Research and Planning Intern – New York, NY

Organization: New Yorkers for Parks (NY4P)

Job Title: Research and Planning Intern

Location: New York, NY

Hours and Compensation: Paid, Part-Time (3 days of work/week) $5000 stipend

Position Dates: September 17th, 2012 – December 7th, 2012

Application Deadline: July 16th, 2012

Posted On: July 3rd, 2012

Organization Overview

New Yorkers for Parks (NY4P) is the independent citywide research and advocacy organization championing quality parks and open spaces for all New Yorkers in all neighborhoods. For over 100 years, New Yorkers for Parks has advocated for all of the city’s parks, beaches and playgrounds.

Description

NY4P regularly hosts interns to assist with research & planning projects relating to the efficient and equitable delivery of public park services in New York City. Interns will spend time conducting research and writing on park policy issues and will also be asked to assist with field work and other outreach and advocacy work as needed.

Responsibilities

The major fall research effort will consist of data collection and analysis for NY4P’s Open Space Index project. In 2008 NY4P developed the Open Space Index in response to New York City’s lack of a master plan for the improvement and expansion of parks. The OSI is a set of 15 population-adjusted targets for park access and environmental sustainability designed specifically for New York City.

This position’s scope of work includes the following:

– Collecting data for NY4P’s East Side Open Space Index project. This includes gathering census, map, and physical survey data. The physical survey requires block-by-block canvassing to assess the open space conditions on the East Side of Manhattan.

– Creating detailed maps to support the Open Space Index data collection and analysis.

– Assisting in the analysis of data for the Open Space Index project, as well as in the creation of a final report documenting the project.

– Performing other research and writing to support ongoing NY4P projects. This may include research on issues such as playground utilization, park finance models, and civic engagement in parks.

Qualifications

NY4P seeks a self-starting graduate student who has strong research and people skills, clear and polished writing ability and excellent computer skills. Qualified candidates will either have completed or be working on a graduate degree in urban planning, sociology, environmental studies, community development, public policy or a related field. Candidates must have the ability to initiate and complete long-term projects, as well as the flexibility to work as part of a collaborative office environment. This position requires fluency with Arc Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Candidates should be proficient in all Windows-based programs.

How to Apply