Fleet & Asset Auction Intern; Public Sector

Bureau/Division: Resources & Acquisitions Bureau

Location: Ames, Iowa (On-site)

Schedule: Up to 20 hours/week during the school year; up to 40 hours/week during breaks (flexible around class schedules)

Duration: Summer with option to extend into academic year

The Fleet and Asset Management Intern supports the Iowa Department of Transportation's Equipment Services by assisting with the preparation, coordination, and administration of online vehicle and equipment auctions. This position provides valuable hands‑on experience in fleet management, asset disposal, customer service, and public sector operations while working alongside experienced professionals responsible for the statewide disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment.

The intern will assist with preparing vehicles and equipment for sale, creating online auction listings, photographing assets, maintaining accurate inventory records, coordinating title and ownership documentation, communicating with buyers, and supporting the overall auction process from initial listing through final disposition. The position also provides opportunities to learn about fleet lifecycle management, state procurement and disposal policies, inventory management, and the use of fleet management and auction software.

This internship is ideal for students interested in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, automotive technology, transportation, marketing, communications, or related fields who are seeking practical experience in government operations. Successful candidates will be organized, detail‑oriented, customer‑focused, and eager to develop professional skills while contributing to the efficient and transparent disposal of public assets.

• Assist with preparing vehicles and equipment for online auction, including cleaning, staging, photographing, and documenting asset condition.
• Create accurate and detailed online auction listings, ensuring descriptions, photographs, and supporting documentation are complete and informative.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper records related to vehicle titles, registrations, sale documents, inventory, and auction transactions.
• Communicate professionally with internal staff, vendors, and auction buyers by responding to questions and providing accurate information throughout the sales process.
• Perform data entry and utilize fleet management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and online auction platforms to support daily operations.
• Help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organization, and documentation within the auction and disposal process.
• Support other Equipment Services projects and administrative duties as assigned.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly learn new software systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with employees, vendors, and members of the public.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate, and thorough documentation while maintaining organized electronic and paper records.
• Strong photography skills or an interest in learning how to capture high‑quality images that accurately represent vehicles and equipment for online auctions.
• Business‑minded with an interest in asset management, marketing, sales, fleet operations, logistics, or public administration.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new processes, accept feedback, and continuously improve.
• Interest in government operations, fleet management, equipment lifecycle management, or surplus asset disposal is preferred but not required.

• Asset management
• Digital marketing (auction listings)
• Commercial photography
• Sales support
• Fleet operations
• Government business processes
• Logistics
• Process improvement
• Data management

Currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution.