Intern, Project Development

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

Job summary

OCTA offers a College Intern – Project Development position in Orange County. The internship provides year‑round paid experience with environmental and sustainability projects, mentorship, and professional development.

The role involves supporting environmental programs, contract activities, stakeholder coordination, and data/document preparation while gaining exposure to transportation and environmental planning in a public-sector setting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time college student at an accredited two or four-year college or university.
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, urban or transportation planning, public administration, engineering, or related field.
• Interest in environmental planning, sustainability, transportation, rail, or public-sector programs.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day activities associated with OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Program, Rail and Sustainability Planning, and other department programs.
• Assist with the implementation, administration, and monitoring of contracts and related project activities.
• Support coordination with internal departments, consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with the internal routing, tracking, and review of environmental documents.
• Research, compile, organize, and analyze information to support environmental and sustainability projects.
• Prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets, tracking tools, correspondence, and other project materials.
• Assist with tracking project schedules, activities, deliverables, and follow-up items.
• Participate in meetings and special projects related to environmental planning, sustainability, rail, and transportation.
• Work with and learn from professionals across different areas of expertise based on your interests and department needs.

Skills

Research

Analytical

Organizational

Problem-Solving

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Undergraduate or graduate environmental degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

College Intern – Project Development

Start building your career while helping advance environmental and sustainability initiatives in Orange County! As a College Intern supporting OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Program, Rail and Sustainability Planning, and other environmental programs, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside transportation and environmental professionals on meaningful projects and initiatives.

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 experienced transportation professionals. You will have opportunities to strengthen your problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills while benefiting from mentorship, career development, and internal networking.

The pay range is $20.00 – $23.00 per hour, depending on education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours per 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

• Support day-to-day activities associated with OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Program, Rail and Sustainability Planning, and other department programs.
• Assist with the implementation, administration, and monitoring of contracts and related project activities.
• Support coordination with internal departments, consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with the internal routing, tracking, and review of environmental documents.
• Research, compile, organize, and analyze information to support environmental and sustainability projects.
• Prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets, tracking tools, correspondence, and other project materials.
• Assist with tracking project schedules, activities, deliverables, and follow-up items.
• Participate in meetings and special projects related to environmental planning, sustainability, rail, and transportation.
• Work with and learn from professionals across different areas of expertise based on your interests and department needs.

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 environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, urban or transportation planning, public administration, engineering, or a related field.
• Interest in environmental planning, sustainability, transportation, rail, or public-sector programs.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and track multiple assignments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and stakeholders.
• Initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and take on increasingly responsible assignments.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Make a meaningful impact by supporting environmental and sustainability programs that benefit Orange County.
• Gain real-world experience in environmental planning, sustainability, rail, contract administration, and project coordination.
• Learn how environmental projects move forward through exposure to document review, contract monitoring, and stakeholder coordination.
• Explore your interests through mentorship with OCTA professionals working across a variety of environmental and transportation disciplines.
• Build valuable professional skills in research, analysis, communication, project tracking, and collaboration.
• Grow your professional network while exploring career opportunities in transportation, environmental planning, and sustainability.

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 other legally protected status.