Intern, Safety & Environmental

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

Job summary

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) invites college interns to join the Health, Safety, Environmental & Compliance (HSEC) team. You will work under supervision on entry-level duties, gain real-world experience, and be mentored throughout the program.

The internship is a year-round paid student program with a pay range of $20.00–$23.00 per hour. Approximately 20 hours per week, up to 1,000 hours in a 12-month period. Open until filled.

Qualifications

• Current full-time enrollment in a college/university pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Public Health, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Support HSEC programs related to environmental compliance, employee safety, wellness, and training initiatives.
• Research, compile, analyze, and interpret data to support environmental impact studies, compliance activities, and safety programs.
• Assist with environmental permit tracking, database management, and system updates.
• Support employee injury investigations by gathering information and preparing documentation.
• Assist in developing reports, presentations, project specifications, and program recommendations.
• Participate in special projects that enhance HSEC programs, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with HSEC staff to identify opportunities for process improvements and innovative safety and environmental strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Education

Enrollment in relevant college program

Job description

Job Description

College Intern – Health, Safety, Environmental & Compliance (HSEC)

Launch your career with OCTA while making a meaningful impact on employee safety and environmental stewardship. As a College Intern supporting the Health, Safety, Environmental & Compliance (HSEC) team, you'll gain hands‑on experience working alongside industry professionals on projects that advance workplace safety, environmental compliance, and organizational sustainability. This internship offers the opportunity to apply your education to real-world initiatives that support OCTA's mission and the communities we serve.

Under direct supervision, 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 filled.

What You'll Do

• Support HSEC programs related to environmental compliance, employee safety, wellness, and training initiatives.
• Research, compile, analyze, and interpret data to support environmental impact studies, compliance activities, and safety programs.
• Assist with environmental permit tracking, database management, and system updates.
• Support employee injury investigations by gathering information and preparing documentation.
• Assist in developing reports, presentations, project specifications, and program recommendations.
• Participate in special projects that enhance HSEC programs, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with HSEC staff to identify opportunities for process improvements and innovative safety and environmental strategies.

What We're Looking For

• Current full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Public Health, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of2.5 or higher
• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new software applications.
• A self‑motivated, detail‑oriented individual who enjoys collaborating and contributing to meaningful projects.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Make an impact by supporting programs that protect employees, the environment, and the community.
• Gain valuable hands‑on experience working on environmental compliance, workplace safety, and sustainability initiatives.
• Learn from experienced professionals who are committed to mentoring and developing future leaders.
• Build your resume with meaningful projects that align with your field of study.
• Develop professional skills while contributing to innovative programs at one of Southern California's leading public transportation agencies.

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.