Summer DRPA Purchasing Intern - (2026) - $19.00/hr.

Summer DRPA Purchasing Intern - (2026) - $19.00/hr.

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 DRPA/PATCO is seeking to hire college students for the 2026 summer season. The hourly rate for most administrative intern positions is $19.00. 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 during summer 2026. 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. Submit an official school transcript with the raised seal documenting that you completed at least one year of undergraduate studies (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 - 24 credits).
4. Submit official school documentation confirming that you will be enrolled in an undergraduate studies for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester on a full-time basis (12 credits).
5. Must be able to commit to working full-time (40 hours per week, which includes a paid lunch hour) for 12 weeks.

Department Requesting Intern: Purchasing Department – DRPA

Desired Skills & Professional Expectations: This internship is designed to provide college students with meaningful, hands-on exposure to a professional work environment. While extensive prior experience is not required, we're looking for students who:

• Have basic exposure to reading and analyzing information (coursework, projects, case studies, or research assignments)
• Ability to write clearly and thoughtfully, with guidance and feedback
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks accurately and on time
• Willingness to apply academic knowledge and skills to real-world assignments
• Openness to learning new concepts, tools, and processes throughout the internship
• Confidence to ask questions, seek clarification, and request feedback when needed
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work
• Problem-solving mindset when approaching assignments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Professional conduct, including reliability, respectful communication, and accountability

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Track deliveries, follow up with suppliers on orders, communicate with vendors, maintain procurement records and documents, assist with filing and scanning, collaborate with other departments on purchasing needs, join team meetings, and support special projects. Maintain accurate procurement documentation, files, and records; Prepare and organize purchasing paperwork, contracts, and reports; Contract & Documentation Management Initiative; Cross-Functional Support Projects; ERP System Enhancement & Documentation.

Education and/or Experience: Required: Applicants must be 18 years of age. High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Intermediate skill level in using MS Office. Interns must attend an accredited college/university, including a community college (junior college). 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: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft office Suite. Basic data analysis and reporting capabilities. Strong verbal and written communication skill. Attention to detail and accuracy. Problem-solving ability. Time management and organization skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and independently. Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks accurately and on time. Confidence to ask questions, seek clarification, and request feedback when needed. Professional conduct, including reliability, respectful communication, and accountability.

Work Location: One Port Center, located in Camden, NJ

Work Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, including a paid lunch hour

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.

What You'll Gain: As part of a supportive team, you'll gain practical real-world experience, develop essential professional skills, and opportunities to build transferable skills that will build a strong foundation for your future career, and experiences and accomplishments you can confidently discuss in future interviews.