Transportation Construction Inspector (TCI) Co-Op - Undergraduate Students

Transportation Construction Inspector (TCI) Co-Op - Undergraduate Students

Salary

$16.50 - $24.00 Hourly

Location

10 Park Plaza, Boston

Job Type

Internship / Co-Op / Fellowship

Job Number

26-20253

Department

MBTA - Capital Programs - Capital Support

Area

508-Capital Support

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/30/2026 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 Transportation Construction Inspector Intern / Co-Op will report to the Manager of Field Staff and assist the Construction Inspector and Resident Engineer in the review of the contractors work to ensure compliance with MBTA project contracts, plans, and specifications. The Intern / Co-Op will be required to be highly responsive and able to prioritize departmental needs in the best interest of the MBTA.

We're looking to hire two (2) co-ops, who will work full-time (40 hours per week) onsite from January through June.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Review construction work to ensure conformance to plans and specifications.
• Compute construction quantities and assist in preparing reports for interim and final payments.
• Review construction work of contractors and subcontractors to ensure compliance with contract documents, reporting discrepancies to the Resident Engineer.
• Assist in inspections of construction materials at source and on project sites for conformity to specifications.
• Assist Resident Engineer and Construction Inspectors in investigating and reporting construction and safety related problems encountered in the field.
• Participate in regular safety inspection "walk downs."
• Assist in the maintenance of a daily project diary, files, test reports, etc.
• Perform load counts of material delivered to construction sites.
• Obtain samples of materials to be sent to the laboratory for testing purposes.
• 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 an undergraduate / bachelor's degree program of an accredited college / university.

• Completion of at least one year (minimum of 27 semester credit hours) of college course work, meeting at least one of the following criteria:

• Enrolled in an associate degree program in engineering, engineering technology, construction technology, engineering science, surveying technology, drafting/CAD, or heavy equipment operations.

• Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in engineering, engineering technology, environmental sciences or environmental technology, construction management, construction supervision, engineering management, construction engineering or construction engineering technology, transportation planning, mathematics, physical science, architecture or architectural technology, construction technology, landscape architecture, surveying, physics, geology or forestry.

• Above average ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and database applications.

• 0 - 2 years of capital, construction, or engineering experience (including internships / co-ops).

• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.

• Above average organizational, analytical, and multi-tasking skills.

• Above average ability to manage sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.

• 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.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• One construction season (minimum of three months) of work experience in highway, bridge, or other civil engineering related construction inspection.
• Above average ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and database applications.
• Above average quantitative, organizational, and analytical skills.

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

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

03

When is your expected graduation date?

• Already Graduated
• 2027 (January - March)
• 2027 (April - May)
• 2027 (June - August)
• 2027 (September - December)
• 2028
• 2029
• 2030+

04

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

05

What is your availability?

• Part-Time (up to 35 hours / week)
• Full-Time (35 to 40 hours / week)
• Any

06

Which work model can you work?

• Always Onsite / In-Office
• Fully Remote
• Hybrid
• Any

07

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.

08

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

09

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)

10

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

11

Please rate your current proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and database applications.

• No Experience
• Beginner / Basic
• Intermediate / Average
• Advanced / Above Average
• Expert / Excellent

12

How many years of capital, construction, or engineering experience (including internships / co-ops) do you have?

• Less than One
• 1 - 2
• 3 - 4
• 5+

13

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

14

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.

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone (617) 222-3200

Website https://www.mbta.com