Senior Business Operations (Stations) Intern
Salary
$24.00 - $26.00 Hourly
Location
10 Park Plaza, Boston
Job Type
Internship / Co-Op / Fellowship
Job Number
26-20299
Department
MBTA - Office of Stations
Area
310-Office of Chief of Stations
Opening Date
09/22/2026
Closing Date
10/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
MBTA UNA Unaffiliated
Licenses / Certifications
Please see job description.
Safety Sensitive
No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.
On-Call or 24/7
No; this position is not classified as on-call or 24/7.
Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)
No; this position is classified as non-essential (during declared States of Emergency).
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
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, culture, and accessibility, and 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 Summary
The Stations, Facilities, & Structures division oversees the inspections, operations, and maintenance of all MBTA facilities, from stations to office buildings. As a graduate intern, you will support the Stations, Facilities, & Structures division in maintaining continuous improvement, focusing on user-centered, efficient, and collaborative solutions.
Example projects may include:
- Turnover Processes: Modernize procedures related to when new properties are turned over from partner departments, such as Real Estate or Capital Delivery, to Stations, Facilities, & Structures to ensure smooth transitions and that the appropriate maintenance protocols are enacted.
- Office Space Reservation System: Streamline access protocols and procedures to enable employees to reserve space, improving user experience, clarifying access controls, and increasing space utilization.
- Field Audit Processes: Develop a field audit strategy to verify the compliance and performance of third-party service providers.
As a graduate intern, you will receive mentorship from department leadership. Working in the Stations, Facilities, & Structures division will enable you to collaborate with teams and individuals tasked with redefining how the MBTA maintains its facilities to provide superior experience for both customers and employees. We are seeking a problem solver who enjoys diving deep into challenges and wants to drive innovation within the MBTA.
We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work onsite (40 hours per week) for at least three (3) months.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and lead continuous improvement projects, enabling the department to reach its strategic goals.
- Develop robust working relationships with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.
- Work with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams to understand implications and interpretations of underlying data and to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support the department through process development, data analytics, and strategic planning.
- Collect qualitative and quantitative information through data sets, observations, interviews, and other methods.
- Map key business processes and identify areas of improvement, simplification, and cost reduction.
- Provide data analysis using tools, such as Excel or Tableau, to support decision-making.
- Develop executive and project presentations, design artifacts like process maps or user personas, and develop materials such as project plans, standard operating procedures, or other project reports.
- Work with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams to implement new processes.
- Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
- Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendums or hiring manager for department or location specific functions.
- Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
- The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / Master's degree program of an accredited college / university
- Completed some coursework, on-the-job experience, or other experiences demonstrating an interest in public transportation.
- At least one year of professional experience in planning, operations, policy, engineering, or project management.
- At least one year of professional experience working with tools or data that support planning, such as GIS, database management, visualization software, graphic design, etc.
- Desire to help improve public transportation, because you believe in making people's lives better.
- Ability to pass writing and/or spreadsheet assessment, demonstrating skills related to the position.
- Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
- Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
- Strong interest in public service, transit, or transportation and how it operates.
- Above average 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 by the role.
- Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if 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 by the role.
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
- Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
- Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The 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 Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.
This position is not eligible for benefits through the MBTA. However, some positions might be eligible to incur paid sick time or to receive a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system. Please speak with the assigned recruiter or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.
01
What is your current level of education?
- Not Currently Enrolled in School / Already Graduated
- High School / GED / VoTech
- Undergrad: 1st Year
- Undergrad: 2nd Year
- Undergrad: 3rd Year
- Undergrad: 4th Year
- Grad School: 1st Year
- Grad School: 2nd Year
- Grad School: 3rd Year (or higher)
- Postdoctoral Studies
02
Did you already start this education level (proof of enrollment / transcript is required)?
- Yes, I am actively taking classes.
- No, but I am enrolled and will start soon.
- No, but I plan to enroll soon.
- Not Currently Enrolled in School / Already Graduated
03
What is your area of study?
- Accounting / Finance
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Archives Management
- Biology
- Business / Business Admin
- Business Information Systems
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Construction / Construction Management
- Data Analysis
- Database Administration
- Diversity Management / EEO
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering (Aerospace)
- Engineering (Civil)
- Engineering (Electrical)
- Engineering (General)
- Engineering (Mechanical)
- Engineering (Structural)
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Services
- Ethics
- Facility Management
- General / Interdisciplinary Studies
- Graphic Arts / Design
- Human Resources / Human Capital
- Information Technology
- Insurance / Risk Management
- Law (Business / Corporate)
- Law (Juris Doctorate)
- Law (General)
- Library / Information Science
- Logistics / Supply Chain Management
- Maintenance
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Medical / Health Services
- Network Administration
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Nursing
- Organizational Development
- Payroll / Benefits Administration
- Physics
- Planning and Development
- Political Science
- Production / Operations Management
- Project Management
- Public Policy & Administration
- Public Relations
- Purchasing
- Real Estate
- Robotics
- Safety
- Software / Programming
- Statistics / Actuarial Science
- Transportation
- Urban Planning
- Other
- No Major
04
When is your expected graduation date?
- Already Graduated
- 2026 (September - December)
- 2027 (January - March)
- 2027 (April - May)
- 2027 (June - August)
- 2027 (September - December)
- 2028
- 2029
- 2030+
05
Have you completed any coursework or have on-the-job experience or other experiences demonstrating an interest in public transportation?
06
Please rate your current proficiency in GIS.
- No Experience
- Beginner / Basic
- Intermediate / Average
- Advanced / Above Average
- Expert / Excellent
07
How many years of professional experience do you have working with tools or data that support planning, such as GIS, database management, visualization software, graphic design, etc.?
- Less than One
- 1 - 2
- 3 - 4
- 5+
08
How many years of professional experience do you have in planning, operations, policy, engineering, or project management?
- Less than One
- 1 - 2
- 3 - 4
- 5+
09
Please rate your current ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
- No Experience
- Beginner / Basic
- Intermediate / Average
- Advanced / Above Average
- Expert / Excellent
10
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
11
Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
- Yes
- No
- CPT / OPT Currently (with MBTA listed as employer)
- CPT / OPT In-Process or Need to Apply (may affect start date)
12
To complete pre-employment requirements, candidates selected for hire must physically be in the United States for at least 30 days prior to their start date. Will you be in the U.S. for at least 30 days before the start date of this position?
- Yes, I will physically be in the U.S. for at least 30 days prior to the start date of this position.
- No, I will be traveling or otherwise not in the U.S. within the month prior to the start date of this position.
13
To ensure economic reinvestment, political accountability, and compliance with state legal and tax rules, all interns and co-ops must reside and conduct work in the Boston, MA metro area for the entire duration of their internship / co-op, including when working remotely. Do you agree to this and have the ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area?
- Yes; I agree and am able to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area.
- No; I do not agree or am not able to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area.
14
For how long can you commit to the position?
- Less than 3 Months
- 3 Months
- 6 Months
- 9 Months
- 12 Months / 1 Year
- More than 1 Year
15
What is your availability?
- Part-Time (up to 35 hours / week)
- Full-Time (35 to 40 hours / week)
- Any
16
Which work model can you work?
- Always Onsite / In-Office
- Fully Remote
- Hybrid
- Any
Required Question
Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Address 10 Park Plaza
Boston, Massachusetts, 02116
Phone (617) 222-3200
Website https://www.mbta.com