Summer Internship - Employee Relations

SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District) 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 San Mateo County 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 / Hourly)

WORK SCHEDULE: Starting June 22, 2026 – 320 Hours Maximum

Employee Relations

The selected Intern will assist the District’s Employee Relations department with developing a repository of historic arbitration information by reviewing and analyzing case files, then present the findings to the Chief People Officer & Deputy Director of Labor Relations; and shadow the grievance process including reviewing Collective Bargaining Agreement contracts, gathering information, and making recommendations. 

Other Duties: 

• All employees of the District must perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university as an undergraduate student, graduate student, or 2025 graduate. 
• Must be able to work onsite in Millbrae for the duration of the program (June 22 – August 14), not to exceed 40 hours/week or 320 cumulative hours.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Declared majors in the following relevant field(s) are preferred: labor / industrial relations, pre-law, business administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with other computer programs desirable (e.g. ArcGIS, PeopleSoft, etc.).
• Effective research, data analysis, and analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a problem-solving mindset. 

Interns are classified as temporary employees. Interns do not qualify for PTO, holiday pay, or benefits. Transportation passes for District systems (Caltrain & SamTrans) will be offered for the duration of the internship. 

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.