Demographics GIS Intern

Job Description:

Demographics GIS Intern

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The primary focus of this role will be to verify housing unit and group quarters counts within census blocks. The geospatial intern will be asked to review existing geospatial layers and reconcile them to create a comprehensive and accurate geospatial layer of housing units in Austin census blocks.

Job Description:

The mission of Austin Planning is to provide equitable and people-centered planning services to shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.

With the 2030 Census fast approaching, the Demographics and Data Division of Austin Planning is looking for a summer intern to assist with several geospatial tasks. The intern will be responsible for building the foundation for an accurate census count. The decennial census brings over $2.1 trillion in federal funding to communities for housing, schools, clinics, roads, and parks. Achieving an accurate count ensures local communities get the dollars they need to provide services. The primary focus of this role will be to verify housing unit and group quarters counts within census blocks. The geospatial intern will make use of several different layers with housing unit counts, perform geoprocessing tasks to create block level housing unit counts, and examine census blocks within several Austin jurisdictional boundaries. The person in this role will be asked to review the existing geospatial layers and reconcile them to create a comprehensive and accurate geospatial layer of housing units in Austin census blocks.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce a complete and accurate list of census geographies within the city of Austin and its different jurisdictional entities.
• Review City of Austin and Census Bureau datasets to determine an accurate count of housing units and group quarters on each census block.
• Correct inconsistencies in census geographies and housing unit/group quarter statistics.
• Present findings to team upon completion
• Create methodology documenting findings

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.

Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.

Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.

Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.

Assists with special projects.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Preferred qualifications:

• Skill with GIS or R, and MS Excel

Hours

40 hours a week from June-August. Hours and work timeframe is negotiable. Work is expected to be mostly virtual, but some in-person work may be required.

Notes to Candidate:

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-28