INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Summer 2026-2027 Rail Field Data Collection Intern

CompanyChicago Transit Authority
LocationNot specified
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 30, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Interns will conduct field surveys to collect and document station assets and amenities, and format collected data into an inventory. They will also prepare reports, maps, and graphics to communicate data and analysis results to stakeholders.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
6412
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
15 hours
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About The Company
Our mission is to deliver quality, affordable transit services that link people, jobs and communities. Chicago Transit Authority employees keep nearly 1.7 million people in Chicago and 35 suburbs moving every weekday. The success of our transit system is a direct result of our skilled and dedicated workforce. Our employees keep Chicago moving. So can you. Join the CTA family by visiting our careers page at transitchicago.com/careers! For questions about our career opportunities or your application, email us at CTACareers@transitchicago.com. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Network at https://transitchicago.jobs.net/join?joinpath=Exportablejoin.
About the Role

Chicago Transit Authority is the second largest transit system in the country! Our college internship program offers summer and year-long internships that provide students with valuable work experience, professional development, and mentorship. Students receive exposure to the discipline of the workplace and are guided by subject matter experts who assist them in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to perform in today’s technically demanding careers. Interns at CTA work in a range of departments across the authority.

Our internships are project-based; therefore, the skills that we seek vary based on the needs of the projects during each term. All majors are welcome to apply, but please see education experience/requirements for specifics about what disciplines each internship project is seeking.

Internships are part-time (15 hours a week) during the school year and full-time (40 hours a week) during the summer.

In this role within the Strategy & Innovation department's Strategic Planning unit, interns will:

  •         Conduct field surveys to collect and document station assests and amenities including, but not limited to: CTA bike parking assests, bike counts, and station entrances at all rail stations.
  •        Format collected data into an inventory and geocoding ArcGIS archives and other CTA formats as needed. 
  •        Prepare reports, maps, and graphics to effectively communicate data and analysis results to stakeholders.  

Primary work location for this role: CTA Headquarters (567 W. Lake Street, Chicago Illinois 60661)



Educational Experience/Requirements:

  •        Preferred Major(s): Urban Planning, Public Policy or Administration, Geography, Data Science, or related field
  •        Preferred Level of Education: College first-year and above
  •        Required enrollment status: Full-time (as defined by your academic institution) in a degree program at an accredited college or university

Physical Requirements:

  •        The demands associated with the normal office environment
  •        Must be able to comply with office policy to work on-site twice per week 
  •        Light physical activity, including walking outdoors and climbing stairs
  •        Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
  •        Durations of physical activity and exposure to weather conditions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  •        Strong Microsoft Office and computer skills.
  •        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  •        Good analytical and critical thinking skills.
  •        Proficient organizational skills with attention to detail.

  •        Good project management skills.

     

  •        Experience collecting, organizing, and presenting data.
  •        General knowledge and interest in transportation planning initiatives, particularly public transit and active transportation. 
  •        Strong research, organization, analytical, and quantitative skills.
  •        Ability to work effectively with moderate levels of supervision, especially pertaining to the significant portion of work time that will be spent in the filed. 
  •        General familiarity with the CTA bus and rail network and bicycle infrastructure and initiatives within the CTA service area. 
Key Skills
Microsoft OfficeCommunication SkillsAnalytical SkillsCritical ThinkingOrganizational SkillsProject ManagementData CollectionData PresentationResearch SkillsQuantitative SkillsTransportation PlanningPublic Transit KnowledgeBicycle Infrastructure Knowledge
Categories
TransportationGovernment & Public SectorData & AnalyticsEnvironmental & SustainabilityEngineering