Minneapolis Neighborhood Information Systems
Research Position
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

The Minneapolis Neighborhood Information System 
(MNIS) has been working with community 
organizations for several years on a capacity 
building program designed to bring GIS, data, 
and mapping technology into their offices.  
These neighborhood groups are using property 
databases and GIS software with parcel-level 
information to help plan, develop, and evaluate 
housing programs and strategies.  In addition to 
city property data, neighborhoods are 
increasingly providing their own data on housing 
programs, problem properties, and others for 
incorporation with existing information.  
Neighborhoods involved in this effort include 
East Phillips, Elliot Park, Hawthorne, Harrison, 
Holland, Longfellow, Near North, Powderhorn 
Park, St. Anthony West, Seward, Standish-
Ericsson, and Whittier.

Responsibilities:  The graduate research 
assistant will work on general capacity building 
efforts of participating neighborhood 
organizations to utilize property databases and 
GIS.  Assistant will also help to integrate MNIS 
practices into daily organizational operations.  
Researcher tasks include 1) Training and support 
of neighborhood staff in mapping, GIS use, and 
data analysis.  2) Assistance with GIS project 
development for neighborhoods.  3) Consult with 
neighborhoods on housing programs and overall 
goals to suggest ways in which MNIS-GIS can be 
utilized to meet organizational needs.  4) 
Design and create custom ArcView applications 
and databases as necessary to meet neighborhood 
needs.  

Qualifications:  
1) Registered graduate student (fall semester 
2004) for duration of the appointment. 
2) Work experience or coursework in planning, 
urban studies, community development or housing.
3) Strong GIS and database skills including 
experience using ArcGIS 8 and MS-Access.  
4) Good oral, written, and communication 
skills.  
5) Good research and investigative skills.  
6) Ability to work independently.  
7) Familiarity with Minneapolis and ability to 
work off-campus.

Salary & Hours:  $13.85/hr, 50% time (20 hrs. 
per week.)

Duration of Appointment:  Fall Semester 2004.  
Starting in August/September.  This is a 
temporary position with possible continuation 
through Spring 2005 depending on available 
funding.

Application Instructions:  Applications taken 
through August 27th, 2004.  Send cover letter 
and resume to Jeff Matson by email to 
jmatson@umn.edu.
Or send by mail to:
Jeff Matson 
330 HHH Center
301 19th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone 612-625-0081.