Wayfinding Intern (Undergraduate Students)
Salary
$16.50 - $24.00 Hourly
Location
200 Newport Avenue, Quincy
Job Type
Internship / Co-Op / Fellowship
Job Number
26-20267
Department
MBTA - Office of Stations
Area
309-Building & Station Maintenance
Opening Date
08/27/2026
Closing Date
9/13/2026 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 Wayfinding Intern will assist and provide support to the Wayfinding Team and others with their duties. The intern will report directly to the Manager of Wayfinding. Responsibilities will include, but not limited to, working with the Manager of Wayfinding and Graphic Designers on their task to implement the MBTA Wayfinding program and assisting them in the development of new group databases and program reference documents.
We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work five (5) days onsite (40 hours per week) for at least three (3) months with possibility to extend an additional three or more months.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Photo-document existing wayfinding-related conditions and assets across the system.
- Participate in developing protocols for signage material sample documentation, tracking and storage.
- Assist with the preparation of new databases for Wayfinding sign standards and affiliated projects.
- Develop standard sign type catalogue for implementation of sign graphics software.
- Review and make updates to transit-related maps.
- Assist with the department's graphic design-related tasks as needed.
- Assist Manager of Wayfinding and Graphic Designers with ongoing projects in the design and construction phases, as needed.
- Assist with research on sign materials and specifications.
- Maintain staff work assignment schedules and proactively coordinate implementation of actions.
- 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 undergraduate / Bachelor's degree program of an accredited college / university in Architecture, Urban Planning, or Graphic Design.
- Completed at least four (4) semesters or five (5) trimesters of the degree program.
- Above average proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- At least one year of experience with database applications.
- Valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license.
- Above average ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
- 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
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
- 2026 (September - December)
- 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?
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 Adobe Creative Cloud.
- No Experience
- Beginner / Basic
- Intermediate / Average
- Advanced / Above Average
- Expert / Excellent
12
Please rate your current proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- No Experience
- Beginner / Basic
- Intermediate / Average
- Advanced / Above Average
- Expert / Excellent
13
Please rate your current ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
- No Experience
- Beginner / Basic
- Intermediate / Average
- Advanced / Above Average
- Expert / Excellent
14
How many years of professional experience do you have with database applications?
- Less than One
- 1 - 2
- 3 - 4
- 5+
15
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
16
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.
17
Do you have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license.?
Required Question
Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Address 10 Park Plaza
Boston, Massachusetts, 02116
Phone (617) 222-3200
Website https://www.mbta.com