INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Air Quality Intern - Austin Climate Action & Resilience

CompanyCity of Austin
LocationAustin
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMay 18, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will coordinate the installation and maintenance of Purple Air sensors across Austin and manage the associated sensor network. Responsibilities include updating ArcGIS maps, managing inventory spreadsheets, and writing a community-facing project summary.
Internship Type
part time
Company Size
8881
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
An award-winning employer, the City of Austin has a Council-Manager form of government and employs 13.8K employees. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is responsible to the Council for the management of City employees, and for the administration of all City affairs. To achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the country, Austin’s city government’s mission is to be the best-managed city in the country. The City continues to advance its best-managed mission through transparent business practices, excellence in public service, innovative leadership, and the provision of reliable, safe, efficient, and above-national-standards services. The Austin metro area population exceeds 2 million. Geographically, Austin consists of approximately 326 square miles. Austin is nationally recognized as a great place to live, in part due to its diverse population and its promotion of a year-round outdoor, active lifestyle. Austin’s quality of life has become its biggest economic development engine, and the City’s diverse demographic structure supports and enriches it. Austin is fortunate to offer a broad range of educational opportunities, including six universities, a robust community college system, and numerous other institutions of higher education. At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
About the Role

About This Position

 

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.


 

Job Description:

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.

Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.

Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.

Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.

Assists with special projects.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to create clear and concise reports.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
  • Enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Valid Texas Driver's License, or the ability to travel to multiple sites
  • Experience with Microsoft applications and Google Sheets
  • GIS Mapping experience


 

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Climate Action and Resilience is seeking a summer intern for an Air Quality Sensor Study.

  • This is a part-time summer internship that will run June - August. The date and time schedule is somewhat flexible, but must total 144 hours and accommodate on-site contacts' availability, which is typically weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • The selected candidate will coordinate the installation of Purple Air Sensors at selected sites in the Austin area (including Austin ISD sites).
    • Obtain site visit permissions and scheduling with site contacts
    • Problem solving hardware and software issues
    • Maintain Austin-area low-cost sensor network, making sure sensors are reporting to their public online platform;
    • Update associated ArcGIS map and sensor inventory spreadsheet;
    • Write community-facing summary of project.

Before you submit your application:

A resume and cover letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.

You are required to respond to the supplementary application questions.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

  • Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

  • Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

  • Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

  • Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

  • Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

  • Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

  • Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

  • Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Key Skills
Statistical AnalysisOral CommunicationWritten CommunicationMicrosoft OfficeGoogle SheetsGIS MappingData CollectionReport WritingProblem SolvingProject Coordination
Categories
Environmental & SustainabilityScience & ResearchGovernment & Public SectorData & AnalyticsAdministrative
Benefits
Generous LeaveWork-life Balance ProgramsRetirement SecuritySustainable Transportation OptionsWellness ProgramsOn-site Fitness CentersMental Health SupportProfessional DevelopmentLeadership Opportunities