College Intern - Project Controls

Job Description

College Intern – Project Controls

Join OCTA’s Project Controls team as a College Intern and gain hands-on experience supporting project planning, cost tracking, scheduling, and performance analysis for major transportation programs across Orange County. In this role, you will assist with data analysis, project reporting, budget monitoring, and schedule coordination activities that help ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. You will work closely with project managers and cross-functional teams to support the tracking and evaluation of project performance and contribute to informed decision-making.

Under general supervision, the Project Controls Intern supports OCTA’s capital project financial operations by assisting with invoice review, budget tracking, and contract-related administrative activities. This role provides hands-on experience in project controls, accounting processes, and financial systems within a public transportation environment. As a College Intern, you will be exposed to OCTA's career opportunities in the transportation industry. You will gain deeper awareness of transportation's many facets through your OCTA orientation, projects and teams, and internal networking.

OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.

The pay range is from $19.00 - $22.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with vendor invoice review, tracking, and payment processing
• Support account coding, contract balances, and budget tracking activities
• Review contractual terms and payment provisions for new agreements
• Create and maintain invoice and budget tracking spreadsheets
• Assist with reviewing firm fixed price and time-and-expense invoices
• Utilize accounting systems to review vendor payments and project financial data
• Support project close-out activities and cost reconciliation efforts
• Maintain accurate files, records, and financial documentation

What We’re Looking For

• Currently enrolled full-time college student (2-year or 4-year program)
• Pursuing coursework in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and contract terminology
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Professional demeanor and ability to handle confidential information

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Gain hands-on experience in project controls and financial operations
• Learn how large-scale capital projects are budgeted and managed
• Work with real contracts, invoices, and financial systems
• Build valuable skills in accounting, analysis, and reporting
• Collaborative environment with opportunities for learning and growth

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to gain real-world experience and start building your career with OCTA.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.