This position will be posted from December 9, 2024 to January 7, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.

Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test and a background check. 

DRPA and PATCO are subject to federal law, under which marijuana continues to be illegal.

Please check your spam or clutter for any emails regarding this selection process.

Paid Internship Description

The Delaware River Port Authority (“DRPA”) is a bi-state agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey.  It owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross Bridges which are four major bridge crossings of the Delaware River.  The Authority’s transit subsidiary, the Port Authority Transit Corporation (“PATCO”), operates a two-track rapid transit line between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lindenwold, New Jersey.

The Authority operates and maintains the facilities through the use of in-house and third-party staff.  Maintenance activities consist of routine work as well as major capital improvements.  Work performed at the facilities is supported by the Authority’s in-house staff of Professional Engineers.  The Engineering staff performs a wide range of engineering functions which include support of bridge maintenance, civil/structural/electrical engineering design, capital planning, construction inspection, project management, and coordination of activities between internal staff as well as outside agencies.

Program Description

The DRPA/PATCO is seeking to hire college students for the 2025 summer season.  The hourly rate for these intern positions is $23.00. While former summer interns are welcome to apply, past employment as a summer intern does not guarantee that you will be selected for an internship this summer. Students who wish to apply for a summer internship must meet the following criteria: 

1. Successful completion of a pre-employment evaluation which includes drug (including marijuana) and alcohol.
2. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation conducted by a third-party vendor.
3. Official school transcript with the raised seal documenting that you completed at least one year of undergraduate studies (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 - 24 credits).
4. Official school documentation that you are enrolled in the upcoming Fall 2025 semester on a full-time basis (12 credits).
5. Assignments require a full-time commitment (40 hours) for 12 weeks.
6. Verification by you that you are lawfully permitted to work in the United States by providing within the first three (3) days following the commencement of your employment with the Delaware River Port Authority, the documents necessary to establish your identity and eligibility for employment.

Position Purpose

Assist Staff Engineers in the performance of their duties in various stages of project development.  Activities expected to be performed include field inspections/survey, engineering design for civil/electrical/structural components of the facilities, preparation of plans and specifications, plan review and interpretation, assisting with capital planning/budgeting, and assistance with on-going construction and maintenance projects through inspection, report development, coordination with bridge operations.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Authority will adhere to all applicable laws and regulations in assessing an employee's ability to carry out or otherwise meet the job requirements set forth herein in a satisfactory manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1.    Assists staff engineers in the budgeting of capital projects pertaining to Engineering and Contractual activities and assist in preparing budgeting spreadsheets.

2.    Assists in the review of construction plans and specifications prepared by consultants for projects involving highways, bridges, transit, electrical distribution, and communications systems.

3.    Assist with oversight of field inspections of construction and maintenance projects at various facilities.

4.    Observe construction work progress, contractor submittals, shop drawings, schedules, and performance.

5.    Assist in the review of bid documents including pre-bid meetings, contractor inquiries, contractor bids, qualifications, and references.

6.    Perform related duties as required and assigned.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

1.    The individual must demonstrate the ability to organize and analyze information and use same to resolve problems in a timely manner.

2.    The individual must be willing to continuously build knowledge and skills.

3.    The individual must be able to speak and write clearly in order to communicate effectively.

4.    The individual must display openness to others’ views and must be able to balance individual responsibilities.

5.    The individual must show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences and work toward promoting a harassment free environment and a diverse workforce. The individual must treat everyone  with respect, work with integrity, and uphold and support organizational values and goals.

6.    The individual must be able to prioritize and plan work activities using time efficiently.  The individual must respond to management direction.

7.    The individual must demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, apply feedback to improve performance and monitor their own work to ensure quality.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age. 
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Completed one previous engineering co-op or internship, and be enrolled in the upcoming Fall 2025 semester.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university 4 or 5-year Engineering program 
• Proficiency in relevant personal computer systems and software such as word processing, spreadsheet applications, CADD.
• Interns must attend an accredited college/university, including a community college (junior college), and their home residence must be located within DRPA’s Port District, which includes (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem, counties in New Jersey).

Preferred:

• One (1) previous co-op and/or internship of engineering experience with knowledge of construction management and engineering design principles and practices as applied to bridges, infrastructures and facilities., 

Work knowledge

1.    Broad knowledge and experience in most phases of engineering sciences, with emphasis on civil or structural work.

2.    Considerate knowledge of the functions of a modern engineering office.

3.    Ability to coordinate with personnel engaged in the inspection of construction projects of varying size.

4.    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional personnel, contractors, and superiors.

5.    Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit (85%). The employee is required to stand and walk (10%) and lift, climb, bend (5%). The employee must occasionally lift, hold, and carry objects up to 25 pounds. Have normal day and nighttime vision, corrected or uncorrected. Have normal hearing, corrected or uncorrected. Must be able to perform all position functions. Must be able to physically operate all job-related equipment for the position functions. The employee must maintain a neat and clean appearance.

Working Conditions 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typically, the duties and responsibilities of this position are performed accordingly, 75% in an indoor environment and 25% outdoors.

1.    The employee must be organized and be able to prioritize assignments appropriately.

2.    The employee must communicate well.

3.    The employee must understand the importance of discretion and adhering to deadlines.

A Few Benefits of Interning at the Delaware River Port Authority:

• Competitive pay.
• Paid weekly.
• Free parking at all facilities.
• Complimentary passage on DRPA bridges when they are used for commuting to and from work only.
• Complimentary travel on PATCO, when the train is used for commuting to and from work only.
• Opportunity to participate in a meaningful learning experience with industry leaders and professionals.
• Professional development and networking opportunities.

Why You Should Apply:

As an Engineering Summer Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience in transit operations, develop practical skills, and build a strong foundation for your future career. You'll be part of a supportive team, working in a dynamic environment that values your contributions and promotes your growth. 

Don't miss this chance to make a difference and kick-start your career with the Delaware River Port Authority!

Please check your spam or clutter for any emails regarding this selection process.

EEO/AA/DVM