Operations Planning, Scheduling, and Strategy (OPSS) Intern

MBTA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

MBTA is seeking an OPS planning intern to assist the Operations Planning, Scheduling, and Strategy (OPSS) department. The intern will support field teams, conduct industry research, and help prepare planning documents such as presentations, memos, maps, and data visualizations.

The role offers on-site work for 40 hours per week for at least three months (December to February) and exposure to multiple planning functions, including service planning, scheduling, and alternative service options.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program.
• Demonstrated interest in public transportation and planning.
• At least one year of professional experience in planning, operations, policy, or project management.
• Experience with GIS, databases, visualization tools, or related software.
• Strong English communication and writing skills; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Support field staff to understand service operations and communicate findings.
• Conduct peer research on best practices and innovations.
• Prepare presentations, memos, letters, maps, and data for planning efforts.
• Coordinate meetings: scheduling and agenda setting.
• Assist Schedules team by communicating schedule changes to customers and updating signage.
• Provide data analysis using Excel to create charts and visualizations.
• Monitor projects from municipalities or agencies impacting transit.
• Offer planning support for bus routes, stops, and schedules.

Skills

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Organized

Communication skills

Independent worker

Time management

Education

Pursuing bachelor’s degree

Tools

GIS

Database management

Visualization software

Microsoft Office

Graphic design

Job description

The Operations Planning, Scheduling, and Strategy (OPSS) Intern will support teams within the Operations Planning, Scheduling, and Strategy (OPSS) department on a variety of critical projects aimed at designing and delivering safe, reliable, frequent, and accessible service. OPSS includes several teams: Service Planning and Scheduling, Alternative Service, Workforce Modernization Program, Lean Strategy, and Operations Analytics.

As an intern, you will get guidance and mentorship from department leadership. Working in OPSS will provide exposure to teams and individuals tasked with redefining how the MBTA provides service to our customers; support similar planning and design efforts that have won accolades from industry peers; and allow you to be part of a recognized, industry-leading team rebuilding the MBTA’s service.

We are seeking someone who wants to make our public transportation work better, enjoys helping people, and wants to learn the nuts and bolts of providing transit service. We are looking to hire one intern, who will work onsite (40 hours per week) for at least three months (December - February).

• Support the MBTA staff in the field to understand how service operates, including communication with planners, dispatchers, field inspectors, and bus/train operators. Document and communicate findings and feedback internally with the rest of the team.
• Conduct peer research on the industry’s best practices and innovations. Share your feedback with our team so we can improve our service, plans, and designs to enhance public transit services.
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations, memos, press releases, letters, maps, data, etc. that support ongoing planning efforts and communication.
• Coordinate meetings, including scheduling, agenda setting, and managing meetings.
• Support the Schedules team by communicating schedule changes to customers, including updating signage at stops or stations.
• Provide data analysis using tools such as Excel to create charts and visualizations to communicate internal transit data.
• Monitor, track, and flag other transportation projects implemented by municipalities or other agencies, or patterns that may directly or indirectly impact the provision of public transportation.
• Offer planning support to structure bus routes, stops, and schedules.
• Provide planning support for a diverse array of alternative service options during both planned and emergency subway and commuter rail closures.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendums or hiring manager for department or location specific functions.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

* The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the undergraduate / Bachelor's degree program of an accredited college / university.
• Completed some coursework, on-the-job experience, or other experiences demonstrating an interest in public transportation.
• At least one year of professional experience in planning, operations, policy, engineering, or project management.
• At least one year of professional experience working with tools or data that support planning, such as GIS, database management, visualization software, graphic design, etc.
• Desire to help improve public transportation, because you believe in making people’s lives better.
• Ability to pass writing and/or spreadsheet assessment, demonstrating skills related to the position.
• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• Passion for public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
• Above average ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative, fast-paced environments as well as independently.
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.