Planning Intern

La Crosse County Zoning, Planning and Land Information department is currently seeking a Planning Intern to assist with the sustainability program, comprehensive plan implementation and assist with GIS data compilation, automation, and web development efforts. The intern will report to the Zoning, Planning and Land Information Administrator and will work closely with the County Planner and GIS Coordinator in various tasks within County departments and throughout the County municipalities. Primary sustainability planning tasks will include conducting background research of existing conditions in La Crosse, researching planning best practices, and funding programs, contributing to the County’s forthcoming sustainability plan, summarizing data in graphic/table format, and generating content related to sustainability for the County’s webpage, newsletter, and social media.

Purpose of Job:

The purpose of an internship is to help students or graduates gain practical experience, become acquainted with professionals in their field of interest, and develop an understanding of professional responsibilities and effective working relationships. Hours for interns are flexible, depending on the departments and intern’s needs, but may not exceed 30 hours/week.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist in publication and use of feature services in the web GIS environment.
• Assist in the design and creation of geodatabases based on established requirements.
• Produce printed and/or web-based maps for information and analysis.
• Research best practices for sustainability.
• Assist in preparing public engagement materials. Analyze feedback to identify themes and priorities.
• Summarize research and public feedback to contribute to the County’s sustainability plan.
• Create education materials and social media content regarding the benefits of renewable energy, multimodal transportation, electric vehicles, and efficient land use practices.
• Research grant funding opportunities to support sustainability and resilience initiatives, projects, and policies.

Education and Experience:

Must have completed at least two years at a college/university working towards a degree in Geographical Information Systems or a comparable field of study with GIS experience, such as Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Political Science, Geography, or Public Health.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with GIS software solutions including ArcGIS Online.
• ArcGIS Pro experience desire but not required.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to produce accurate, timely delivery of complex materials.
• Organized. Able to prioritize and accomplish a wide variety and scale of projects.

Communication:

• Exchanges of routine and non-routine information with staff using effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to convey GIS information to non-GIS users in a training environment.

Deadline: Open until position filled