Intern-Rail Contracts & Special Projects

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Metra Internship Program provides an opportunity for college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students to gain practical experience through on-the-job learning. Metra assigns students to projects related to their academic/educational field of study, which complements classroom instruction. The knowledge gained contributes to career development, while the experience provides insight on the wide variety of jobs in the transportation industry.

The Intern will integrate classroom learning with hands on experience of reviewing railroad contracts, agreement-related correspondence, and maps to support record retention requirements and assist in the development of a new contract management system. The intern will benefit from learning a unique and specialized craft of analyzing and interpreting railroad agreements and land maps. The intern will learn about railroad history, how Metra interacts with freight railroads and other passenger carriers, as well as hone their skills in document management and regulatory compliance. This is an opportunity for the intern to build on their experiences and include this project as part of their academic portfolio.

* Extracting pertinent information from property deeds, agreements and maps;
* Electronically document the pertinent information into a spreadsheet, for cataloging purposes;
* Assist in the organization of contracts and supporting documents;
* Digitizing of agreements and maps.

The length of the program is up to one year with three (3) mandatory one-week break periods during the school year: May, September, and December.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

The Intern must be currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in an undergraduate program or in a graduate program from an accredited institution. Majors related to Urban Planning, Archival/Library Administration, Real Estate, History, Pre-Law, or Business Administration preferred. Other preferred qualification include: comfortable with legal agreements, computer literacy with Microsoft Word and Excel as well as the ability to analyze and solve problems. Must be detailed oriented, with strong administrative and communication skills. Must have the ability to create, track, and build working spreadsheets Experience with records management and/or contract management software is a plus.

Must be 18 years or older; able to legally work in the United States; a student in good standing for each semester/quarter during their internship; and available to work between 12 and 20 hours per week for up to one year (optional: 40 hours per week during summer months).

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Metra is unable to sponsor visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) at this time.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.