HBCU Rail Programs Unit Intern

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Secretary

Job Classification Title

S-Education & Training (S)

Position Number

Grade

TS

About Us

Its the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus accountability and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Full-time Work Schedule
Monday- Friday 40 hours per week

Position: Rail Division Unit Intern
Location: On-site-Transportation Building 1 S. Wilmington St. Raleigh NC
Internship Duration: 10-week internship (May 26-July 31 2026)

Description:

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented intern to support freight and passenger rail initiatives focused on economic development passenger rail planning special events and communications. This on-site internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting NC By Train services freight rail economic development efforts and public-sector outreach and marketing initiatives.

The intern will be supervised by the Freight Rail and Economic Development Manager and will work closely with a Rail Division Fellow to provide administrative and programmatic support to Rail Division staff. The intern will collaborate with internal NCDOT partners and external agencies to support research outreach event planning and communications activities that promote rail transportation across North Carolina.

Responsibilities:

Conduct research to identify companies that use or may benefit from freight rail services using NAICS codes Data Axle software and other research tools.
Coordinate with the Rail Division GIS team to update maps showing business locations and rail facilities.
Schedule and support introductory meetings with municipal county and regional economic development agencies.
Engage with Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) agencies to research large tourism and business events along the NC By Train passenger rail corridor.
Assist with planning and execution of NC By Train special events including clerical support communications and on-site event assistance.
Support communications and marketing efforts for passenger rail services freight rail research and special events by collaborating with NCDOT Communications and external partners.
Assist with tabling events and outreach activities in partnership with universities sports teams and other organizations.
Provide administrative and coordination support for freight and passenger rail research projects.
Participate in meetings with Rail Division staff and cross-functional NCDOT partners including Communications SIPS IMD and others.
Skills and Qualifications:
Required: Basic computer proficiency including Outlook Word Excel and PowerPoint.
Preferred: Coursework or experience related to public administration public policy business administration economic development planning event planning or communications.
Strong verbal and written communication skills attention to detail and organizational abilities.
Ability to manage time effectively solve problems and work collaboratively in an on-site environment.
Enthusiasm self-motivation and a willingness to learn.
What Youll Gain:
Hands-on experience supporting freight and passenger rail programs within a state transportation agency.
Exposure to economic development outreach passenger rail planning and public-sector research activities.
Experience planning and executing NC By Train special events and marketing initiatives.
Development of research communication coordination and administrative support skills.
Mentorship from Rail Division leadership and staff.
The opportunity to contribute to meaningful rail projects that support mobility tourism and economic development across North Carolina.

Additional Notes:

This internship includes structured work activities and deliverables aligned with Rail Division priorities such as freight rail research economic development outreach passenger rail event planning and communications support. The intern will work closely with the Freight Rail and Economic Development Manager the Rail Programs Manager Rail Division staff and partners across NCDOT. The experience gained through this internship will provide a strong foundation for future opportunities in transportation economic development planning and public service.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Application Requirements:

To apply for this internship please submit the following documents:

Resume:

• Highlight your educational background relevant coursework skills work experience and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

Academic Transcript:

• Provide an unofficial or official transcript that lists your completed coursework grades and current GPA. This will help us assess your academic qualifications and areas of study.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a currently enrolled student in a bachelors masters or professional level program at an accredited or recently graduated from a North Carolina Historically Black College/University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) by May 2026.
• 24 credit hours completed.
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale)
• Has legal right to work in the U.S. and do not need sponsorship.

To help you with your interview we suggest that you do your research: know some background about NCDOT and the business area to which you are applying. We also suggest that you practice your interview skills by discussing your experience and job history with a family member friend or mentor.

Apply Today to gain practical experience and contribute to impactful transportation projects!

More Information About The Office of HBCU Outreach:

Website:NCDOT: HBCU/MIHE Internship Program

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs observances and practices.

Recruiter:

Alexis Leanne Palcher

Email: