Senior Operations Intern (COO) [Graduate Students]

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. MBTA's Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.Job SummaryAs an intern, you will be working alongside Senior Operations Leadership staff on a variety of important projects to support the MBTA's efforts at ensuring safe and reliable transit service.Past projects include the following:Creating database for tracking projects within the Training Department.Launching pilot within Bus Operations for route optimization.Streamlining the process for Right of Way diversion planning.Future projects will inform decision-making within the Operations leadership team and could include the following:Performing data analysis.Streamlining processes.Helping manage multi-departmental initiatives / projects.Examples of deliverables include labor and staffing models, SOPs and how-to guides, management performance dashboards, and executive level presentations / policy memos.Beyond assigned projects, you will have the opportunity to connect with other interns in the Chief Operating Office's graduate student cohort, attend MBTA-wide intern programming, and make positive, real-world impact on the operation of the MBTA.Duties & ResponsibilitiesLean Strategy: This team works on process improvement initiatives that improve the safety and reliability of day-to-day operations. Additionally, the team maintains rider-centered policies and guidelines for decision-making, which are grounded in fairness and inclusive of diverse ridership, clear and easy to understand, and the product of a visible and transparent process.Operations Training: The training department ensures all employees and contractors are qualified, knowledgeable, and capable of executing their daily work safely. Interns may support specific learning and development initiatives or broader strategic projects related to governance and process optimization.Heavy and Light Rail Operations: Rail Operations provides rapid transit service throughout the Boston area, which requires continual monitoring of rail vehicles (trains), oversight of field and supervisory staff, and real-time management of service around-the-clock to enable increasingly safe, reliable, and efficient service.Bus Operations: This department provides bus transportation throughout Boston and surrounding communities with a workforce of approximately 2,000 operators and supervisory staff. Current focus includes hiring, workforce development, and related efforts to deliver more reliable service and transformative operational improvements (such as the Bus Network Redesign project).Operations Planning, Scheduling, and Strategy (OPSS): OPSS optimizes current service and plans future service. Several teams within OPSS work on a variety of initiatives such as scheduling, bus transformation planning, workforce modernization, alternative service planning, and operations analytics.Additional Departments: Commuter Rail & Ferry Operations, Paratransit Operations (the RIDE), the Operations Control Center, Operating Rules Compliance, Engineering & Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance, and the Chief Operating Office.Additional responsibilities include:Participate in team/staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.Focus on one or more departments or locations as required.Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.Statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Minimum Requirements & QualificationsEnrolled for the entire duration of employment in a graduate / Master's degree program of an accredited college / university in public policy, public administration, business administration, operations management, urban planning, urban studies, public health, law, supply chain logistics, computer science, or related field.Experience with planning, process improvement, strategy, and/or complex data analysis (e.g., coursework or prior experience).Experience working responsibly with sensitive items, systems, or data.Ability to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least three months.Desire to learn or deepen experience translating and framing complex data into clear choices and impacts.Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral.Highly organized, motivated, and attentive to detail.Strong interest in public service, transit, or transportation operations.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.Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs may apply). No visa sponsorship is provided.Job ConditionsAbility to read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, and inquiries in English.At least eighteen (18) years of age, unless 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.Provide courteous and professional service to internal and external customers.Work independently and as part of a diverse workforce team.Uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building effective relationships with employees and co-workers.Adhere to MBTA rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and policies, including EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.Maintain a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting.Pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and/or medical, clinic screening, drug and alcohol screenings.Work all shifts and/or locations assigned, and may be required to work up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or other circumstances affecting service.Equal Employment OpportunityThe 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 mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.Intern / Co-Op BenefitsEmployees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave.Monthly transportation pass at no cost, based on the city from which the intern/co-op commutes to work.No additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.J-18808-Ljbffr