About this role
Job Req ID : 922 Division: Mapping & IT 1 Salary Range : $19.47 to $22.75 Job Type : Unclassified Business Area : City Planning Personnel Area : City Planning Closing Date : 08/14/2026 The intern position with the City Planning Department is for up to 20 hour a week for a total up to 800 hours. This internship with the Mapping and IT team which include the following job duties: 1. GIS Data Management Assist with editing and quality control of planning-related GIS datasets using ArcGIS Pro under the guidance of GIS staff. Tasks may include attribute updates, digitizing, boundary editing, and data transformations. Support data governance efforts for department-owned spatial datasets by assisting with data organization, documentation, and maintenance activities. 2. Map Preparation and Production Assist with preparing high-quality maps for reports, plans, and presentations using ArcGIS Pro, including map layouts, labeling, thematic mapping, and cartographic design. Support the creation, editing, and maintenance of web maps and web applications within the ArcGIS Online/Portal environment. 3. GIS Analysis and Reporting Assist with preparing and processing spatial data using standard geoprocessing tools and established workflows. Support the development of analytical summaries, dashboards, or reports using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools under staff direction. 4. Process Improvement and Automation Assist with identifying opportunities to improve GIS workflows and contribute to process improvement efforts through scripting (e.g., Python, Arcade) and other automation techniques as appropriate. Help update templates, documentation, and standard workflows to promote consistency and efficiency in planning deliverables. 5. Innovation and Public Engagement Explore and evaluate the use of emerging technologies, including generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot), to support data processing, map creation, documentation, and workflow improvements. Assist with creating or enhancing StoryMaps, web viewers, and other public-facing GIS applications that support historic preservation, planning initiatives, and community engagement. 6. Professional Development Gain practical experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other Esri GIS technologies through hands-on project work and mentorship. Develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while working on assigned tasks under the guidance of experienced GIS professionals. Participate in team meetings and collaborate with GIS staff, planners, IT staff, and other professionals to learn about GIS project requirements and departmental workflows. Assist with presenting project updates, maps, or analysis results to small internal groups as appropriate. Gain exposure to data-driven planning and decision-making processes within a local government environment. Ideally, the intern candidate will have experience or interest in City Planning and Mapping and IT. The folloing a preffered qualifications: Prior hands-on work experience with ArcGIS Pro 2 or more college level courses in GIS Familiarity with ArcGIS Online/Portal building web maps and apps Experience creating, editing, or maintaining spatial datasets, including attribute editing, digitizing, georeferencing, quality control, or data cleanup Exposure to geoprocessing tools, spatial analysis, data joins, field calculations, buffers, overlays, or other GIS analysis workflows Experience with working with tables and formulas in Excel Ability to perform careful data review, quality assurance, and documentation Strong organizational skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn new software, planning concepts, and technical workflows All work will be supervised by and assisting a Geographic Information Systems Analyst. 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).