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Intern

Job Req ID: 581 

Division: Mapping & IT 

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: City Planning 

Personnel Area: City Planning 

Closing Date: 01/22/2026 

 

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) intern position with the City Planning Department is for up to 20 hour a week for a total up to 800 hours. This internship will engage in projects that support and assist with the following:

  • GIS & Data Management
    • Support data editing and quality control for various planning datasets
    • Assist with data governance for department-owned spatial datasets
  • GIS Analytics and Reporting
    • Prepare and process spatial data using geoprocessing tools
    • Prepare analytical reports or summaries using Excel, PowerBI, or other tools
  • Process Improvement & Automation
    • Contribute to streamlining the Community Plan Amendment process through automation routines
    • Help improve templates and workflows for consistent and efficient planning deliverables
  • AI & Innovation
    • Explore the use of generative AI tools (e.g., CoPilot) to enhance data processing, map creation, process documentation, and process improvements
  • Public Engagement Tools
    • Assist with developing or enhance StoryMaps and online viewers for historic preservation and community engagement
  • Professional Development
    • Gain experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related Esri tools
    • Work independently and collaboratively, applying structured problem-solving and attention to detail
    • Collaborate and participate in meetings with planners and other professional staff to discuss GIS requirements and deliverables
    • Present and deliver findings and results to small teams 

Ideally, the intern candidate will have experience or interest in city planning and GIS. A strong desire to learn, work independently, and an ability to to pay attention to detail are preferred.

All work will be supervised by and assisting an GIS Analyst II. 

 
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.
 
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.
 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
  • Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level.
  • Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
  • Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).
  • 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).

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