Intern, GIS

About the role

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $23.00 - $23.00

Position Summary

• The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) has an opening for a Geographical Information System "GIS" Intern in our GIS Management Department, located in Lansing, MI.
• Job Type: Part-Time Intern Position
• Dates: May 131, 2027 - August 13, 2027
• Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour.
• The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented GIS Intern to join our GIS Management Department for the summer of 2027.

The GIS Intern will gain valuable, hands-on experience supporting the implementation and management of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications within a utility environment. This position will assist with GIS data cleanup, collection, development, digitization, and data integrity initiatives using the Esri ArcGIS platform, including ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro.

Working under the mentorship of a BWL GIS team member, the intern will have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day operations of a professional GIS department and collaborate with GIS developers, administrators, field staff, and GIS management technicians.

Essential Functions

• Assist the GIS Management Department with expanding GIS capabilities and supporting data development and data integrity initiatives.
• Update vertical assets within the GIS environment, including pulling Mapcon data, working with Survey123, and performing data cleanup as needed.
• Support GIS data collection, digitization, development, and quality-control activities.
• Collaborate with GIS developers, GIS administrators, field staff, and GIS management technicians.
• Utilize standard office software, including spreadsheets, word-processing, and database applications, as well as Esri software and SAP.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of BWL's Asset Management System.
• Follow all BWL safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing field work.
• Attend required training, safety awareness programs, and skills-improvement activities as directed by BWL or applicable government agencies, including MIOSHA.
• Maintain compliance with all BWL policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Maintain predictable and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Specifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution in an Geographic Information Systems program, engineering, science, biology, or a related field with junior or senior status during the summer of 2027.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• A cover letter is requested with your submission, please.
• Interviews will begin mid-November.

This internship provides an opportunity to

• Apply classroom knowledge to real-world GIS projects.
• Gain experience using Esri ArcGIS, ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and Survey123.
• Develop practical skills in GIS data collection, editing, cleanup, digitization, and quality assurance.
• Learn how GIS supports the operations and asset management of a public utility.
• Work alongside experienced GIS professionals and gain exposure to GIS development, administration, field operations, and asset management.
• Build professional experience in a collaborative utility environment.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment, including the use of stairs.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.

• Must frequently communicate with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
• The person in this position needs to move about in industrial environments and on uneven terrain occasionally.

• May be required to recognize small numbers, letters, symbols, color on prints, and operate field instruments/equipment.
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions and industrial environments.
• Must successfully complete a background check, a substance screening and a physical (if applicable).

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position.
• They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee.
• Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

The Location

Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation's premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER