Geographic Information Systems Internship (Summer 2022)

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is a national research and advocacy organization working to reverse corporate concentration and advance policies to rebuild the economic power and capacity of local communities. Our work illuminates the public policy decisions that have fueled concentration at the expense of local businesses, working people, and communities. It also shows how we can change the rules to create a more equitable, sustainable, and democratic future. We use in-depth research, reporting, and data analysis to produce influential reports and articles. Our analysis is frequently featured in national news media and sought out by policymakers. We partner closely with a broad range of allies to move these ideas and policies.

ILSR is looking to hire a Geographic Information Systems Intern. This person will work with our GIS and Data Visualization Researcher, as well as the rest of the Community Broadband Networks team, on original research projects that advance the mission of the initiative. The GIS intern can expect to receive hands-on experience using R, QGIS or ArcGIS Pro, Tableau, and Excel.

The internship is available to undergraduate students, graduate students, and other interested individuals who can commit to 20 - 40 hours per week. Pay is $16 per hour. This is a fully remote position unless the successful candidate lives near one of our offices and is interested in an in-person work setting.  

The start and end date are both flexible.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in creating, informative broadband coverage maps using public and internal databases, such as the Federal Communication Commission’s Form 477 and the American Community Survey
• Compile statistics related to Internet access across datasets
• Creatively develop visual resources to educate policymakers and activists on issues around Internet access
• Support ongoing research for longer reports and projects
• Support research for our allies and partners, often working with BIPOC communities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience using ArcGIS Pro or QGIS (1-3 years)
• Experience managing spatial data and producing map layouts
• Strong writing, research, and communications skills
• Ability to troubleshoot independently but also ask for help when needed
• Extensive undergraduate OR some graduate coursework in OR professional experience working with spatial datasets or mapping efforts
• Creative thinking – graphics, videos, audio, maps, etc.
• Ability to work independently and juggle multiple tasks
• Enthusiasm for policy work to improve Internet access for everyone, but an appreciation of how uneven broadband access disproportionately harms historically marginalized communities

You do not need to know much about broadband policy or telecommunications. You do need to be passionate about public policy.

There is flexibility in this position beyond the timeline in this description.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit all materials to broadband@muninetworks.org with the subject line “INTERNet App”

• Resume
• Sample of GIS-related project
• Cover Letter (three paragraphs about why you are the ideal candidate)