Intern - Research Data Assistant

Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC); Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Modeling and Forecasting Team is seeking a part‑time, temporary data specialist to support spatial data collection and processing for spatial economic model development and forecasting in the Office of Research and Innovation.

The ideal candidate has a background in GIS and spatial data processing, experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with a team to analyze regional growth data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS or related field; coursework in GIS/spatial data processing.
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Strong analytical and technical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Collects and processes spatial data (Census, parcel, zoning, land use, group quarters, etc.).
• Supports employment estimation, socioeconomic forecasting, and spatial economic modeling.
• Performs other duties to support agency goals and objectives.

Skills

Spatial data analysis

Data management

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in GIS or related field

Tools

Esri ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

Job description

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region’s success, including housing, economic mobility, transportation, and community development. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region’s collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.

The ARC Modeling and Forecasting Team is seeking a part‑time, temporary individual to support spatial data collection and processing for spatial economic model development and application, as well as socioeconomic forecasting within the Office of Research and Innovation.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with a variety of local government data, including parcel, tax digest, zoning, land use, and Census data; understand data management principles; and have experience processing and analyzing spatial data using Esri ArcGIS applications. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong time‑management and organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and a willingness to learn, tackle challenges, and develop effective solutions to complex data and technical problems.

This temporary position is not eligible for benefits, working up to 29 hours per week.

• Collects and processes various types of spatial data, including Census, parcel, tax digest, zoning, land use, group quarters, college enrollment, and regional growth data;
• Supports employment estimation, socioeconomic forecasting, spatial economic modeling, and the analysis of regional growth scenarios;
• Performs other duties as assigned to support agency goals and objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning, GIS, Urban Studies, Public Policy, Geography, Environmental Science, Data Science, or a related field, or currently enrolled in a related undergraduate or graduate degree program; and demonstrated experience or coursework in GIS and spatial data processing.
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Proficiency in Esri ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online;
• Strong analytical and technical skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to establish priorities and organize work effectively;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently with general guidance;
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work well in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in a related field;
• Knowledge or experience in economics, urban and regional planning, spatial economic modeling, transportation modeling, GIS, or database management;
• Experience working with Census and local government data;
• Familiarity with spatial data analysis.