Intern - Operations

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision established by Chapter 1230 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly. VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities for Virginia's state-supported passenger rail services. The VPRA also funds Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and administers all capital expansion projects, infrastructure, and land acquisitions related to the $3.7 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which will double Amtrak and VRE service in Virginia over the next decade. The VPRA acts as a "responsible public entity" for acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, or operating a "qualifying transportation facility" under the Public Private Partnership Act of 1995.
Are you an enthusiastic student looking to gain experience in your field? Are you ready to take the next step toward your career goals? Do you get excited about the opportunity to create something new? VPRA has the perfect opportunity for you! The Intern - Operations will be dedicated to the planning team, providing an entry point for students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, public administration, or urban planning from an accredited university. The accepted candidate for the position will be able to apply their academic background through both the office and field and gain firsthand work experience in the various aspects of Transportation Planning and Passenger Rail Operations.
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Director of Planning, the Intern will:

• Assist in providing technical, logistical, and administrative support to successfully complete assigned projects and tasks within the scope, schedule, and budget.
• Attend office meetings, field meetings, and conference calls.
• Research, collect, and analyze data.
• Rotate through the Planning and Rail Services groups within the department.
• Perform GIS mapping and analysis work.
• Create graphics for reports and presentations.
• Assist with grant writing and administrative tasks.
• Assist with report writing.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with management.
• Receive instructions and become familiar with Operations' safety standards, work procedures, and operating practices.
• Serve as liaison to ensure assigned aspects of customer service are promptly and efficiently coordinated.
• Handle other work responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience
Required Education:

• Must be actively pursuing a degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University, or the University of Richmond.
• Must have at least one year of academic undergraduate studies completed or a sophomore status at minimum.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be highly organized.
• Ability to work productively.
• Detail oriented
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work with tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Required Experience:

• Previous transportation or railroad industry experience
• Specific interest or desire to work in the railroad industry.
• Experience in Microsoft Office software suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Are you interested in this position, but you don't meet every single requirement? At VPRA, we are dedicated to building a talented team and an inclusive, authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other positions.
Applicants must fully and accurately represent their qualifications and work history on the application or resume. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information in the application, resume, or other relevant documents; therefore, applicants must supply detailed information. Submitting an incomplete application/resume or an application/resume lacking in detail may impact your interview eligibility. This website will confirm receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Equal Opportunity Employer