College Intern - Urban Design

Basic Function

Professional learning experience where an undergraduate or graduate student participant gains practical work experience as an Urban Design Professional. Internships begin with orientation in June and conclude in early August. Specific duties vary depending on the assigned department and business need. Position will work 30 hours per week, and this position will work 100% on site. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Assignments may include responsibilities in one or more of the following areas:
• Makes Urban Design Manual revisions.
• Provides website support, including organizing the Urban Design ridemetro.org webpage and accommodating new project updates for Ultra Shelters/user manual, The METRO Tool, Facilities Maintenance Landscape Manual, and Art Manual.
• Researches urban strategies for METRO-owned sites not operating or vacant properties.
• Assists in developing early-stage designs with mass models, renderings, photo-simulations, site plans, maps, and diagrams.
• Prepares draft design guidelines for implementation through plans, streetscape plans, new street standards, or other design methods.
• Supports working with Grants in identifying various sources of funding available to implement project improvements specific to transportation and public space design. 
• Helps strategize the Public Art Program.
  Helps align METRO with the public and private art sector to implement public art.
• Assists with identifying appropriate, impactful art opportunities, locations, and materials for art projects
  Works to attract artists to participate in transit art programs.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Pay Rate: $20 hr 

Education Requirement

Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or a recent graduate (within 1 year).
Degree program relative to intern assignments, such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or related degree.

Years & Experience Required

Currently enrolled in an accredited education institution and have successfully completed 24 credit hours. 
GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge relative to intern assignments, such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or related degree. Knowledge of PC and related software; MS Office.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment. Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.