing and spreadsheet tests.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Must be able to commute to Greater Boston area.

Responsibilities

• Assist in project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Monitor service performance data and help respond to disruptions.
• Prepare project materials for operations and capital initiatives.
• Support field activities and site visits.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Project planning

Data analysis

Maritime operations

Communication

Attention to detail

Public transportation interest

Education

Enrolled in undergraduate program

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

MS Office

Job description

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).

• 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.

• 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.