Wayfinding Intern (Undergraduate Students)

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, and culture. 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 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or the “T”) is seeking an intern interested in learning about and assisting the Wayfinding Team in its Department of Stations. The Wayfinding Intern will be exposed to how MBTA’s user-friendly and ADA-compliant navigation system is implemented in Capital and State of Good Repair Projects, in accordance with MBTA guidelines and in compliance with the requirements of the Boston Center for Independent Living Lawsuit Settlement.

The Wayfinding Intern will assist and provide support to the Wayfinding Team (and others). They will report directly to the Manager of Wayfinding. The scope of their responsibility will include, but not limited to, working with the Manager of Wayfinding and graphic designers to implement the MBTA Wayfinding program and assisting them in the development of new group databases and program reference documents.

The most qualified (or ideal) candidates would be enrolled in an undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program in Architecture, Urban Planning, or Graphic Design, at least one (1) of experience with database applications, and above average skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and effective communication in English. We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work at least four (4) days in-office (40 hours per week) for either three (3) or six (6) months, depending on the student’s availability.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Photo-document existing wayfinding-related conditions and assets.
• Participate in developing protocols for signage material, sample documentation, tracking, and storage.
• Assist with preparation of new databases for Wayfinding sign standards and affiliated projects.
• Develop standard sign type catalogue for implementation of sign graphics software.
• Review transit-related maps for errors.
• Assist Manager of Wayfinding and graphic designers with ongoing projects in design and construction phases.
• Assist with research on sign materials and specifications.
• Maintain staff work assignment schedules and proactively coordinate implementation of actions
• Respond to inquiries from customers, vendors, and co-workers in professional and courteous manners.
• 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 addendum or hiring manager for department or location specific functions.

• 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.
• Undergraduate degree candidates must have completed at least four (4) semesters or five (5) trimesters by the start date of this position.
• 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.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Above average organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• 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.

Substitutions Include

• No substitutions.

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 their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions: