Geographic Information System Intern

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Geographic Information System Intern Candidate Pool

Classification Title: Temporary Position

DESCRIPTION

The Office of School Planning is seeking a graduate or undergraduate student studying Urban Planning, Geographic Information System (GIS), Geography, or a closely related field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all the qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.

Education:

• Currently enrolled or recent completion (within two years) of a graduate program in the fields of Geography, GIS, Planning, or a closely related field. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for travel to school sites throughout Howard County.
• Proficiency or coursework in GIS software including ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. QGIS a plus
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when interpreting construction documents, floor plans, and architectural drawings.
• Ability to read and extract spatial information from as-built drawings and facility records.
• Familiarity with geospatial data standards, coordinate systems, and georeferencing concepts (e.g., Maryland State Plane NAD83).
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to track progress across multiple school sites simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with school staff and School Planning Team
• Ability to work both independently in the field and collaboratively in an office setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Physical ability to navigate multi-story school buildings, including stairs, to conduct on-site facility assessments.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to reconcile discrepancies between documented plans and actual field conditions.
• Ability to properly maintain confidential information.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Development and Management

• Review and assess existing HCPSS facility mapping datasets to identify data gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Review and digitize as-built construction documents, architectural plans, and facility records to extract spatial information.
• Create and update geospatial data layers including building footprints, floor polygons, site boundaries, entry points, windows, hallways, stairwells, and non-room units.
• Further develop data for security and emergency service features including cameras, AEDs, fire extinguishers, and trauma kits.
• Apply consistent naming conventions, numbering systems, and attribution standards in accordance with IAC requirements.
• Ensure all spatial data meets accuracy specifications and is properly georeferenced to Maryland State Plane NAD83 coordinate system.
• Configure and maintain geospatial data as a REST service to facilitate data sharing with the Howard County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), ensuring the data is structured for periodic download and integration into the county’s emergency CAD mapping system.

Field Data Collection

• When needed, conduct field visits to school facilities to verify accuracy of construction documents against current conditions.
• Document physical features, entry points, emergency equipment locations, and facility changes using mobile data collection tools.
• Collect measurements and spatial coordinates as needed to supplement or correct existing data.
• Photograph and document conditions for quality assurance purposes.
• Coordinate site visits with school administrators and facilities personnel.
• Quality Assurance and Handover Preparation
• Perform quality control checks on all developed datasets to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with IAC standards.
• Verify data against construction documents, field observations, and school staff input.
• Document data sources, collection methods, and verification status in metadata to ensure a seamless transition to permanent staff.
• Finalize data structures and documentation to allow Office of School Planning staff to maintain the data on an ongoing basis in coordination with operations and local school staff.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Planning Analyst II and Manager of School Planning on project planning, implementation, and progress reporting.
• Coordinate with school-based staff to schedule site visits and verify facility information.
• As required: participate in meetings with local first responders (police, fire, EMS) and the Office of Emergency Management ensure data meet operational needs.
• Liaise with County OEM to ensure the REST service delivery aligns with established workflows for periodic CAD system updates, acknowledging that the county utilizes a download-based update model rather than live-integrated mapping software.
• Collaborate with Capital Planning and Construction staff to integrate facility changes and construction project updates.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Maintain detailed records of data collection activities, sources, and verification processes.
• Document workflows, procedures, and technical specifications.
• Contribute to grant compliance reports and project documentation as required.
• Track progress against project timeline and deliverables.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Planning Analyst II
Works Closely With:

• Manager of School Planning
• Office of School Planning staff
• Capital Planning and Construction staff
• School-based administrators and facilities personnel
• Local first responders (police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatch) and County OEM
   

• A 35 hour work week is expected.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Proof of education and other required documents listed above must be uploaded at the time of application.

The applicant must be eligible to work in the United States. Employment applications are accepted online only. A completed application must include the following

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a temporary position. Rate of pay is $20/hr.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Tim Rogers at [email protected]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.