Grads on Career Track – Government & Community Relations

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Metrolink seeks an enthusiastic and driven individual with an interest in Government Relations, Community Relations, Legislative Policy, Analyses, and Advocacy to join the Grads on Career Track (GOCT) program. The GOCT—Government & Community Relations will support the Government and Community Relations Departments of the Office of Strategy to assist agency efforts to impact transportation policy, interact with industry stakeholders and partners, and reach out to local communities and constituencies.

The Metrolink Grads on Career Track program is a unique opportunity for recent college graduates to gain real-world experience, work with industry leaders, and exercise practical application of academic studies within their assigned departments. The program features include:

• Mentoring: Work with your mentor to receive advice, support, and coaching in your career development.
• Meaningful Projects: Apply knowledge and skills by participating in important and high-profile projects.
• Core Competency Training: Receive customized training that will teach you core competencies that are necessary for success in any career or organization.
• External Seminars/Meetings: Grow your professional network within the transportation industry.

• Diverse Job Experience: Gain exposure to a variety of tasks by rotating between the government relations and community relations departments.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, energetic, and excited about public transportation. This person is curious, willing to learn, and able to bring new and fresh ideas to Metrolink. The candidate demonstrates a general understanding of the legislative process, the local, state, and federal political landscape, and an interest in building relationships with local communities.

PROGRAM TERM: 

Grads on Career Track work 40 hours per week. Upon completion of the initial six (6) months, GOCT participants will receive a performance evaluation based on goals and core competencies. Employment may be extended for up to twenty-four (24) months from the date of hire based on the participants' overall job performance, as well as the operational business needs and workload demands in the assigned department.

TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment, with the first review of applications beginning February 24, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities:

• Research and analyze legislation, regulations, administrative guidance, and related documents.
• Prepare official notices and letters, written analysis, presentations, verbal remarks, and related materials.  
• Maintain databases of contacts, track events, and monitor budget decisions
• Use a computer to perform job-related tasks, input and maintain records, and/or conduct research as needed.
• Evaluate programs and processes to recommend improvements.

Education and Experience

• Recently graduated from an accredited four-year college or university within the last twenty-four (24) months with a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field. 
• Proficiency and experience working in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically in PowerPoint & Excel, and related programs.

Physical Requirements

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations.
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery.
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs.
• Exchange ideas by means of communication.
• Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85 decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)Selection Process:

Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.
   
Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.
   
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA 

Salary : $20 - $25