Summer Intern – Government and Community Affairs

About the Job: Summer Intern Program – Government and Community Affairs

General Program Overview
Caltrain is dedicated to offering a robust Internship Program designed to empower students. This program provides an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, cultivate essential professional skills, and gain a profound understanding of the unique operations of a public transit agency. The San Mateo County Transit District, a Special District, manages several key entities: SamTrans, Caltrain, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the 101 Express Lanes Project.

The Summer Intern program is meticulously structured to include real-world projects in various areas, offering students a comprehensive look at a potential career in the transit industry. The program will feature tours of bus and train facilities, opportunities to explore the multitude of career paths within transit through informative sessions, and professional development workshops focusing on crucial skills like resume writing and interview techniques. Our goal is for interns to acquire invaluable experience by collaborating with and learning from our team of seasoned professionals.

Employment Details

• EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Temporary (Non-Exempt / Hourly)
• WORK LOCATION: 200 N Rollins Rd. Millbrae, CA 94030
• WORK SCHEDULE: Starting June 22, 2026 – Maximum of 320 Hours

Department Focus: Government and Community Affairs
Caltrain’s Government and Community Affairs team plays a pivotal role in developing and coordinating the organization’s legislative agenda across federal, state, regional, and local levels. The Government Affairs component of the team is responsible for monitoring and analyzing the impact of legislative, policy, and regulatory issues, subsequently developing coordinated strategies and responses. This team maintains close working relationships with the offices of our state and federal delegation members and ensures an active presence in both Washington D.C. and Sacramento. Furthermore, the team spearheads the Agency’s engagement efforts with local elected officials and city staff within the 19 cities situated along the Caltrain corridor.

Beyond legislative affairs, the Government and Community Affairs team is also instrumental in coordinating public outreach and community engagement for Caltrain’s capital projects. The team leads regional political strategy for significant infrastructure and transit-oriented development initiatives, serves as a crucial liaison to local stakeholders and community-based organizations, and provides essential support for funding initiatives to advance capital projects from the planning phase through successful delivery.

Preferred Declared Majors:
Declared majors in the following relevant fields are preferred:

• Transportation planning
• Urban planning
• Communications
• Political science
• Public relations
• Journalism

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university as an undergraduate student, graduate student, or a 2025 graduate.
• Must be able to work onsite in Millbrae for the entire duration of the program (June 22 – August 14), not to exceed 40 hours per week or a cumulative total of 320 hours.

Other Requirements and Desired Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Suites (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Strong situational awareness and meticulous attention to detail.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in program management, contracting, and/or scheduling is beneficial.
• Effective time management and strong task follow-through skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• This internship involves site visits; the selected intern must be able to successfully complete all required safety training to undertake field visits along an active railroad.

Additional Information

• Interns are classified as temporary employees.
• Interns do not qualify for Paid Time Off (PTO), holiday pay, or employee benefits.
• Transportation passes for District systems (Caltrain & SamTrans) will be provided for the duration of the internship.
• The selection process may encompass a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only the most qualified candidates will progress in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not automatically guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

How To Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date.
• Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that applications are thoroughly completed with all relevant information (including experience, education, certifications, licenses, references, and/or other pertinent details).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts to accommodate applicants with disabilities during the recruitment/examination process upon request. If you require an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities, and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.