Operations Planning, Scheduling, and Strategy (OPSS) Intern

At the MBTA we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe reliable and accessible transportation. MBTAs core values are built around safety service equity sustainability culture and accessibility and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision mission and includes attendance participation and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

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.

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 industrys 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 / Bachelors 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 peoples 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.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read comprehend communicate and respond to instructions orders signs notices inquiries English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston MA metro area as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a diverseworkforce team (or supervise if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules regulations collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO anti-discrimination anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate) including overall employment job performance discipline and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check comprehensive background screening and / or medical Clinic screening potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned directed or necessary for this position including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Numberprior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding working in their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary general nature and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties tasks and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicants responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines:Applicants should apply as soon as possible as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: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. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility:All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However if you have unrestricted work authorization or are sponsored by a separate entity you are welcome to all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews:Candidates should ensure they arrive on time are prepared can remain for the duration and if remote are in a quiet place without distraction for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling on a one-time basis and due to something emergent you may be allowed to reschedule the addition Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However should you need to reschedule you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions:Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions:Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff:During declared states of emergency employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at or .
11. Diversity Equity and Inclusion:The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms descriptions and definitions related to diversity equity inclusion veteran status and immediate family members that you may find on the application form please visit / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship orco-opat the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass based on the city from which the intern / co-opcommutes to workat no cost. However no additional benefits are currently offered for interns orco-ops.