Intern, M2 Local Programs

Octa+ Energie; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

OCTA is seeking a College Intern for the M2 Local Programs team to support grant administration, project tracking, and eligibility reviews for Measure M2 funding in Orange County.

The year‑round paid internship offers about 20 hours per week, up to 1,000 hours in a 12‑month period, with a mentor and exposure to transportation planning and policy.

You will gain hands‑on experience with project coordination, financial data, and documenting program activities alongside transportation professionals.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time college student at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Economics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Interest in transportation funding, grants administration, public policy, or regional transportation planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing Measure M2 grant payments and related program documentation.
• Support the M2 Eligibility and Semi-Annual Review processes.
• Track transportation projects and maintain information in trackers and databases.
• Coordinate with partner agencies and internal staff to support program activities.
• Draft correspondence, memos, and instructional materials as needed.
• Support special projects and other program administration activities as assigned.

Skills

Excel

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Urban Planning

Transportation Planning

Public Administration

Public Policy

Finance

Economics

Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

College Intern – M2 Local Programs

Join OCTA’s M2 Local Programs team as a College Intern and gain hands‑on experience supporting transportation funding programs and local agency projects funded through Measure M. In this role, you will assist with grant administration, project tracking, funding eligibility and review processes, and coordination with partner agencies and project managers. You will work alongside experienced transportation professionals and gain exposure to how OCTA administers Measure M2 programs that support transportation improvements throughout Orange County.

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 Do

• Assist with processing Measure M2 grant payments and related program documentation.
• Support the M2 Eligibility and Semi‑Annual Review processes.
• Track transportation projects and maintain information in the M2 Local Programs Master Tracker and OCFundtracker database.
• Support transportation programming and funding activities involving Measure M2 Local Programs and the Comprehensive Transportation Funding Programs. Includes but not limited to updating ridership and invoicing information and coordinating with agencies to ensure requirements are satisfied for the Project V Community‑Based Transit/Circulators Program.
• Assist with the administration and coordination of the Technical Steering Committee (TSC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
• Coordinate with partner agencies, project managers, and internal staff to support program activities.
• Assist with organizing, reviewing, and maintaining grant and project information.
• Draft correspondence, memos, and instructional materials as needed.
• Support special projects and other program administration activities as assigned.

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 Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Economics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Interest in transportation funding, grants administration, public policy, or regional transportation planning.
• Basic understanding of urban planning, public policy, financial analysis, or related concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to track projects, maintain accurate information, and work with financial or program data.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with internal staff and partner agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Interest in learning about public‑sector transportation funding processes, policies, and programs.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Gain hands‑on experience administering transportation grants and funding programs.
• Learn how Measure M2 funding supports transportation improvements throughout Orange County.
• Work alongside professionals responsible for coordinating investments with local cities and partner agencies.
• Gain exposure to project eligibility, funding reviews, grant payments, project tracking, and transportation programming.
• Develop valuable skills in financial analysis, program administration, stakeholder coordination, and project tracking.
• Participate in the processes and committees that help guide local transportation funding decisions.
• Build a strong foundation for a career in transportation planning, public administration, public policy, grants management, or infrastructure funding.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

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.