College Intern - Economic Development

Oakland County; Waterford Charter Township (MI); Hybrid; USD 25,637 - 29,907; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid role

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Oakland County located in Michigan is seeking a motivated student to assist in Main Street programs and community development through research, data analysis, event support, and project coordination.

The role offers hands-on experience in downtown revitalization and the Main Street America Four Point Approach, with exposure to public-sector planning workflows and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Enrollment as freshman or sophomore (steps 1-2 of salary range).
• Enrollment as junior/senior (steps 3-4).
• Enrollment in graduate degree program (steps 5-6).
• Additional desirable: ability to present ideas clearly, basic computer skills, and analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Main Street programs, research, data analysis, event support, and project assistance.
• Help with downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and community development.
• Gather and organize community data for reports and decision-making.
• Assist with tracking projects, work plans, and documentation.
• Prepare project sheets, reports, and communications materials.
• Participate in meetings and site visits to support program efforts.
• Communicate with county departments and external partners as needed.

Skills

Research methods

Data analysis

Communication

Project support

Education

Enrollment as freshman/sophomore in an accredited college/university

Enrollment as junior/senior in an accredited college/university

Enrollment in a graduate degree program

Job description

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary $18.61 - $21.71 This is a hybrid role

What You’ll Do

• Support a variety of Main Street programs, initiatives, and special projects through research, data analysis, event support, and project assistance.
• Assist with activities related to downtown revitalization, historic preservation, community development, economic vitality, and place-based initiatives.
• Gather, organize, and analyze community data, economic vitality statistics, building inventories, or other information to assist with departmental reports, advocacy, decision-making, and project implementation.
• Assist with tracking projects, initiatives, work plans, program activities, and maintain organized project records and documentation.
• Support the preparation and development of project sheets, reports, presentations, newsletters, promotional materials, and other program communications.
• Perform basic arithmetic computations and contribute to the preparation of written reports and project documentation.
• Participate in meetings, site visits, and community activities with professional staff to gain exposure to Main Street programs and community revitalization efforts.
• Conduct site visits with clients and project stakeholders to collect information for departmental use.
• Communicate with other County departments, clients, and outside agencies by phone or email to exchange information related to projects.
• Utilize countywide and department-specific software to support project work and maintain records.
• Travel to locations off the County campus or to specific sites as needed to support project activities.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• You will gain hands-on experience in downtown revitalization and the Main Street America Four Point Approach (Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Vitality) that positively impacts communities across Oakland County.
• The role offers valuable exposure to public-sector planning workflows and the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field.
• You will build strong professional skills in research, project coordination, time management, and technical reporting.
• Community meetings, events, training, field visits, and real-world project involvement will give you practical insight into downtown management and place-based development.
• Your work will support projects and initiatives that preserve local historic character, promote community identity, and strengthen partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must meet one of the following educational requirements:
• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with status as a freshman or sophomore status (equates to steps 1 or 2 of salary range)
• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with status as a junior/senior status (equates to steps 3 or 4 of salary range)
• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university in a graduate degree program (equates to steps 5 or 6 of salary range).

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Reasonable ability to present ideas effectively, either orally or in writing.
• Reasonable ability to utilize personal computer programs and other data processing capabilities.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
• Knowledge of program analysis, evaluation, research methods and statistics.
• Ability to: Plan and complete assignments within deadlines.
• Make routine decisions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Recognize and correct departures from operating practices and procedures.
• Initiate improvements in operations.
• Perform standardized and statistical computations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Analyzes, generates, and maintains records and other reference material necessary for departmental use.
• Composes, types, and prints reports, general letters, spreadsheets, e-mail, and memoranda from rough drafts or general instructions, involving the assembly of data from computer and paper file or record sources.
• Answers and makes phone calls, responds to program related questions, and sends written material as appropriate.
• Responsible for project assignments, research, and analysis.
• Prepares reports analyzing specific aspects of department structures, functions and/or operational procedures.
• Assists in interviewing and communicating with children, parents, schools, police, and other agencies as needed, to determine background information and client/parent needs for counseling.
• Conducts interviews with County personnel and outside agencies to relay and gather information for departmental use.
• Applies research techniques and analytical methods to the study of administrative systems, organizational structures, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares project reports, progress summaries, statistical analysis, and related data.
• Conducts initial and ongoing interviews with referred clients to gather and subsequently analyze information and social history to resolve identified issues.
• Conducts special studies in conjunction with a project, analyzes data and makes recommendations based upon studies.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides information and assistance to the general public and other governmental agencies.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate with employees and public, ability to understand and respond to questions, follow directions.
• Skilled in comparing characteristics of document, and to perform arithmetic accurately.
• Assignments at Children's Village require the ability to accurately view surroundings and distinguish details at close range.
• Some assignments include the ability to differentiate color as reports are color coded.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Depending on departmental assignment, one or more requirements may be applicable. Most assignments involve work performed in a normal office environment. May be required provide reliable personal transportation to travel off of the County campus or to specific sites in the performance of job duties. At Children’s Village or Circuit Court may encounter situations where people could become confrontational.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.

All ways, MOVING FORWARD.

At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team. Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.