Intern

Overview

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands-on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

Example of Duties

Duties and responsibilities assigned to interns will vary depending on the department they are assigned; these include but are not limited to: assisting with planning events, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with projects, preparing reports and presentations, attending internal and external stakeholders' meetings, and field work. Work will be project-based, temporary, and not compromise the work of a bargaining unit employee.

Job Duties

The intern position with the City Planning Department is for up to 20 hours a week for a total up to 800 hours. This internship with the Mapping and IT team includes the following job duties:

• GIS Data Management
  • Assist with editing and quality control of planning-related GIS datasets using ArcGIS Pro under the guidance of GIS staff. Tasks may include attribute updates, digitizing, boundary editing, and data transformations.
  • Support data governance efforts for department-owned spatial datasets by assisting with data organization, documentation, and maintenance activities.
• Map Preparation and Production
  • Assist with preparing high-quality maps for reports, plans, and presentations using ArcGIS Pro, including map layouts, labeling, thematic mapping, and cartographic design.
  • Support the creation, editing, and maintenance of web maps and web applications within the ArcGIS Online/Portal environment.
• GIS Analysis and Reporting
  • Assist with preparing and processing spatial data using standard geoprocessing tools and established workflows.
  • Support the development of analytical summaries, dashboards, or reports using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools under staff direction.
• Process Improvement and Automation
  • Assist with identifying opportunities to improve GIS workflows and contribute to process improvement efforts through scripting (e.g., Python, Arcade) and other automation techniques as appropriate.
  • Help update templates, documentation, and standard workflows to promote consistency and efficiency in planning deliverables.
• Innovation and Public Engagement
  • Explore and evaluate the use of emerging technologies, including generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot), to support data processing, map creation, documentation, and workflow improvements.
  • Assist with creating or enhancing StoryMaps, web viewers, and other public-facing GIS applications that support historic preservation, planning initiatives, and community engagement.
• Professional Development
  • Gain practical experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other Esri GIS technologies through hands-on project work and mentorship.
  • Develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while working on assigned tasks under the guidance of experienced GIS professionals.
  • Participate in team meetings and collaborate with GIS staff, planners, IT staff, and other professionals to learn about GIS project requirements and departmental workflows.
  • Assist with presenting project updates, maps, or analysis results to small internal groups as appropriate.
  • Gain exposure to data-driven planning and decision-making processes within a local government environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior hands-on work experience with ArcGIS Pro
• 2 or more college level courses in GIS
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Online/Portal building web maps and apps
• Experience creating, editing, or maintaining spatial datasets, including attribute editing, digitizing, georeferencing, quality control, or data cleanup
• Exposure to geoprocessing tools, spatial analysis, data joins, field calculations, buffers, overlays, or other GIS analysis workflows
• Experience with working with tables and formulas in Excel
• Ability to perform careful data review, quality assurance, and documentation
• Strong organizational skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn new software, planning concepts, and technical workflows

Minimum Requirements

• 15 ½ years of age or older.
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
• Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.

Pay

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75

Benefits

• Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).

Schedule

Up to 20 hours a week for a total up to 800 hours. Closing Date: 08/14/2026