College Intern Paratransit OperationsAt — Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

• Assist in the tracking and analysis of legislation and regulations at the state and federal levels.
• Help organize legislative briefing events; helping put together briefing materials.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory hearing; put together briefing notes.

Knowledge of:

• Interest and understanding of the political process at the state and federal levels.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and AP style desired.
• Basic principles and practices in field of specialization.
• Methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in specialty area.

Ability to:

• Ability to communicate in verbal and written form in a concise, clear manner.
• Provide a flexible work schedule.
• Research capabilities, including ability to read and interpret statutory language.
• Work well in a team environment.

Analyze legislative or regulatory language pertaining to various mandates, including:
• Violence in the Workplace Plan, California SB – 553:
o Provide recommendations for contracted services to ensure compliance with the requirements.
• 2024 National Transit Database Safety and Security Reporting:
o Summarize reporting criteria to facilitate understanding and ensure contractors maintain compliance.
• Federal Transit Administration Drug & Alcohol Policy Requirements:
o Conduct analysis of Drug & Alcohol Policies across 35 cities in Orange County to verify conformity with regulatory standards.
• Gain understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Medical Examiner’s Requirements
• Gain understanding of the Transportation Safety Administration's Security Training for Security Sensitive Employees

And,
• Paratransit Services Designated Stops and Location Evaluation Requests:
o Review current practices and propose changes if necessary, culminating in a presentation at a department meeting.
• Quality Assurance of Contracted Services Call Center Operations:
o Collaborate with IS to develop a dashboard for monitoring and tracking phone observations of call center representatives.

Training:

Mark will receive tailored training throughout his placement to support his learning objectives and facilitate his professional growth. This training approach encompasses a blend of mandatory general employer orientation to familiarize him with organizational policies and procedures, as well as one-on-one mentorship sessions with a seasoned transit professional boasting over 23 years of industry experience. These personalized mentoring sessions provide Mark with invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and guidance to navigate the intricacies of transportation regulations, legislative language, and compliance requirements. Additionally, Mark will participate in regular one-on-one meetings to update his mentor on project progress, ensuring ongoing support, feedback, and alignment with organizational goals. This comprehensive training framework equips Mark with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to effectively fulfill his internship objectives and succeed in his role within the agency.

Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of the academic internship, Mark Murillo will be able to:
• Analyze and interpret legislative or regulatory language pertaining to transportation, identifying key provisions, and implications for transit operations.
• Formulate comprehensive plans for compliance and implementation in response to legislative mandates, including the development of training programs for transit employees as required by legislation.
• Collaborate effectively with Information Systems (IS) professionals to design and implement dashboard systems tailored for tracking and monitoring oversight of contracted services within the transportation sector, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and functionality in line with agency requirements and industry standards.