Emergency Management Officer, Emerging Talent Intern (Fall)

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Department: Safety, Security & Environment

Location: 93-59 183rd St, Jamaica, NY 11423

Position Title: Emergency Management Officer, Emerging Talent Intern

Hourly Rate: $19.00 (Undergraduate), $21.00 (Graduate)

All internship positions are onsite and require regular, in-person attendance at the designated work location.

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT:

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for ensuring the safety and resilience of the railroad system during emergencies and disruptive events. The division assists in the development of emergency response plans, coordinates with internal departments and external agencies, and conducts specialized training for personnel and first responders. OEM also leads the development and facilitation of Coastal and Winter Storm exercises and organizes agency-wide pre-storm coordination calls to enhance preparedness. Additionally, OEM manages executive notifications on a 24/7 basis through the Everbridge system, ensuring timely and accurate communication during critical incidents. Its core functions include hazard awareness, emergency action plans and procedures, communication and command protocols, and incident stabilization techniques for rail equipment. OEM participates in multi-agency drills and preparedness initiatives to mitigate risks from incidents such as derailments, severe weather, and other operational hazards, ensuring continuity of service and passenger safety across LIRR's extensive network.

This role also assists in coordinating daily activities, maintaining accurate records, and supporting emergency preparedness initiatives. Responsibilities include scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, preparing reports, and updating documentation related to emergency action plans and procedures. The intern will also help with data entry, research, and logistics for training sessions and exercises.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide day-to-day assistance such as scheduling meetings, supporting emergency coordination calls, preparing presentations, and supporting departmental projects as needed.
• Assist with ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Title 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart E Exit Routes and Emergency Planning.
• Identify potential funding opportunities, review eligibility criteria, and maintain a database of active and upcoming grants.
• Assist in preparing draft summaries, collecting required documentation, and organizing materials for grant submissions.
• Schedule training sessions, track attendance, and assist with logistics such as materials, room setup, and communication with trainers.
• Maintain accurate records of project timelines, and organized filing system, event budgets, and participation metrics for reporting purposes.
• Organized repositories allow staff to quickly locate plans, contact lists, SOPs, and resource inventories without delays. Organized documentation ensures readiness for audits and reporting.

PROJECTS:

• Assist with ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Title 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart E Exit Routes and Emergency Planning.
• Identify potential funding opportunities, review eligibility criteria, and maintain a database of active and upcoming grants.
• Assist in preparing draft summaries, collecting required documentation, and organizing materials for grant submissions.
• A final project is required where the intern briefs out via PowerPoint presentation on everything they accomplished, what they have learned and how it can be applied to their careers in the future. The presentation must be at least 30 minutes long.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is a must.
• The candidate should possess organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• The candidate should be able to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• The candidate should have a keen eye for detail and be able to work independently while being an active team player.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Matriculated in an undergraduate program in good standing with at least 2.5 GPA AND/OR matriculated in a graduate program in good standing with at least 2.8 GPA
• Major(s) Preferred: Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Fire Science, Political Science, or related field.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Students' transcript must be submitted.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.