Geographic Information System (GIS) Intern

Geographic Information System (GIS) Intern

Summer 2026

Unpaid

Flexible Hours (up to 30 hours per week for approximately 10 weeks - May through August)

Closing Date: May 8, 2026

Want to see how GIS really powers a city and build real-world skills you can put on your résumé? The City of Falls Church Department of Public Works is looking for a motivated student intern who is curious about Geographic Information Systems, data management, public engagement tools and processes, and how local government works behind the scenes.

As a GIS Intern, you’ll get hands-on experience supporting the City’s day-to-day geospatial operations while learning how the public sector really works. You won’t just be observing, you’ll be contributing to meaningful projects that support the community.

About the City of Falls Church

Falls Church is an independent city just six miles from Washington, D.C. With a population of about 16,000 and a strong “urban village” feel, we’re known for excellent customer service, a nationally ranked school system, environmental leadership, and an active, engaged community.

What You’ll Do

You’ll work alongside the GIS Manager and other Department of Public Works Engineering and Operations professionals and gain exposure to a wide range of geospatial activities, including:

• Working with staff across the Department of Public Works to understand current workflows and where GIS can add efficiencies
• Being on the forefront of improving and modernizing the City’s master basemap layers, including those related to transportation, sanitary and storm sewers, real estate, and easements through the conversion and digitization of as-built data
• Assisting in-office and field crews with how to best leverage GIS tools at their disposal
• Collaboration with the team and creating innovative maps, reports, and visualizations that turn complex spatial data into clear, actionable insights for internal departments and community audiences
• Supporting other department tasks as needed

What We’re Looking For

This internship is a great fit for a student who:

• Is comfortable working with the Esri suite of software and related products at a basic or intermediate level (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Instant Apps, ArcGIS Story Maps) and/or Computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Is detail-oriented, analytical, organized, and dependable
• Can handle confidential information professionally
• Has effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams in various disciplines, both in-office and in the field
• Is comfortable with the Microsoft suite of software and related products (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word). A basic knowledge of Microsoft Power BI is helpful, but a willingness to learn is most important

Who Should Apply

Students currently pursuing a degree in:

• Geographic Information Systems, Geography
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering/Science
• Or a related field

Fluency in English is required.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in local government GIS and Public Works day-to-day operations
• Practical skills you will apply to future coursework or jobs
• Exposure to public-sector data management and process improvement
• Professional training and mentorship

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• The work will be split between a typical office setting and field conditions associated with an outdoor environment. In some instances, personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, such as footwear, safety glasses, ear protection, hard hat, gloves and/or other gear as necessary.
• Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, vision, and other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation which enables the individual to communicate effectively.
• Must also possess manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to operate a personal computer and related equipment.

Compensation: This internship is unpaid. Training opportunities are provided, and students may apply the internship toward course credits at their school’s discretion.

For more information about the City of Falls Church, visit www.fallschurchva.gov.

Deadline and How to Apply: The position closes on May 8, 2026. Applications received prior to that date will receive priority consideration.  Complete the online application at www.fallschurchva.gov/jobs and upload your resume and cover letter.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace: The City of Falls Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the federal, state and/or local laws or regulations. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.  To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

All City facilities are smoke free.

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