Data & Mapping Services Student Intern

Sacramento Area Council of Governments; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Paid internship

Mentorship

Job summary

SACOG invites motivated students to join the Data & Mapping Services Intern program for approximately 12 months. The internship offers flexible hours within workdays and a hybrid work environment, with in-office collaboration as needed.

You will gain hands-on experience in data collection, visualization, and regional planning. Ideal candidates are enrolled in undergrad or grad programs, possess Excel skills, and are eager to learn Python, GIS tools, and data reporting.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for the entire duration of the internship.
• Excel proficiency and ability to work with data
• Accurate, detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Live within 200 miles of Sacramento

Responsibilities

• Gather, track, update and maintain regional indicators.
• Create summary and tracking tables for analysis and reporting.
• Apply QA/QC practices to ensure data integrity.
• Research best practices for managing complex data structures.
• Perform spatial analysis and merge geographic datasets.
• Participate in weekly virtual team meetings and share progress.

Skills

Detail oriented

Python

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student enrollment

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Enterprise

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you a data-savvy and curious student interested in regional planning, analysis and research? The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is seeking a Data & Mapping Services Intern to join our team for approximately 12 months. Hours are flexible within our regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interns may work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 30 hours per week in the summer, depending on school schedule. To be eligible for this paid student internship, candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university for the entire duration of the internship.

About the Internship

The Data & Mapping Services Intern will support SACOG’s work to collect, analyze, visualize, and communicate data used for regional planning and decision-making. The intern will work with a variety of data sources and research tools while gaining hands‑on experience supporting projects that have a direct impact on the Sacramento region.

Projects may include:

• Supporting the development and refinement of indicators for SACOG’s Regional Monitoring Program, which tracks regional trends and progress over time.
• Researching and evaluating data tools, platforms, and resources that could support SACOG’s data collection, analysis, and reporting needs.
• Assisting with data collection, organization, quality control, and analysis from a variety of sources.
• Supporting mapping and visualization projects that help communicate regional trends, land use, transportation, and development patterns.
• Conducting research and compiling information to support regional planning projects and policy analysis.
• Assisting staff with other data, mapping, and research projects as opportunities arise.

This internship is ideal for a student who enjoys working with data, exploring new tools and technology, solving analytical challenges, and learning how data can be used to inform regional planning and policy. The position provides an opportunity to work alongside SACOG staff and gain practical experience with data analysis, mapping, research, and the development of information used to support regional decision‑making.

The Organization

SACOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the six‑county Sacramento region. Formed as a Joint Powers Authority, SACOG is governed by a board of 31 elected officials that directly represent all six counties and 22 cities in the region, and one ex‑officio member (Caltrans). While transportation is core to SACOG’s role as a Metropolitan Planning Organization, SACOG has over two decades of experience approaching regional issues from an integrated perspective that examines the linkages between transportation, housing, economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and air quality. Under the leadership of its executive director, SACOG has a vision of a vibrant and thriving Sacramento region for all. Its mission is: SACOG convenes and connects the region to advance an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Join our Team

SACOG values diversity and believes that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that contribute to an innovative and collaborative environment in which talents are fully utilized, uniqueness is valued, and SACOG’s objectives are met. SACOG is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

In addition to being an organizational value, we also uphold equal opportunity under the law. SACOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. SACOG provides fair and equal opportunity for all with no discrimination because of race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

SACOG employs a dedicated and professional staff of 60 who work together to advance solutions to some of the region’s shared challenges of transportation, housing, air quality, climate change and the protection of the region’s agricultural and natural resources. SACOG fosters an inclusive, mission driven, and fun employee culture and offers flexible schedules.

SACOG will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of an otherwise qualified individual who is an applicant or employee.

Why Intern with SACOG?

• Make a Difference: Support planning work that improves mobility and equity in local communities
• Grow Your Skills: Gain real-world experience in data analysis, field methods, and transportation policy
• Work Flexibly: Flexible scheduling around your academic calendar
• Be Part of a Mission: Help SACOG plan for a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected future

Hybrid Position

As an integral part of our organization, employees will provide support in a flexible work environment. This position will have the ability to telework with occasional work in‑office.

Employees are required to live within 200 miles of Sacramento.

We support telework because it:

• Enhances employee productivity, satisfaction, and ability to collaborate.
• Improves recruitment and retention
• Reduces greenhouse gas emission, vehicle miles travels (VMT), traffic and parking congestion, and air pollution

Search Schedule

Posting: September 15

Filing Deadline: October 20

First Round Interviews: November 9

Second Round Interviews: November 16

Desired Start Date: November 23

• Gather, track, update and maintain regional indicators

• Create summary and tracking tables for analysis and reporting
• Use Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities to account for the integrity of collected data
• Research best practices for managing complex data structures
• Perform spatial analysis, including merging geographic datasets
• Participate in weekly virtual team meetings and share progress

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level program field of study relating to urban planning, transportation, data analytics, or related fields at a college or university.
• Excel proficiency
• Accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Live within 200 miles of Sacramento

Desired Skills:

• Detail oriented and adaptable to work in a fast-paced environment
• Some experience with Python
• Base knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS products (Pro, Online, Enterprise)
• Experienced with Microsoft Office tools
• Database management
• Ability to understand and present technical information.
• Strong analytical, social and communication skills
• Enjoy research, analysis and learning new things

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

This is primarily a sedentary classification, and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other agency representatives, member jurisdictions, government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining SACOG policies and requesting and providing information.

Interns must be actively enrolled in relevant coursework in an undergraduate or graduate program for the duration of the internship.

No experience required.