Wayfinding Intern (Undergraduate Students)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or the “T”) is seeking an intern interested in learning about and assisting the Wayfinding Team in its Department of Stations. The Wayfinding Intern will be exposed to how MBTA’s user-friendly and ADA-compliant navigation system is implemented in Capital and State of Good Repair Projects, in accordance with MBTA guidelines and in compliance with the requirements of the Boston Center for Independent Living Lawsuit Settlement.

The Wayfinding Intern will assist and provide support to the Wayfinding Team (and others). They will report directly to the Manager of Wayfinding. The scope of their responsibility will include, but not limited to, working with the Manager of Wayfinding and graphic designers to implement the MBTA Wayfinding program and assisting them in the development of new group databases and program reference documents.

The most qualified (or ideal) candidates would be enrolled in an undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program in Architecture, Urban Planning, or Graphic Design, at least one (1) of experience with database applications, and above average skills inMicrosoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and effective communication in English. We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work at least four (4) days in-office (40 hours per week) for either three (3) or six (6) months, depending on the student’s availability.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

• Photo-document existing wayfinding-related conditions and assets.
• Participate in developing protocols for signage material, sample documentation, tracking, and storage.
• Assist with preparation of new databases for Wayfinding sign standards and affiliated projects.
• Develop standard sign type catalogue for implementation of sign graphics software.
• Review transit-related maps for errors.
• Assist Manager of Wayfinding and graphic designers with ongoing projects in design and construction phases.
• Assist with research on sign materials and specifications.
• Maintain staff work assignment schedules and proactively coordinate implementation of actions
• Respond to inquiries from customers, vendors, and co-workers in professional and courteous manners.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum or hiring manager for department or location specific functions. 
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

* The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Minimum Education 

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program of an accredited college / university in Architecture, Urban Planning, or Graphic Design.

Minimum Experience and Required Skills

• Undergraduate degree candidates must have completed at least four (4) semesters or five (5) trimesters by the start date of this position.
• Above average proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• At least one year of experience with database applications.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Above average organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.