Surveyor Internship - Summer 2027

RETTEW; Lancaster (Lancaster County); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

RETTEW is offering a Summer 2027 Survey and GIS Internship in Lancaster, PA. Interns gain hands-on experience across survey and GIS projects, with mentorship from professionals across the Survey and Geographic Information Systems teams.

Assignments may include field data collection, mapping, drafting, data management, and quality review. This program emphasizes professional development, mentoring, and cross-team exposure.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree in surveying, geomatics, geography, or a related field.
• Interest in surveying, GIS, mapping, or geospatial technology careers.
• Basic understanding of surveying, mapping, spatial data, CAD, or GIS concepts.
• Ability to follow instructions and apply feedback.
• Strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist Survey and GIS professionals with project assignments under supervision.
• Support field data collection using GPS and surveying tech.
• Help create maps, figures, drawings, and project documentation.
• Assist with GIS data entry, editing, validation, analysis, and database maintenance.
• Use ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or other software as needed.
• Research deeds, plans, and public records to support projects.
• Collaborate with Survey, GIS, engineering, and project-management teams.
• Follow safety, quality, and data-management procedures.
• Communicate progress and potential delays to team members.
• Participate in ASPIRE activities and the final intern presentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Willingness to learn

Education

Geomatics / Surveying

Geography

Civil Engineering Technology

Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

GPS equipment

Job description

The Opportunity

RETTEW is seeking a Survey and GIS Intern for Summer 2027. This internship offers hands-on experience supporting real projects while learning from professionals across our Survey and Geographic Information Systems team.

Depending on project needs and the intern's interests, assignments may include field data collection, land surveying support, geographic data management, mapping, drafting, research, and quality review.

RETTEW's Survey team supports boundary, topographic, as-built, utility, construction stakeout, aerial, pipeline, and other specialized surveys. Our GIS professionals help clients collect, organize, analyze, map, and use information to manage infrastructure and make informed decisions.

The intern will participate in RETTEW's ASPIRE Internship Program, which provides professional development, mentoring, exposure to different career paths, and opportunities to build connections across the company.

What You Will Do

• Assist Survey and GIS professionals with project assignments under direct supervision.
• Support field data collection using GPS, survey equipment, mobile applications, and other technology appropriate to the assignment.
• Support the creation of maps, exhibits, figures, drawings, and project documentation.
• Assist with GIS data entry, editing, validation, analysis, and database maintenance.
• Use ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or other technical software based on project needs and the intern's experience.
• Research deeds, plans, public records, existing maps, and other information needed to support project work.
• Work with Survey, GIS, engineering, environmental, and project-management professionals.
• Follow established safety, quality, documentation, and data-management procedures.
• Manage assigned tasks and communicate questions, progress, or potential delays to the appropriate team member.
• Participate in ASPIRE activities, professional-development opportunities, and the final intern presentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For

Required

• Currently pursuing an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree in surveying, geomatics, geographic information systems, geography, civil engineering technology, civil engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
• Interest in developing a career involving surveying, GIS, mapping, geospatial technology, infrastructure, or related professional services.
• Basic understanding of surveying, mapping, spatial data, CAD, or GIS concepts gained through coursework, projects, employment, or other experience.
• Ability to follow instructions, ask questions, and apply feedback.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to organize assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with field and office team members.
• Ability to work at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks during the internship period.
• Ability to work in the office and at project or client sites as required.

Preferred

• Coursework or project experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GPS equipment, mobile data-collection applications, or related technology.
• Exposure to surveying, GIS, mapping, drafting, database management, spatial analysis, or field data collection.
• Experience gained through a prior internship, student organization, research project, class project, or related employment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations when required.
• Interest in returning for a future internship or pursuing full-time employment with RETTEW after graduation.

Work Environment

Work Designation: Office

Location: Lancaster, PA

This internship may combine office and field assignments. Fieldwork may involve walking over uneven terrain, working outdoors in changing weather conditions, traveling to project locations, and using required personal protective equipment.

Office assignments may include computer-based mapping, drafting, data management, research, project documentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Interns performing fieldwork will work under the supervision of qualified RETTEW employees.

About RETTEW

RETTEW is a 100 percent employee-owned engineering consulting firm that has been helping clients solve complex challenges since 1969. Our teams work across disciplines to deliver practical solutions that strengthen infrastructure and support the communities we serve.

RETTEW's ASPIRE Internship Program gives students meaningful project experience, professional-development opportunities, mentoring, and exposure to potential career paths within the company.

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact [e-mail]

Requirements

All requirements listed in job description.