Transit Intern

Job Description

Transit Intern | County of Sonoma

The Tone:
This is an internship at County of Sonoma, located in Sonoma County, CA. The Sonoma Public Infrastructure (SPI) Department is dedicated to leading the way to a safe and sustainable community by planning, building, managing, and maintaining Sonoma County’s investment in quality services and infrastructure. This department’s staff of 272 supports critical transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges, manages public transit services, and operates various capital projects. This internship provides a crucial opportunity for an undergraduate student to gain excellent hands-on experience directly related to their field of study, supporting the Transit Division which manages transportation services for over 850,000 riders annually.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time
• Location: In-person, Sonoma County, CA

• Team: Small team of dedicated staff managing fixed route and paratransit transportation services.
• Mission: Support the Transit Division in managing transportation services and learn about a wide range of transit-related topics and tasks to improve public transit.
• Tech Stack: database, AVL/Automatic Passenger Counting System, Farebox, Clipper

What You’ll Actually Do
• Inventory Management: Update the bus stop inventory within a database to ensure accurate records.
• System Support: Assist with the implementation and quality control of a new AVL/Automatic Passenger Counting System.
• Data Analysis: Analyze transit ridership data to identify trends and inform service improvements.
• Financial Reporting: Perform Farebox and Clipper data analysis to support financial oversight.
• Public Engagement: Assist with public outreach initiatives and marketing assistance for transit services.
• Field Operations: Conduct necessary field work, including driving for bus stop inspections and notice posting.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Current college student enrolled in a full-time or part-time academic or vocational curriculum at an accredited college or university. Candidates should be interested in transit or city and regional planning, seeking to gain hands-on experience in the field. Proof of student status, such as course registration or transcript, will be required upon selection.
• Experience: No prior experience is explicitly required for this internship. However, some experience with analyzing field data, monitoring conditions, and creating summary reports is considered a valuable asset. Additionally, prior experience conducting public outreach and/or marketing efforts is also desired.
• Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for managing diverse tasks. The ability to work effectively within a small team environment and adapt to varying workloads and priorities is also critical for success in this role.
• Bonus: Completed coursework in City or Regional Planning or a related field will be highly beneficial. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required to perform essential functions, including field work and driving.