What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Estate and Zoning GIS Intern position at Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)?
The Real Estate and Zoning GIS Intern will help to maintain and expand the region’s most comprehensive data-rich inventory of residential and commercial development projects recently completed, underway, or planned. MassBuilds is a public website that enables users to contribute information about developments, search, and download development data. Real estate tasks will include outreach and coordination with municipal staff, the real estate development community, and other “data stewards;” review and verification of user-submitted development information; independent research on development activity; and analysis of the content to help provide new insights on the region’s growth. Zoning data tasks will include review and mapping of spatial zoning data in GIS; interpreting zoning attribute data; standardizing zoning codes to update a comprehensive region-wide dataset; and outreach and coordination with municipal staff. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary department focused on using data and analysis to support regional planning and policymaking.
About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are sustainable development, regional collaboration, and fostering an equitable and resilient region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 120 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
Interns will be working remotely, and will not be expected to come into the office regularly. Candidates must reside in Massachusetts while they are working remotely.
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each and every staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org
About the Department:
The Data Services Department is a team of fifteen planners, analysts, researchers, programmers, and IT professionals dedicated to using data and technology to support informed decision-making. We provide mapping and analytical services to support MAPC’s local and regional planning activities, develop new datasets, conduct independent research, prepare population and land use forecasts, and serve as a resource for municipalities, state agencies, and community organizations. Our research and modeling activities are applied in a wide variety of contexts: MAPC projections are used for regional transportation modeling, local master planning and rezoning activities, and state policy development. This position will offer you opportunities to build relationships with numerous public and private sector collaborators throughout Massachusetts, and to build new connections and cultivate new partnerships. To learn more about our work, visit http://data.mapc.org.
Monitor existing sources of information about development activity (e.g., Boston Business Journal, Environmental Monitor) to identify new development projects.
Review user submissions on development and zoning, verify where necessary, and approve for publication to the site.
Research significant development projects and zoning changes to ensure comprehensive information.
Coordinate with municipal staff to collect missing zoning data or clarify content.
Create maps using ArcGIS software in support of regional planning efforts.
Provide assistance and guidance for users having trouble with the MassBuilds and Zoning Atlas websites.
Report website bugs and usability issues to Digital Services staff.
Applicants for this position must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
The following are required qualifications for the position:
Strong understanding of Metro Boston geography and development and zoning contexts.
The ability to interpret and make judgements about ambiguous development factors and zoning regulations.
Strong data management and organizational skills, with a personal commitment to the quality of the products’ content.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form, with external partners including municipal staff, real estate developers, and the general public.
Demonstrated experience with ESRI software, including ArcGIS and ArcCatalog.
The following are preferred qualifications for the position:
Direct experience with real estate development, planning, or policy in Metro Boston.
Familiarity with topics and principles related to smart growth, regional planning, sustainable development, and social equity.
Experience working with diverse data sets from federal, state, and local agencies.
Only candidates currently enrolled in an academic program will be considered for this position.
This is a paid internship with an hourly rate of $18.00 - $22.00/hour, depending on qualifications. We are seeking between 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility. To qualify as an intern, individuals must be enrolled in an academic program, provide written verification of their status, and agree to a scheduled end date upon hire. Work will be conducted primarily remotely.
How to Apply:
Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A review of applications will begin immediately. Please attach a cover letter, résumé, and portfolio that includes a writing sample and GIS project example. Those who are interviewed will be asked to submit three (3) references. Only candidates currently enrolled in an academic program will be considered for this position. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.
MAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see our Equity at MAPC page.
Salary : $18 - $22
