Intern, Bus Operations & Scheduling

Orange County Transportation Authority; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

OCTA is offering a College Intern position in the Bus Operations & Scheduling Department. You will gain hands-on experience with data analytics, automation, and reporting improvements using Excel, VBA, SQL, and Power BI under a transportation professional team.

The role is a year-round paid internship with mentorship, dashboards development, and opportunities to contribute to operational decisions. Expect about 20 hours per week, with no employee benefits eligibility.

Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time as a college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in CS, data analytics, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to work independently.
• GPA 2.5+ and familiarity with Excel/SQL/VBA/Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Analyze workflows to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency.
• Develop automated reports using Excel, VBA, SQL, and Power BI.
• Compile and reconcile operational data to support decisions.
• Create dashboards and analytical tools; document procedures.
• Collaborate with staff to understand needs and suggest improvements.

Skills

Excel

SQL

VBA

Power BI

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Data Analytics

Tools

Power BI

SQL

VBA

Job description

Job DescriptionCollege Intern – Bus Operations & SchedulingKick-start your career while using technology and data to improve public transportation! As a College Intern supporting OCTA’s Bus Operations & Scheduling Department, you’ll gain hands-on experience in data analytics, automation, and process improvement while working alongside experienced transportation professionals. In this role, you’ll help improve reporting processes, develop innovative solutions, and support operational decision-making using tools such as Excel, VBA, SQL, Power BI, and agency-approved ChatGPT applications.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 DoAnalyze existing workflows and identify opportunities to improve reporting accuracy, efficiency, and automation.Assist with developing automated reports and streamlining repetitive processes using Excel, VBA, SQL, Power BI, and AI tools.Research, compile, analyze, and reconcile operational data to support department initiatives and management decisions.Support the development and enhancement of dashboards, spreadsheets, and analytical reporting tools.Collaborate with staff to understand business needs and recommend practical process improvements.Develop and document procedures, workflows, and technical solutions to improve daily operations.Participate in special projects focused on improving operational performance, data management, and reporting efficiency.What We’re Looking ForCurrently enrolled full-time as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior at a four-year college or university pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.Strong analytical, technical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Interest in data analytics, automation, process improvement, and emerging technologies.Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.Familiarity with Excel, SQL, VBA, Power BI, or similar data analysis tools.Effective written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.A motivated, detail-oriented individual who enjoys learning new technologies and developing creative solutions.Why You’ll Love It HereGain real-world technology and analytics experience by working on projects that improve public transportation operations.Put your technical skills into practice using Excel, SQL, Power BI, automation, and emerging AI technologies.Make a measurable impact by helping streamline reporting processes, improve data accuracy, and increase operational efficiency.Learn from experienced transportation professionals while gaining insight into how data supports transit operations and business decisions.Develop valuable professional skills in data analysis, process improvement, problem-solving, and collaboration.Build your resume and professional network through meaningful projects that connect technology, business operations, and public transportation.Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs.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.