Summer Government Relations Intern - (2027) - $20.00/hr.

Delaware River Port Authority; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid weekly

Free parking

Complimentary transit on DRPA/PATCO

Bridging benefits

Job summary

Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and PATCO invite college students to participate in a 10-week summer internship in Camden, NJ. The program runs June to August 2027, with full-time in-person hours (40 hours/week) and a paid lunch hour.

Applicants must pass drug and background checks and meet enrollment requirements. The role emphasizes research, policy analysis, reporting, and stakeholder communications, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in government relations and transit

Qualifications

• Basic ability to read and analyze information.
• Clear writing and communication with guidance.
• Follow instructions and complete tasks accurately.
• Attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in researching and analyzing legislation, policies, and community needs; prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for government officials and stakeholders.
• Coordinate community outreach efforts and events; maintain records of grants, reports, and funding opportunities.
• Attend meetings, take notes, and document actions; draft communications for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Reading & analysis

Written communication

Instruction-following

Attention to detail

Independent work

MS Office

Education

Pursuing Public Administration

Tools

MS Office

Job description

This position will be posted from November 2, 2026 to November 16, by 4:00 p.m.

Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test and a background check.

DRPA and PATCO are subject to federal law, under which marijuana continues to be illegal.

Please check your spam or clutter for any emails regarding this selection process.

Paid Internship Description:

The Delaware River Port Authority (“DRPA”) is a bi-state agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. It owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross Bridges which are four major bridge crossings of the Delaware River. The Authority’s transit subsidiary, the Port Authority Transit Corporation (“PATCO”), operates a two-track rapid transit line between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lindenwold, New Jersey.

Program Description: The hourly rate will be $20.00/hr.

The DRPA/PATCO is seeking to hire college students for the 2027 summer season. The hourly rate for most administrative intern positions is $20.00. While former summer interns are welcome to apply, past employment as a summer intern does not guarantee that you will be selected for an internship during summer 2027.

Students who wish to apply for a summer internship must meet the following criteria:

1. Successful completion of a pre-employment evaluation which includes drug (including marijuana) and alcohol.
2. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation conducted by a third-party vendor.
3. Applicants must be 18 years of age.
4. High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
5. Submit an official college or university transcript with the institution’s raised seal verifying that you were enrolled full‑time in an undergraduate degree program during both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. The transcript must verify completion of at least 24 credits total, including a minimum of 12 credits in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
6. Submit official college or university documentation verifying full-time enrollment in an undergraduate degree program for the Fall 2027 semester, with a minimum of 12 credits.
7. Verification of Full-time Enrollment - Transcript Submission Deadline: Upon acceptance, students must submit a signed Acknowledgment of Understanding Form acknowledging that failure to satisfy all eligibility requirements and to provide the required documentation, including an official transcript by June 15, 2027, will result in immediate removal from the program without exception.
8. Home residence must be located within DRPA’s Port District, which includes (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem, counties in New Jersey).
9. Be available to work in-person, full‑time, 40 hours per week, (including a paid lunch hour) for the entire 10-week period, from June 7, 2027, through August 13, 2027.

Department Requesting Intern: Government Relations Department

Desired Skills & Professional Expectations:

This internship is designed to provide college students with meaningful, hands‑on exposure to a professional work environment. While extensive prior experience is not required, we’re looking for students who have:

• Basic exposure to reading and analyzing information (coursework, projects, case studies, or research assignments)
• Ability to write clearly and thoughtfully, with guidance and feedback
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks accurately and on time
• Openness to learning new concepts, tools, and processes throughout the internship
• Confidence to ask questions, seek clarification, and apply constructive feedback
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality work
• Problem‑solving mindset when approaching assignments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct, including reliability, respectful and effective communication, and accountability

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in researching and analyzing legislation, policies, and community needs. Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and briefing materials for government officials and community stakeholders. Help coordinate community outreach efforts and events. Maintain and organize records of grant applications, reports, and funding opportunities. Participate in meetings and take notes to document discussions and action items. Assist in drafting communications for internal and external audiences. Perform additional administrative tasks as needed.

Education and/or Experience:

Preferred:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Intermediate skill level in using MS Office.
• Previous experience in government relations, community outreach, or grants management is a plus.

Work Location:

One Port Center, located in Camden, NJ

Work Hours:

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, including a paid lunch hour.

A Few Benefits of Interning at the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO):

• Competitive pay.
• Paid weekly.
• Free parking at all facilities.
• Complimentary passage on DRPA bridges when they are used for commuting to and from work only.
• Complimentary travel on PATCO, when the train is used for commuting to and from work only.
• Opportunity to participate in a meaningful learning experience with industry leaders and professionals.

What You’ll Gain:

As part of a supportive team, you’ll gain practical real‑world experience, develop essential professional skills, and opportunities to build a strong professional foundation.

For more information about the Authority’s 2026 Summer Internship Program: https://www.metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-features/more-than-a-summer-job-building-the-next-generation-of-transit-talent

Every 2026 intern who responded to our survey said the internship prepared them to work in a professional environment.

“This was a great program and definitely exceeded my expectations.”

“I really liked how it was a structured program, with different sessions and an orientation. It made the process easier and more engaging.”

DRPA/PATCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employee