Job Description

About

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a self-motivated Geographic Information System (GIS) Intern for our Water Department. If you have taken GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality, Geospatial and Environmental Analysis, or Imagery, Automation, and Applications courses and want to gain valuable experience in the GIS field, this is the position for you. The City has a robust GIS program and you will get to work with top contractors and engineers in the area. If you have the education needed for this role, the City of Cedar Rapids will give you amazing experience. Apply today!

About Our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About Our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About This Opportunity

Provides support for Geographic Information System (GIS) projects relating to the water distribution system, water treatment plants, and wastewater treatment plant. Tasks may include data entry, research, mapping, and/or survey.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Position Functions

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Digitizes, maintains, and analyzes geographic data.
• Researches and compiles infrastructure and related data from hard copy maps, engineering drawings, and database tables for entry into GIS.
• Updates, verifies, and maintains GIS database and tables.
• Performs field location and verifies proper identification of City infrastructure.
• Utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and software to collect, record, and download field data to the GIS.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Pursuit of Degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or a related field such as Geography, Planning, Natural Resources, or Computer Science with an emphasis in GIS coursework or training; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants With Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

01

Which type(s) of GIS work are you most interested in for this internship? (Select all that apply)

• Digitizing/editing features and maintaining GIS layers
• Researching infrastructure data from maps, plans, drawings, and tables for GIS entry
• Updating/verifying GIS databases and attribute tables (QA/QC)
• Creating maps and basic spatial analysis for water/wastewater assets
• Field work: locating/verifying City infrastructure and collecting data with GPS/GNSS

02

How much experience do you have with GIS, CAD mapping/drafting, or GPS field data collection?

• No experience yet, but I’m eager to learn
• Coursework/training only (no hands-on work experience)
• Less than 1 year (projects, part-time, or internship experience)
• 1–2 years
• 3+ years

03

Have you participated in any of the following related to GIS, mapping, utilities, or field data collection? (Select all that apply)

• Completed a GIS-related course (e.g., GIS fundamentals, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis)
• Used GIS software to create maps, edit features, or manage layers (class or personal projects)
• Entered, cleaned, or updated data in spreadsheets/databases (e.g., Excel, Access, SQL)
• Worked with or learned from engineering drawings/as-builts, hard-copy maps, or infrastructure records
• Collected field data outdoors using GPS/GNSS or mobile mapping apps (any setting)
• None of the above, but I have other similar experience.

04

What best describes your current educational background?

• Currently enrolled in high school or graduated within the past 12 months
• Currently enrolled in or obtained an associate’s degree within the past 12 months
• Currently enrolled in or obtained a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months
• Currently enrolled in or obtained a master’s degree or higher within the past 12 months
• Other (please explain in below text box)

05

This internship is intended for students who are currently enrolled or who graduated within the past 12 months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

07

Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office software?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Proficient
• Advanced
• Expert

08

Which non-English languages do you speak well enough to communicate in a work setting? (Select all that apply)

• Arabic
• French
• Kirundi
• Spanish
• Swahili
• Vietnamese
• Other Language Not Listed
• I only Speak English

09

Briefly share why you're interested in this internship and what you hope to learn or contribute.

• Required Question

Job Tags

Contract work, Part time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Work at office, Remote work, Monday to Friday,

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