Summer Business Assistant- Economic Development

Summer Business Assistant - Economic Development

Locations:

Waterford, Michigan, United States

Pontiac, Michigan, United States

Time Type:

Part time

Job Requisition ID:

JR-0000171

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$13.88 - $16.20

Are you interested in gaining hands-on experience in downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse while contributing to meaningful community development projects? This entry-level professional opportunity provides valuable training and practical experience supporting revitalization and historic preservation initiatives throughout Oakland County. Working under close supervision, you will assist professional staff with research, data collection, field visits, and project support while developing foundational knowledge of public-sector planning, preservation practices, and community development.

What You’ll Do
• Support downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse initiatives through research, data collection, and project assistance.
• Gather, organize, and analyze information to assist with departmental reports, studies, and special projects.
• Assist with historic building inventories, preservation research, and building design support.
• Perform basic arithmetic computations and contribute to the preparation of written reports and project documentation.
• Accompany professional staff on assignments to gain exposure to planning and preservation processes.
• Conduct site visits with clients and project stakeholders to collect information for departmental use.
• Communicate with other County departments, clients, and outside agencies by phone or email to exchange information related to projects.
• Assist in developing design concepts that balance building owner needs, code requirements, and historic preservation principles.
• Utilize countywide and department-specific software to support project work and maintain records.
• Travel to locations off the County campus or to specific sites as needed to support project activities.

Why You’ll Love It Here
• You will gain hands-on experience in downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse projects that positively impact communities across Oakland County.
• The role offers valuable exposure to public-sector planning workflows and the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field.
• You will build strong professional skills in research, project coordination, time management, and technical reporting.
• Field visits and real-world project involvement will give you practical insight into how preservation and development projects are evaluated and implemented.
• Your work will help preserve historic character while supporting thoughtful community development and revitalization.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Have completed at least two (2) years from an accredited college or university, including course work in Business Administration, Computer Science, Planning, Architecture, Economic, Education, Communication, Engineering, or a related area.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Assists supervisor with the various duties of a specific department. Gathers, reviews, and analyzes specific information as directed.

Generates and maintains spreadsheets and reports, records and other reference material or documents necessary for departmental use.

Performs general office duties including answering phones, filing, and copying.

Conducts research to identify the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other material relevant to the assigned issue.

Composes, types, and prints general letters, spreadsheets, e-mail, and memoranda from rough drafts or general instructions, involving the assembly of data from computer and paper file or record sources.

Using the County's computer network and standard and proprietary software, prepares reports analyzing specific aspects of department structures, functions and/or operational procedures.

Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information, operate office equipment and supplies.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is carried out in a typical office environment.

When assigned to the Airport, may be exposed to airport elements.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.