A conversation about workers, communities and social justice

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH THE MUNICIPAL ART SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

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Technical Planning/Data Analyst Intern – Summer 2021

 

For more than 125 years, The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) has lifted up the voices of the people in the debates that shape New York’s built environment and led the way toward a more livable city from sidewalk to skyline. MAS envisions a future in which all New Yorkers share in the richness of city life-where growth is balanced, character endures, and a resilient future is secured.

Our work focuses on the built environment from a variety of angles. One of our current initiatives, Technical Support for Comprehensive Planning and CEQR Reform (TASC), includes the development of a land use interactive mapping tool designed to improve the assessment methodologies for the City’s environmental review process and inform potential users with the City’s recent proposal for a citywide comprehensive planning framework in mind. The mapping tool is based on an extensive index built using a wide range of public datasets. Together with our coalition partners, we are developing recommendations to strengthen CEQR and make it a more accurate, nuanced, and reliable process for anticipating future development and assessing the environmental impacts of projects and changes in our neighborhoods.

In addition, MAS manages the Livable Neighborhoods Program (LNP), which helps communities become stronger advocates for their neighborhoods through better understanding of the land use planning process. For our summer work, LNP will be integrated with our TASC initiative. LNP partners will play an integral role in reviewing and testing the TASC index through a specialized curriculum and a series of tailored land use review exercises.

Internship Description

The Technical Planning/Data Analyst Intern will support MAS planning staff with TASC data analysis, other long- and short-term projects, and day-to-day work including, but not limited to:

  • Maintaining and expanding the TASC data warehouse/index (GIS analysis);
  • Maintaining and building TASC web applications (GIS & programming)
  • Developing educational resources and tools for TASC+LNP community engagement;
  • Researching, drafting, and presenting advocacy positions and testimony; and
  • Contributing to studies, reports, presentations, building modeling, and mapping projects;

Interns can expect to assist with meetings and events organized by MAS and/or partner organizations both during and outside of regular office hours. Interns can expect to gain experience in presenting to a variety of audiences at public hearings, including community board members, City agencies, and elected officials. The internship will provide opportunities for skill development and new applications for mapping, research, analysis, and advocacy.

Requirements

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a master’s degree program focused on city and regional planning, geography, geographic information systems, computer science, or a related field. A limited number of paid internships are available. Paid interns should plan to work full time (40 hours per week) for the duration of the summer. Unpaid positions will be considered for candidates eligible for either course credit or a stipend through their educational institution.

International students are required to have updated applicable practical training paperwork for employment through your school and a valid social security number.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience speaking publicly and making effective presentations
  • Ability to conduct in-depth research on existing and proposed development, relevant City and State legislation, and policy initiatives.
  • Strong urban data analysis skills and experience with ArcGIS/QGIS and CARTO or other interactive web mapping applications.
  • Strong database management skills, including database planning and design.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to successfully manage multiple projects.
  • Knowledge of current urban policy issues, especially New York City’s zoning, land-use, and environmental review processes (ULURP and CEQR).

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Experience and interest in one or more of the following areas: community-based planning, environmental review, open space planning, sustainability and resiliency, architecture and urban design, historic preservation, real estate and economic development, and affordable housing.
  • Familiarity with programming languages for data analysis, mapping and online applications: SQL, Python, Java, XML, and HTML.
  • Experience with specialized design and building modeling software, including Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp.
  • Facilitation of small groups, supporting community visioning or charrettes.

Application Instructions

The application deadline is May 7, 2021, or open until the position is filled.

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter and work sample that demonstrates relevant skills (such as a writing sample, excerpt of a research paper, or portfolio, 10 pages/5 MB maximum) to interns@mas.org, with the subject line “Technical Planning/Data Analyst Intern – Summer 2021.”

No phone calls please.

The Municipal Art Society of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.