GIS Intern II - Department of Utilities

City of Charlottesville•Charlottesville (22903), VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The GIS Intern II will assist the administrative and engineering divisions of the City of Charlottesville Department of Utilities and GIS staff. The role supports field work, easement, mapping, and inventory activities for water, wastewater, and gas systems, and updates GIS layers under supervision. Some work may take place in the field to capture new or incomplete data. The internship is expected to begin the first week of January 2027. It is temporary, pays $20.00 per hour, and is not eligible for City benefits. The position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. Hours are 20–40 per week, scheduled flexibly within standard hours of 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The Intern II program provides college/university students and recent graduates substantial entry-level work experience involving meaningful tasks that apply college-level knowledge and support professional development. Interns receive hands-on experience applying academic and technical skills to a City program, project, goal, or objective; learn about City and departmental operations and public-service careers; build professional networks; and contribute to the community. The position requires relevant coursework and the ability to read technical materials, prepare written reports and recommendations, use applicable office and industry technologies, solve practical problems, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Depending on assignment, work may be indoors or outdoors and may involve exposure to varied weather, terrain, environmental conditions, and wildlife. Some assignments may require handling basic hand tools or power equipment other than power saws under professional supervision. For Maintenance or Engineering Interns, physical demands may include medium work and lifting or carrying equipment.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education criteria: be in the final semester of an associate degree or technical school program; be an upcoming junior or senior in a bachelor's degree program; be a current graduate student; or be a recent graduate of an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree program or technical school.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record under City criteria.
Have functional knowledge or a basic understanding of the assignment’s subject matter or relevant technologies through relevant university coursework.
Ability to read and comprehend policies, procedures, program information, and technical materials.
Writing skills to compose and edit reports, procedures, policies, and recommendations.
Ability to use applicable technology, including current office technology for word processing, data management, and presentations, and relevant industry or work applications.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including gathering information to address vaguely defined practical problems and making recommendations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse City personnel and use interpersonal skills to develop effective relationships with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and mentors.

Nice To Haves

Relevant education, work or volunteer experience, practicums, or another internship in an area related to the work assignment is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform substantial entry-level tasks applying relevant college or university coursework.
Gain knowledge of local City government through hands-on work in an assigned department or division.
Observe and assist with daily work-unit or department operations and participate in work to develop programmatic knowledge and skills.
Assist with field work, easement, mapping, and inventory activities for water, wastewater, and gas systems.
Update GIS layers under supervision and help capture new or incomplete data in the field.
Assist with tasks or projects related to the assigned area, which may include administrative, communications, marketing, plans or inspections review, engineering or construction, technology, trades or maintenance, or other applicable work.
Provide department-specific or City-wide support such as scheduling, note-taking and distribution, recordkeeping, planning development, basic maintenance, compiling or analyzing data, program development, evaluating alternatives, analyzing recommendations, and using technologies or equipment.
Represent the City professionally to citizens and other departments, verbally and in writing.
As applicable, develop implementation plans, track deadlines, and notify staff of upcoming due dates.
As applicable, serve employees, citizens, or customers; develop reports, presentations, or other materials; and take a lead role on an approved department or division program or project.
Cross-train and collaborate with professionals, leaders, and subject-matter experts; attend applicable board or council meetings as requested.
Depending on assignment, hold or operate basic hand tools and power equipment other than power saws under professional supervision.
Perform other related duties as assigned.