GIS Intern - Enterprise Space Information Management (ESIM)

CMU Enterprise Space Information Management (ESIM) is seeking a motivated student for a paid GIS internship to support campus mapping, geospatial data management, and operational planning initiatives. This internship will provide hands-on experience applying GIS tools and spatial analysis to real-world projects related to campus operations, emergency planning, and environmental safety.

The intern will assist with maintaining and improving GIS datasets, supporting web maps and map products, organizing imagery and related geospatial data, and contributing to focused summer projects that support ESIM and partner departments.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Assist with updating and maintaining GIS layers and geospatial datasets.
• Support data cleanup, organization, and quality control within GIS platforms.
• Help create and update maps for campus operations, emergency planning, and environmental safety purposes.
• Support ArcGIS Online web maps, dashboards, and related GIS applications.
• Assist with field verification and collection of GIS-related data, as needed.
• Organize and document imagery, GPS, or drone-related data for GIS use.
• Apply basic cartographic standards, symbology, and data management practices.
• Document workflows and help create reusable GIS reference materials or standard procedures.
• Contribute to a defined summer GIS project and present final work product(s) at the conclusion of the internship.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Experience with Microsoft Excel or similar tabular data tools.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while communicating progress regularly.

Qualifications:

• Current student in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Information Systems, or related field.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online
• Basic understanding of geospatial data editing, mapping, and layer management.
• Interest in applying GIS to campus operations, emergency management, environmental safety, or infrastructure planning.

Preferred (but not required) Skills:

• Experience with field data collection tools (e.g., Survey123, Field Maps, GPS units).
• Familiarity with web mapping, dashboards, or story maps.
• Exposure to drone imagery, orthomosaics, or spatial data organization.
• Basic understanding of metadata, documentation, or GIS standards.

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Learning Opportunities:

This internship offers the opportunity to:

• Gain practical GIS experience in a campus operational environment.
• Work on meaningful geospatial projects that support safety, planning, and emergency preparedness.
• Develop skills in data management, web mapping, cartography, and project documentation.
• Collaborate with ESIM and potentially other campus partners on applied GIS initiatives.

Expected Deliverables:

By the end of the internship, the selected student will contribute to:

• Updated and/or improved GIS layers and supporting datasets.
• One or more map products, web maps, or dashboards.
• Documentation of workflows, data updates, or recommendations for future GIS improvements.
• A final summary or presentation of completed work.

Additional Information:

• This is a paid, part-time (10-20 hours/week) internship intended to take place over the summer term, with potential flexibility based on department needs
• Location will be on campus/hybrid as determined by the department