GIS Intern
NORTHERN LIGHTS SERVICES, INC., Plainfield, IN, United States
Position Type
Full Time
Description
GIS Intern – Utility Locating Services
Job Summary
The GIS Intern will support the development and maintenance of digital utility mapping systems used by field technicians. This role will focus on importing, converting, and organizing geospatial data from customer-provided maps and engineering records (As-Builts) into standardized formats within ArcGIS Online (AGOL), ArcGIS Pro, and QGIS.
The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring field teams have accurate, up-to-date mapping data by transforming various file types into usable, high-quality GIS datasets.
Key Responsibilities
Data Conversion & Integration:
Import, convert, and standardize geospatial data from multiple formats including CAD, SHP, KMZ/KML, CSV, and PDF plans into GIS platforms (AGOL, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS).
Mapping & Data Entry:
Digitize and input utility data from customer-provided maps, prints, and as-built drawings into GIS systems with a high level of accuracy.
AGOL & GIS Database Maintenance:
Maintain and organize ArcGIS Online data, including hosted feature layers, folders, and group structures to ensure accessibility for regional field teams.
Projection & Coordinate Management:
Apply and manage coordinate systems and projections to ensure alignment between imported datasets and existing mapping systems.
Layer & Feature Editing:
Perform edits to GIS layers, including attribute updates, feature creation, dataset merging, and symbology adjustments for clarity in field applications.
Quality Control & Data Validation:
Review and verify imported data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency to support safe and effective utility locating operations.
Support Field Operations:
Collaborate with field technicians and internal teams to ensure mapping data meets operational needs and reflects real-world conditions.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Currently pursuing a degree in GIS, Geography, Civil Engineering, or a related field
Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online
Basic understanding of GIS data formats (Shapefiles, File Geodatabases, KML/KMZ, CSV)
Ability to interpret maps, plans, and engineering drawings
Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
Good communication skills, especially when working with non-GIS personnel
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with QGIS
Familiarity with CAD files (AutoCAD or similar)
Exposure to coordinate systems and projections (State Plane, WGS84, etc.)
Basic knowledge of utility locating or the 811 process
Introductory scripting experience (Python, ArcPy, or SQL)
Physical & Work Environment
Primarily office-based with a focus on GIS data processing and mapping
Occasional field exposure may occur to better understand data collection processes
Standard office and computer-based work environment
Full Time
Description
GIS Intern – Utility Locating Services
Job Summary
The GIS Intern will support the development and maintenance of digital utility mapping systems used by field technicians. This role will focus on importing, converting, and organizing geospatial data from customer-provided maps and engineering records (As-Builts) into standardized formats within ArcGIS Online (AGOL), ArcGIS Pro, and QGIS.
The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring field teams have accurate, up-to-date mapping data by transforming various file types into usable, high-quality GIS datasets.
Key Responsibilities
Data Conversion & Integration:
Import, convert, and standardize geospatial data from multiple formats including CAD, SHP, KMZ/KML, CSV, and PDF plans into GIS platforms (AGOL, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS).
Mapping & Data Entry:
Digitize and input utility data from customer-provided maps, prints, and as-built drawings into GIS systems with a high level of accuracy.
AGOL & GIS Database Maintenance:
Maintain and organize ArcGIS Online data, including hosted feature layers, folders, and group structures to ensure accessibility for regional field teams.
Projection & Coordinate Management:
Apply and manage coordinate systems and projections to ensure alignment between imported datasets and existing mapping systems.
Layer & Feature Editing:
Perform edits to GIS layers, including attribute updates, feature creation, dataset merging, and symbology adjustments for clarity in field applications.
Quality Control & Data Validation:
Review and verify imported data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency to support safe and effective utility locating operations.
Support Field Operations:
Collaborate with field technicians and internal teams to ensure mapping data meets operational needs and reflects real-world conditions.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Currently pursuing a degree in GIS, Geography, Civil Engineering, or a related field
Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online
Basic understanding of GIS data formats (Shapefiles, File Geodatabases, KML/KMZ, CSV)
Ability to interpret maps, plans, and engineering drawings
Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
Good communication skills, especially when working with non-GIS personnel
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with QGIS
Familiarity with CAD files (AutoCAD or similar)
Exposure to coordinate systems and projections (State Plane, WGS84, etc.)
Basic knowledge of utility locating or the 811 process
Introductory scripting experience (Python, ArcPy, or SQL)
Physical & Work Environment
Primarily office-based with a focus on GIS data processing and mapping
Occasional field exposure may occur to better understand data collection processes
Standard office and computer-based work environment