Intern- Planning and Development

Job Description:

Intern- Planning and Development

Description

SUMMARY

SUMMARY:

The Metrolink Internship program is a unique opportunity for current college students to gain real world experience in the transportation industry, work with field leaders and professionals, and exercise practical application of academic studies within Planning and Development department. The Planning and Development Department is responsible for shaping the strategic vision and growth of the regional rail network across Southern California. This department leads initiatives related to system planning, service enhancements, capital project development, and long-range transportation strategies.

Core functions include corridor planning, station area development, environmental review, development of capital investment strategies and programs, strategic service design and planning, ridership forecasting, and coordination with regional and local agencies. The team ensures that infrastructure investments align with mobility needs, sustainability goals, and community priorities. Through data-driven analysis and stakeholder engagement, the department supports the continuous improvement of Metrolink’s network to better serve riders, reduce congestion, and advance equitable access to public transportation.

Our interns work closely with our team members to develop innovative solutions that help us deliver a better service to our customers. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, hard-working, and creative. They will demonstrate a professional demeanor, work well with others, and have strong written and verbal communications skills.

PROGRAM TERM:

This position will be limited to working no more than 19 hours each workweek. Hours may increase for short periods of time but may not exceed 40 hours in a work week and any hours that exceed the 19 hours must be approved in advance. The internship may continue as long as the student is enrolled in school, and total hours worked each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) does not exceed 999 hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities:

• This position will complement our existing team members and enhance our established transportation planning practice in the region
• Conduct research and data analysis on transportation trends, patterns, and issues
• Collaborate with local, regional, and state agencies to align transportation initiatives with broader planning goals such as safety, resiliency, and sustainability
• Prepare and review specific components of scopes of work, financial plans, schedules, contracts, and agreements

The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience

• Metrolink internship candidates must be currently enrolled in a college, university, educational institution, vocational school, or program pursing a degree in architecture /urban planning, civil or mechanical engineering, economics, business administration, public policy, or related field.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Demonstrate a commitment to public service and our shared values.
• Eligible to work in the United States as determined by the U.S. Immigration Laws.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong writing and oral presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize analysis into brief and concise technical memoranda or presentation decks
• Experience collaborating across interacting with internal and external stakeholder groups and organizations
• Strong interest in public transportation, regional mobility, sustainability, and infrastructure development
• Familiarity with planning principles and transportation principles
• Basic understanding of environmental planning and CEQA/NEPA processes is desirable
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office.); knowledge of GIS (e.g., ArcGIS), and/or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations.
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery.
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs.
• Exchange ideas by means of communication.
• Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process:
Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA

TRANSPORTATION PASSES:
SCRRA provides a no-cost Metrolink ticket or a subsidy up to the cost of the highest-cost Metro monthly pass (currently $352) for the purchase of another public transportation pass.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP):
SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period.

Closing Date/Time: 7/29/2025 12:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$1,429.60 Biweekly