Intern, Specialized Transportation Services

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

Job summary

OCTA invites college interns to join its Specialized Transportation Services team in Santa Ana for a year-round, paid internship. You’ll support Vanpool operations, work on efficiency and customer service projects, and gain exposure to OCTA’s program management under expert guidance.

The program emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving while providing opportunities to network with transportation professionals and explore future career paths in public mobility.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time college student (Freshman–Senior).
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Interest in transportation, public administration, operations, or planning.
• Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn and develop professional skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day activities and initiatives of OCTA’s Vanpool Program.
• Assist with projects to improve vanpool operations, efficiency, and customer service.
• Support collection, organization, and analysis of information related to Vanpool activities.
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and program materials.
• Participate in program-related projects supporting transportation and mobility needs.
• Collaborate with OCTA staff and partners to support program goals.
• Apply creative problem-solving to real-world transportation challenges.
• Attend meetings and learning opportunities about OCTA’s programs.
• Take on progressively responsible assignments to develop skills.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Initiative & professionalism

Education

Enrolled college student (GPA 2.5+)

Job description

Job DescriptionCollege Intern – Specialized Transportation Services (Vanpool Program)Under direct supervision, this internship provides the opportunity to strengthen your problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills while gaining firsthand exposure to the important role vanpool services play within OCTA and the community. You’ll work alongside transportation professionals and contribute to projects that directly support Vanpool operations, program efficiency, and mobility throughout Orange County. You will participate in a variety of projects and gain practical experience in a professional environment that encourages leadership, teamwork, and creative problem solving. As part of the Intern program, 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 is a part-time, year-round college internship position.This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.What You’ll DoSupport the day-to-day activities and initiatives of OCTA’s Vanpool ProgramAssist with projects designed to improve vanpool operations, program efficiency, and customer serviceSupport the collection, organization, and analysis of information related to Vanpool program activitiesAssist with preparing reports, spreadsheets, presentations, correspondence, and other program materialsParticipate in program-related projects and activities that support transportation and mobility needs throughout Orange CountyCollaborate with OCTA staff and other partners to support program goals and initiativesApply creative problem-solving skills to real-world transportation and operational challengesParticipate in meetings, projects, and other learning opportunities that provide exposure to OCTA’s transportation programs and business operationsTake on progressively responsible assignments while developing professional, analytical, communication, and organizational skillsWhat We’re Looking ForCurrently enrolled full-time college student (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.A student interested in gaining professional experience in transportation, business, public administration, operations, planning, or related fieldMinimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.Interest in public transportation, shared mobility, vanpooling, or transportation program operationsStrong organizational skills and attention to detailEffective written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work collaboratively in a team-oriented professional environmentStrong problem-solving skills with an interest in developing creative solutionsAbility to manage assignments, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing prioritiesInitiative, professionalism, and a willingness to learnAbility to perform entry-level professional work and develop increasingly complex knowledge and skillsWhy You’ll Love It HereGain hands-on experience supporting a transportation program that provides mobility options throughout Orange CountyContribute to projects that can have a direct impact on vanpool operations and program efficiencyLearn how transportation programs are developed, administered, and delivered in a public agency environmentWork alongside experienced transportation professionals and build valuable professional relationshipsStrengthen your leadership, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving skillsGain exposure to OCTA’s broader operations and explore potential career opportunities in the transportation industryJoin a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.Apply now to gain meaningful professional experience and help support OCTA’s Vanpool Program and mobility options throughout Orange County.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.