Graduate Student Internship Opportunity - Study of Economic Benefits Related to Beach Renourishment

Graduate Student Internship Opportunity

Economic Impact of Beach Renourishment

The Park Board of Trustees of the City of Galveston is looking to hire a graduate student as an intern to conduct research on economic benefits related to beach renourishment. The research project will focus on Babe's Beach - the 15-block stretch of beach west of 61st Street on Seawall. The Park Board renourished Babe's Beach in 2015, 2019 and 2021 and plans to do so again this year. Renourishment involves strategic decisions about the placement of BUDM (Beneficial Use Dredged Material), made in partnership in with federal, state, regional and local agencies. Specifically, the intern will be responsible for bringing together and analyzing multiple data sources to define the economic impact of the placement of BUDM at Babe's Beach. Questions to answer as part of the project include: How have property values and the number of businesses changed since the first nourishment in 2015? It was only recently that paid parking was enacted along this stretch of the Seawall; what has been the impact of that change?

Interns will be compensated for their time and efforts at $23.00 per hour. The project is expected to take 12 weeks at 20 hours per week. The final report must be provided by June 30, 2023, but can be delivered earlier if the work product is complete. The final work product will consist of a written report that outlines the economic benefits of the three Babe's Beach Nourishment Projects beginning in 2015 and concluding in 2021. Specific measurements will include impacts to property values, impact to existing businesses, impacts to paid parking and any other identifiable and reportable metrics.

The intern may work remotely for the duration of the project and will be expected to provide routine updates to their designated Park Board Point of Contact as requested. The intern may be asked to provide presentations to members of Park Board Staff, Park Committees or the Trustees of the Park Board.

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the internship and skills and experiences that qualify them to undertake the analysis expected. A resume and list of references should also be submitted.