Intern-Procurement

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.

Procurement obtains goods and services to support Metra’s daily operations and ensures these are procured economically and in accordance with Metra policies and procedures. Procurement Operations consists of: Procurement, which includes Construction and Facilities Maintenance Procurement; Materials and Services Procurement; and Professional Services Procurement.

• Construction and Facilities Maintenance Procurement ensures goods and services related to capital and operating funded construction, facilities maintenance and other infrastructure projects.
• Materials and Services Procurement -ensures goods and services related to facilities maintenance, materials, and rolling stock.
• Professional Services Procurement – for goods and services related to information technology, professional services, and rolling stock.

As an integral part of the Procurement team, the intern supports the Supply Chain Operations of a billion dollar corporation.In this role, the intern will be provided with learning opportunities in Procurement operations that meaningfully support all Metra departments, with a primary focus on Engineering and Mechanical.The intern will develop real world business acumen in supply chain, supply chain management and vendor contracts. Given the sensitive nature of information being processed, candidates with high confidentiality and integrity are highly desired.

The intern(s) will perform tasks such as:

• Procurement sourcing
• Purchase order processing
• Order expediting
• Request for quote (RFQ) processing
• Item receipts and returns
• Bid opening assistance
• Organization of hard and digital procurement files
• Purchase-Card procurement journal
• Vendor account maintenance

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. Students should be majoring in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Law, Quality Management, Entrepreneurship or any other related major. Other preferred qualifications include: computer literacy with Microsoft Excel, as well as, ability to learn new computer software quickly. Must be detailed oriented, with strong administrative, verbal and written communication skills.

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.