Ferry Operations Intern
About The Position
The MBTA Ferry Operations team manages contracted ferry service delivery and develops capital projects to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation. The Ferry Operations Intern directly supports the Project Manager, Deputy Director of Ferry Operations, and the team with project development, contractor oversight, and day-to-day operational coordination. The internship provides hands-on experience in ferry service management, capital improvement planning and execution, and collaboration with contractors, consultants, maritime stakeholders, and internal departments. It is intended for a motivated, detail-oriented, curious, and collaborative problem solver interested in ferry projects and transportation operations. The MBTA plans to hire one intern to work onsite for 40 hours per week for at least two months, during January and February 2027. The intern may support field activities and site visits at boats, shipyards, and terminals, depending on project and operational needs. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in and maintain active status throughout employment in an accredited undergraduate or bachelor's degree program.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 throughout the internship or co-op.
- Above-average proficiency in project management and maritime operations and/or engineering.
- Above-average PowerPoint skills.
- Ability to pass writing and spreadsheet tests demonstrating skills relevant to the position.
- Above-average proficiency with standard office software, such as Microsoft Office, or relevant technical tools.
- Above-average written and oral communication skills in English.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
- Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
- Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively in diverse, fast-paced environments.
- Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations in the Greater Boston metro area.
- Authorized to work in the United States; valid work authorization and a U.S. Social Security Number are required before pre-employment screening and throughout the program. The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship.
- Ability to read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions and other information in English.
- Be at least 18 years old, except participants in an approved high school internship or co-op program.
- Ability to provide courteous and professional service to internal and external customers.
- Ability to uphold MBTA rights and interests while maintaining effective relationships with employees and coworkers.
- Ability to comply with MBTA rules, regulations, policies, and applicable collective bargaining agreements, including EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
- Ability to pass a CORI check, comprehensive background screening, and/or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
- Ability to work assigned shifts and locations as directed or required, including during emergencies or severe weather when necessary.
Responsibilities
- Support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, consultant coordination, documentation, and reporting.
- Monitor contracted ferry service performance, collect operational data, and help respond to service disruptions or customer feedback.
- Assist in preparing materials for operational and capital projects.
- Collect qualitative and quantitative information from datasets, observations, and other sources to support planning and operational analysis.
- Assist with reviewing and visualizing ferry service performance data, including ridership, on-time performance, and real-time vessel tracking information.
- Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, contractors, and external maritime stakeholders to support daily operations and ongoing projects.
- Track project action items, deliverables, consultant submissions, and contractor compliance with contract requirements.
- Support field activities and site visits at boats, shipyards, and terminals to observe service operations, project conditions, or stakeholder coordination.
- Support continuous improvement efforts.
- Participate in team and staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, and project teams, and perform other assigned duties and projects.
- Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional service.
Benefits
- Accrued paid sick leave.
- A monthly transportation pass at no cost, based on the city from which the intern commutes to work.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
