General
Caltrain is committed to delivering a robust Internship Program giving students the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the classroom, develop professional skills, and acquire a thorough understanding of a unique public transit agency. The San Mateo County Transit District is a Special District, it is the managing agency for SamTrans, Caltrain, San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the 101 Express Lanes Project.
The Summer Intern program is designed to include real work projects in each area gives students the opportunity to consider a career in the transit industry - including tours of bus and train facilities, opportunities to learn about the multitude of career tracks within transit through information sessions, and professional development such as resume writing and interview skill development. We hope interns will gain invaluable experience by partnering and with and learning from our team of professionals.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Temporary (Non-Exempt or Hourly)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:59pm
WORK LOCATION: 166 N Rollins Rd. Millbrae, CA 94030
WORK SCHEDULE: Starting June 22, 2026 – 320 Hours Maximum
The Caltrain Planning Department has two (2) internship opportunities- Capital Planning and Real Estate and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning.
Caltrain Planning supports Caltrain by setting direction for the future via the Adopted Service Vision, Business Plan, and supporting policies, and aligning the agency’s work as a corridor manager and service provider toward that direction. Planning manages Caltrain's real estate assets to meet agency needs. We support our colleagues in interpreting the agency’s direction in their day-to-day work, as well as our own, with a focus on anticipating and resolving the inevitable tradeoffs that arise. Much of Planning’s work has a near-term impact on how the agency is organized and operates, and the knowledge we gain helps us support the agency in moving toward a longer-term focus as a regional rail provider with a leading role in Bay Area transit.
Capital Planning Internship will assist with Capital Program and Projects Planning Support. Provide planning support across multiple functions, including Operations Planning, Systemwide Planning and deliver recurring work programs and special planning initiatives. Support the development of grant strategies for Caltrain’s Capital Program, including preparation of grant applications. Support updates to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to inform the FY28–FY29 Capital Budget.
Support preparation of Board items for capital budget amendments, including compilation and coordination of capital project information. Support development of capital projects during the planning phase.
Real Estate and TOD Planning Internship will assist with Real Estate website and marketing, Transit Oriented Development support and solicitation frameworks. Support updates to the Real Estate webpage and broader efforts to enhance the marketing of available properties and policy transparency. Assist with the development of real estate materials and frameworks to support future transit-oriented development solicitations, including the creation of templates for RFPs and developer handbooks.
Preferred graduate students in Urban Planning, Transportation, Engineering, Public Policy, Economics, Real Estate, Architecture or related fields
Capital Planning -General understanding of transportation planning principals, public sector exposure
Real Estate and Transit Oriented Development- General understanding or familiarity with real estate fundamentals. How to market properties or experience with updating or drafting web content. Public sector or planning exposure.
Essential Functions & Duties
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university as an incoming Junior or Senior undergraduate student, graduate student, or 2023 graduate.
• Must be able to work onsite in San Carlos for the duration of the program (June – August), not to exceed 40 hours/week or 320 cumulative hours.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Proficient in Microsoft Suites (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Preferred ArcGIS, InDesign
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How To Apply
• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
