Socioeconomic Data Intern

Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG); Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) seeks a data-focused intern for the Transportation Data Management and Application team in Phoenix. The role develops socioeconomic and transportation datasets, analyzes housing and census data, and supports regional planning with GIS and SQL tools.

You will work with experienced planners and GIS professionals, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to data quality and regional projects in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of relevant college coursework in Data Science, GIS, Geography, Urban/Regional Planning, or related field.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Collecting, processing, and analyzing housing permit and residential data.
• Processing and analyzing census, demographic, housing, and assessor parcel data.
• Developing, maintaining, and enhancing large socioeconomic and transportation datasets for research and regional planning.
• Using MS Access, SQL, and GIS software to process, analyze and manage data.
• Perform geocoding, geoprocessing and spatial/non-spatial analysis.
• Analyzing and visualizing data through tables, graphs, charts, and maps.
• Quality assurance and quality control of data to identify errors.
• Coordinating with MAG member agencies, stakeholders, and the public to collect/review data and fulfill requests.
• Conducting research and analysis independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

2 years college coursework in Data Science / GIS / Geography / Urban Planning

Tools

ESRI GIS suite

MS SQL

Microsoft Access

Python

R

Java

MS Office Suite

Job description

Why Join MAG

MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a hybrid work environment that supports flexibility, with a minimum of three days per week in the office, along with a collaborative culture where employee contributions make a real impact.

Company

Maricopa Association of Governments

Closes

The position is open until filled.

Status

Part time

Pay Rate

Hourly

Title Range

$23.00 - $23.00

Why Join MAG

MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a hybrid work environment that supports flexibility, with a minimum of three days per week in the office, along with a collaborative culture where employee contributions make a real impact.

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, environmental and air quality, and human services. MAG serves a thriving region of 5 million people. Our members include 28 cities and towns, three Native nations, and Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is the council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Visit www.azmag.gov to learn more.

Your Team

The MAG Transportation Data Management and Application team is responsible for the collection, acquisition, and maintenance of data that supports initiatives across the spectrum of transportation programs. This includes developing inputs for the region’s socioeconomic modeling and the collection and maintenance of various types of socioeconomic data to support population and employment projections for the region.

The Position

MAG is seeking a qualified, team-oriented individual with experience in Data Science, Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Urban/Regional Planning, or a related field for a paid internship.

Interns at MAG contribute to projects that support real-world planning decisions across the region. Interns will work alongside experienced planners, analysts, and GIS professionals who are committed to supporting their growth and offering opportunities to develop technical skills while gaining practical experience with regional data.

This position supports the Socioeconomic Data Program. The primary duties include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting, processing, and analyzing housing permit and residential data
• Processing and analyzing census, demographic, housing, and assessor parcel data
• Developing, maintaining, and enhancing multiple large and complex socioeconomic and transportation datasets for research and analysis and regional planning
• Using Microsoft Access, SQL, and GIS software to process, analyze and manage data
• Perform geocoding, geoprocessing and other spatial and non-spatial analysis
• Analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing current and historical data through tables, graphs, charts, and cartographic outputs
• Conducting quality assurance and quality control of data to identify and resolve errors and gaps
• Coordinating with MAG member agencies, stakeholders, and the public to collect and review data and fulfill data/analysis requests
• Conducting research and analysis independently and as part of a team

The Candidate

Do you enjoy working with data and want to develop your technical skills in a professional planning environment? Are you detail-oriented, naturally curious, and eager to explore new software, data sources, and analytical methods? If so, this opportunity may be a great fit for you.

The Most Successful Candidate Will Have

• Ability to analyze data, identify patterns and inconsistencies, and draw accurate conclusions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Curiosity and be capable of learning and applying new processes and procedures
• Ability to organize and manage information from multiple sources
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and adjust priorities as needed
• Strong interest in data analysis, planning, Geographic Information Systems, or a related field

Technology Skills

Candidate should have a working knowledge of ESRI’s GIS suite and geoprocessing tools, relational database management systems such as MS SQL, statistics and the MS Office Suite, along with a willingness to advance their technological knowledge. Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills are required. Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, Java, and/or statistical packages/languages is desirable. Experience working with census data or economic impact analysis is a plus.

Experience And Education

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent)
• At least two (2) years of relevant college coursework in Data Science, Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Urban/Regional Planning, or a related field
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

The Maricopa Association of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer. During the selection process, any applicant requiring accommodation for a disability should advise the Human Resources Division at [e-mail] or by calling [phone].

302 N. First Ave., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003