Summer Intern – Rail Safety Department

Job Description

About the Job: Summer Internship Program – Rail Safety Department

Caltrain is dedicated to providing a robust Internship Program, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and gain a deep understanding of a unique public transit agency. The San Mateo County Transit District manages SamTrans, Caltrain, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the 101 Express Lanes Project.

The Summer Intern program offers real work projects, giving students the opportunity to explore a career in the transit industry. This includes tours of bus and train facilities, information sessions about various career tracks in transit, and professional development in areas like resume writing and interview skills. Interns are expected to gain invaluable experience by collaborating with and learning from our team of professionals.

• EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Temporary (Non-Exempt or Hourly)
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
• WORK LOCATION: 200 N Rollins Rd, Millbrae, CA 94030 (note: essential functions mention San Carlos)
• WORK SCHEDULE: Starting June 22, 2026 – 320 Hours Maximum

The Caltrain Rail Safety Department oversees railroad and system safety across operations, infrastructure, and capital projects. It is responsible for regulatory compliance, field safety oversight, and emergency preparedness.

This department supports Engineering, Construction, Operations, and contract operators to ensure work in and around the railroad right-of-way is performed safely.

Rail Safety also leads the System Safety Program Plan, Fire and Life Safety Program, and safety culture initiatives to reduce risk and support safe, reliable service.

Declared majors in the following relevant fields are preferred:

• Industrial Engineering
• Construction Management
• Public Administration
• Safety and Health Disciplines
• Transportation Studies
• Transportation Planning

Essential Functions & Duties:

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university as an incoming Junior or Senior undergraduate student, graduate student, or 2023 graduate.
• Must be able to work onsite in San Carlos for the duration of the program (June – August), not to exceed 40 hours/week or 320 cumulative hours.

Other Requirements:

• Proficient in Microsoft Suites (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Strong situational awareness and attention to detail
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Basic technology and data entry skills
• Effective time management and task follow-through
• Ability to work collaboratively with a problem-solving mindset.
• Familiarity with public transit systems, public agencies, and construction safety or a related safety field is preferred.
• This internship requires you to be physically able to do site visits and successfully complete safety training.

The selection process may include:

• A panel interview
• Written and skills test assessments
• Supplemental questions

Only the most qualified candidates will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not 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 completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references, and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.