GIS Interns

In just five years, the Milwaukee Homicide Reivew Commission (www.milwaukee.gov/hrc) has become a critical component to crime and violence prevention in Milwaukee. We build on existing theory and use cutting edge practices to create and implement effective and comprehensive, cross-agency prevention strategies. Our goal is not only to improve community safety but to increase the quality of life of all residents. We are beginning to use spatial data in our approach and are looking for 1-2 GIS interns to assist us with spatial analysis and map development.

The GIS internship will provide opportunities for learning new skills related to spatial data analysis and data management and storage. We will consider someone with basic ESRI GIS capabilities but prefer someone who has previously completed at least 6 credits of GIS-related courses. We are looking for a self-starter with an ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, in addition to someone with a real passion for community development and problem solving. This position will involve data entry, database development, map development, and some report writing. Preference will be given to individuals with previous work or volunteer experience serving communities of color, low-income urban communities, and formerly incarcerated persons, or with career goals to serve these groups. The intern will work alongside City of Milwaukee law enforcement, researchers, and community service providers, among other stakeholders.

Location: Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission. Internship site will be at the Police Administration Bureau: 749 West State Street or the Center for Urban Population Health: 1020 North 12 Street (both sites are in Milwaukee)

Position: Varies. Can be one or two semesters. Up to two positions available.

Contact: Nicole Robinson, MPH/MSW, Associate Researcher,nrobin@milwaukee.gov or 414-935-7625

Credits: 2-3 credits graduate level

Notes: Up to two non-paid, volunteer positions are available. Length of internship and specific work hours can vary based on student schedule. Students should plan to fulfill 2-3 credit hours. Students should have earned at least 6 credit hours in a GIS-related course.

Responsibilities

The GIS intern will have the following responsibilities:

• Working as part of a project team to do secondary research and information gathering, such as Internet searches, document extraction, and other data analysis.
• Analyzing data in ESRI GIS, including creating new databases in Access or Excel and manipulating data in existing Access or Excel databases, geocoding data, creating high quality maps for use in online and printed reports or presentations, creating layers using existing shape files, adding related attribute data, performing quality control checks, and performing basic/advanced-level techniques such as buffers and density analysis.
• Drafting data reports using maps and other documents.
• Carrying out other tasks as assigned.

Needed Skills and Capabilities

• An interest in Arc GIS, program evaluation, community building, and in learning other analytical software such as NodeXL, a social networking analysis tool.
• Deep commitment in assisting program staff, residents of Milwaukee, law enforcement officials, and service providers in crime reduction and prevention.
• Experience working within communities of color, low-income urban communities, or with formerly incarcerated persons; and on issues concerning these communities (e.g., affordable housing, substance abuse, mental health).
• Work, volunteer, and/or academic experience dealing with community health and social issues (e.g., neighborhood development, urban planning).
• Solid writing and research skills.
• Basic GIS skills (at least 6 credit hours) and computer proficiency (e.g., able to perform internet searches, able to do accurate data entry).
• Strong oral communications skills and ability to complete tasks successfully and in a timely manner.
• Self-starter with strong time management and multi-tasking skills.
• An ability to work independently and in small groups with interdisciplinary team members.
• Flexible attitude and strong work ethic.

To apply

To apply for the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission, please send the following information to Nicole Robinson, Research Associate, at nrobin@milwaukee.gov:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position, with direct reference to the responsibilities and skill/capabilities mentioned in this internship description and how the Commission’s GIS internship relates to your career, educational, or life goals.
2. Resume detailing past work and volunteer experience, awards, course projects, or other relevant achievements and activities.
3. Two references for individuals that are familiar with your skills and work ethic. Please include name, phone number, e-mail, current affiliation, how long they have known you, and how they became familiar with your work and capabilities.