Professional Student Intern at Contra Costa Transportation Authority – Walnut Creek, California

CCTA's Planning, Programs, and Policy Division is seeking a paid summer intern to provide assistance to the Programs Department in the Office of Accessibility and Equity. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public-sector transportation planning and policy, with a focus on programs that support accessible transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. This position is ideal for undergraduate or graduate students interested in transportation programs, planning, public policy, public administration, or related fields.

The internship will be flexible between the months of June through August for 8-10 weeks at 30-40 hours per week. The hourly rate will be negotiable between $20 - $35, depending on experience, skills, and knowledge.

The intern will provide programmatic and policy support to CCTA’s Program Department staff and will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders. This position will report to the Programs Manager.

This internship provides exposure to sub-regional transportation programs, public agency decision-making processes, and collaborative work with local governments and community stakeholders. The position emphasizes learning, professional development, and practical experience in transportation policy and program implementation.

This position is temporary and is not eligible for CCTA benefits or California Public Employees’ Retirement System retirement or administered benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits.

Interns will gain professional experience and contribute to CCTA’s mission of improving mobility and advancing transportation solutions for Contra Costa County. The Professional Student Intern reports to the Programs Manager.

Specific Functions and Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Programs Manager, the intern will assist with the following activities:

  • Support programs focused on accessible transportation and mobility services
  • Compile and synthesize research related to transportation policy, funding programs, and best practices
  • Assist in drafting policy memos, briefing materials, and staff reports for internal use and Authority consideration
  • Help coordinate outreach and engagement with stakeholders, including local agencies, service providers, community members, and advisory committees
  • Attend and support key meetings, including advisory committee, stakeholder meetings, and community town halls/forums
  • Assist with data collection, analysis, and program tracking
  • Provide general administrative and program support as needed
  • Perform related duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Proof of current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
• Proof of a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Residency requirements (e.g., California resident who can work in person at the Authority’s office located in Walnut Creek).
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must not be a California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) member to ensure compliance with CalPERS regulations.
• Complete a Notice of Exclusion (Form 1001) from the CalPERS before starting the position.
• If required to drive a vehicle as part of the position, they must possess a valid Driver’s License and proof of car insurance meeting California's minimum car insurance requirements, updated in January 2025, of $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage (often cited as 30/60/15).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic data analysis tools.

Employment Status:

• Temporary, part-time, or full-time, non-benefited classification due to its temporary status and limited hours as outlined in Government Code §§ 20281 and 20305.
• Hourly compensation within a salary range of $20-$35, depending upon skills, experience, and knowledge.
• Limited to fewer than 1,000 hours per fiscal year. This position is temporary and is not eligible for Authority benefits or CalPERS retirement or administered benefits, including health benefits.

If you are excited about this opportunity, please submit:

• A resume showcasing your relevant coursework, skills, and experiences.
• A cover letter that explains your interest in the internship and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Proof of current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
• Proof of a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To meet eligibility requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, be a California resident, and have the availability to work in person at the CCTA office located in the City of Walnut Creek. Additionally, you may not currently or previously have been a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to ensure compliance with CalPERS regulations.

Upon successful hiring, you will be required to:

• Complete a CalPERS Notice of Exclusion (Form 1001)
• Complete a CalPERS Reciprocal Self-Certification Form
• Be at least 18 years old and a California resident
• Possess a valid Driver’s License and vehicle liability insurance coverage meeting California's minimum vehicle liability insurance coverage requirements, updated in January 2025, of $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage (often cited as 30/60/15).
  1. Provide a copy of your driver’s license as per Senate Bill 1100 as driving is a necessary part of the position.
  2. Complete an acknowledgment form to verify you meet the minimum vehicle liability insurance requirements and will notify CCTA if there should be any changes to your Driver’s License and/or vehicle liability insurance coverage.
     
     

Applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted after the application deadline closes. We will be in touch once the evaluation process is complete.