NASA Langley Research Center - Virginia Space Grant Consortium Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship Program
GIS Internship Position Descriptions

GIS Technician Internship

Intern will serve as assistant in support of development, maintenance and data input of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for NASA Langley Research Center. Primary areas of responsibility for our office include updates to building floor plans and space utilization, environmental data, and center infrastructure. Technician will assist with modifications of center spatial data and web interface, adhering to prescribed Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and agency standards and procedures. Uses marked-up drawings, as-builts, sketches, field surveys or tabular data to update existing data in the GIS.

The successful candidate will be familiar with symbols, terminology, and accepted standards and procedures in GIS and mapping, GIS data development and conversion, and will possess basic knowledge of principles of data collection. Prior experience with geospatial technology is not required and training will be provided as necessary. Preferred qualifications include experience in data collection including GPS, for use in GIS and the ability to read and interpret specific procedural guidelines pertaining to GIS support, including locally developed documents.

Work is in a supervised environment that allows for individual work effort and independence however, assigned work will be monitored at various stages to compliance with established standards and procedures. Work is also evaluated as to timelines and accuracy at various stages throughout the work process. Finished work is reviewed to overall completeness and adequacy before delivery to customer or publication on the web. Focus is on web-based tools and state of the art information technologies to provide maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Applications should include coursework and any related experience. It is recommended to include samples of work when possible. Applicants will be evaluated on work ethic and initiative as well as grades. Student interns will receive a stipend and are guest researchers of NASA Langley Research Center.

Desired skills: ESRI software (ArcGIS) or comparable GIS, digital cartography, GPS, AutoCAD, relational databases, planning, surveying, engineering (utility distribution), remote sensing/aerial photography.

Desired general coursework completed with a GPA of 3.0 or above

• Urban, Regional, or Environmental Planning
• GIS
• GPS or Remote Sensing
• Cartography
• Geographic Methods or Field Methods
• Surveying
• Computer Methods in Geography
• AutoCAD
• Architecture
• Other related courses
• Related Internship/Experience

Position will involve scanning real property documents and then organizing them as we convert from paper to electronic records. Student will be responsible for identifying year of document and developing a short, descriptive title. Documents with potential interest to the public will need to be flagged. Student should be interested in history and enjoy reading, able to work with minimal supervision, and demonstrate an attention to detail. Position does not require GIS or any other technological training.