Data Visualization Intern

Location: US-DC-Washington

Type: Intern

Program: EMBARQ

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World Resources Institute (WRI), an action oriented global organization most recently voted as #1 environment & natural resource think tank in the world is consistently recommended by staff as one of the "most desired organizations to work for". WRI has over 30 years of experience focusing on the intersection of the environment and socio-economic development. WRI goes beyond research to put ideas into action – our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protects Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. WRI has been growing the past five years and now has offices in Washington D.C., India, and China and a presence in Brazil, Indonesia as well as a dozen other countries around the world. WRI staff not only have a deep understanding of the issues, but also an understanding of the political and cultural contexts that shape how decisions are made and how to engage effectively in the countries in which we work and partner. Our staff represents over 40 nationalities. Apply for this job online

More information about this job

Overview

EMBARQ’s Research & Practice team seeks an intern to research and support new applications of GIS and data visualization in urban transport and planning. The intern will research and summarize the state of practice in GIS, remote sensing, crowd sourcing data and data visualization in the urban planning/transport field.  He/she will lead development of several online maps and charts in support of ongoing research projects. EMBARQ is the World Resources Institute’s (WRI’s) center for sustainable transport. The EMBARQ global network catalyzes environmentally and financially sustainable transport solutions to improve quality of life in cities. Since 2002, the network has grown to include six centers in Mexico, Brazil, India, Turkey, the Andean Region and China, which are focused on improving mobility in many of the world’s most important cities. By focusing on transport, which affects everything from prosperity to pollution, EMBARQ seeks to generate significant social, environmental and economic benefits in the cities and communities where it works. This is a 3-month paid summer internship. The position is located in WRI’s Washington, D.C. office and reports to EMBARQ’s Senior Associate in Research and Practice. The internship offers the opportunity to engage with sustainable transportation and urban development experts around the world.

Responsibilities

The intern’s main areas of responsibility will include approximately:  40% Desktop research 30% Expertise assessment 30% Data visualizations Desktop research Research the state of the practice in urban transport/planning applications of GIS, remote sensing, crowd sourced data, data visualizations and open data. Identify and summarize key research, experts and applications in the field. Document findings for an internal audience. Expertise assessment Develop and implement a survey of EMBARQ network staff relevant skills, tolls and experiences. Contribute to a strategic assessment of EMBARQ’s strengths and opportunities in this field. Design and curate an expert speaker series for internal audiences. Data visualizations Support ongoing projects with conceptualization, design and implementation of online and print data visualizations.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a graduate degree in GIS, computer science, transport planning/engineering, or urban/regional planning; Demonstrated expertise designing and deploying maps or data visualizations; Familiarity with a variety of open data formats, online platforms, mapping and visualization tools; Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; Solid visual design and user experience skills and sensibilities; Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner; Knowledge of basic HTML and CSS; Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign; Ability to work well in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams; Already possess US work authorization; Results focused, organized and comfortable working independently within a collaborative research team. Preferred Qualifications: At least 1 year experience in online mapping and visualization tool development and implementation, for an urban planning/transport application; Experience developing or implementing online mapping or visualization tools in developing country contexts; Demonstrated research experience; Knowledge of Mandarin, Spanish and/or Portuguese. Compensation: The pay rate will be commensurate with academic and professional qualifications and experience. No benefits will be provided. Applications accepted online only at www.wri.org/careers. No phone calls please.