Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern (Summer 2026)

Description of Work

Are you a college student (or recent college graduate) interested in a GIS internship for the Summer of 2026? If so, continue reading to learn more about this exciting internship opportunity. 

This posting is for a part time GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Summer Intern located within the Emergency Management Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS). This internship is expected to start on May 18, 2026 and continue through July 24, 2026. The work schedule is part-time (up to 30 hours per week), Monday -Friday. The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour. 

This project will give the intern a better understanding of how the N.C. Department of Public Safety, N.C. Emergency Management (NCEM) and state government utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to track spatial data for the locations of buildings and structures in NC.

North Carolina Emergency Management's (NCEM) original building footprint dataset was created in 2010 but almost a million buildings have been created, modified or removed since. NCEM now has a composite building footprint dataset with over five million records that we need to Quality control. The intern(s) will assist the GIS section with the collection, creation, deletion, and quality control of geospatial date, using ArcGIS Pro.

Specific duties will include:

• Reviewing aerial imagery and confirming the mapping of building footprints. 
• Editing the NC Statewide Risk building footprint dataset is the main focus of this project.
• Utilizing orthophotography and reference data to create/edit/modify spatial building footprint polygons for new structures. 
• Working with NCEM’s GIS section to improve building data analysis and attribution within the existing Risk database schema. 

DPS has an IT application called the School Risk Management Plan, that contains floor plans for all public k-12 schools in NC. Part of this project will be to add new and modified schools to the system. If time allows, the interns will also work on one counties worth of building footprints. Using ESRI's ArcGIS Pro (desktop) software, the intern will convert floor plans that are in PDF (file) format to a CAD dataset, then clean and georeference them. Additionally the intern will use ArcGIS to edit and QC building footprint polygons.

A college transcript is required to determine eligibility. Please attach your unofficial college transcript(s). 

Please Note: The selected intern will be required to provide a letter of recommendation from a professional reference or academic advisor/professor before being hired.

Interns will be hired through Temporary Solutions which operates as the State’s temporary employment agency. As a temporary position there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Visit www.nctemporarysolutions.com for employment information.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

DPS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.    

The Minimum Education and Experience (E&E) is REQUIRED to qualify for this position. Management Preferences, including Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), are not required but may be used to determine the pool of most qualified applicants. Managers may also choose to interview/select applicants who demonstrate Management Preferences. 

All work history and education (including accurate dates of employment/attendance) must be documented on the application. Work experience may include internships, volunteerism, and full and part-time work. A complete, all-inclusive application maximizes an applicant’s potential to qualify for the position, as well as receive the highest possible salary if selected for the position. Salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations for the advertised position. Click here for more information and application resources.   

Resumes may be attached as a supplement to the application but are not a substitute for a complete application.    

Management Preferences  

• Must be currently enrolled in college or a recent college graduate. NOTE: "Recent" graduates are those who have graduated within the last 6 months.
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree (or a recent graduate) with coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Natural Resources, Geography, Urban Planning, Emergency Management, Information Technology, Environmental Science, Computer Science or related field OR demonstrated GIS knowledge/GIS experience.  

A college transcript is required to determine eligibility.  Please attach your unofficial college transcript(s).  The transcript must include your name, courses/major, and the name of the college/university.

Note: Please make sure your application is complete before submitting because the system will not allow you to reapply. (Your college transcript must be attached.)

Note: Interns must submit to a background check and fingerprinting or consent to agency onboarding requirements.