Virginia Beach Fire Department GIS Intern

City of Virginia Beach; Berlin; On-site; EUR 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Beach Fire Department GIS Intern will assist with developing, maintaining, and analyzing spatial data to support community risk reduction, emergency management, and fire operations.

You'll gain hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, prepare cartographic products, and contribute to projects that enhance situational awareness and decision-making for public safety.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate GIS/related program.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing, maintaining, and analyzing spatial data.
• Prepare cartographic products.
• Support GIS-based projects for situational awareness and decision-making.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent or collaborative work

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

GIS data analysis

Education

GIS/Geography related degree program

Completed GIS courses (Introductory GIS, GIS, Advanced GIS)

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

Python

SQL

Job description

Job Posting End Date:

Department:

FIRE

Compensation Grade:

H3024

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

H.3266-H.3281
$16.08 - $18.22

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The Virginia Beach Fire Department GIS Intern position will assist with developing, maintaining, and analyzing spatial data in support of community risk reduction, emergency management, and fire department operations.

Day to Day duties can include, but are not limited to:

• Hands-on experience integrating geospatial data into public safety workflows.
• Preparing cartographic products.
• Supporting GIS-based projects that enhance situational awareness and decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or a related field. (Undergraduate Junior, Senior, or Graduate student preferred.)
• Familiarity with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently or collaboratively.
• Completion of the following courses (or similar): Introductory GIS, Geographic Information Systems, and Advanced GIS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with creating maps, dashboards, or story maps in ArcGIS Online.
• Completion of a Geographic Information Systems for Emergency Management course
• Experience with creating maps, dashboards, or story maps in ArcGIS Online.
• Familiarity with spatial databases, metadata standards, or web mapping services.
• Exposure to Python, SQL, or other programming languages commonly used in GIS.
• Interest or work experience in emergency management, fire service, or community risk reduction, or public safety.

Expected Schedule / Hours:

Candidates will work 20 hours a week between Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM with flexibility within these hours. The applicant is responsible to provide their own transportation to work and housing during the internship.

Required Attachments: Resume and Transcript (unofficial will be accepted).

Expected Start Date:

January 2027

Expected End Date:

May 2027

Required Education:

Candidates seeking a degree, undergraduate or graduate, in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or related program.

Application Deadline:

Open until filled.

Compensation (depends on academic year):

• Freshman/Sophomore: $16/ hour
• Juniors/Seniors: $18/ hour
• Graduate Students: $20/ hour

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript No
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution : All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace : The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.