Internships
We are thrilled to be recognized as the 12th best public school for internships in the Top 20 Best Schools list. - The Princeton Review, 2024
OKI GIS Internship Opening - January 2026
Note: Several previous interns have been from our GIS program. You are qualified if you have had at least 1 GIS course (2 even better!) and have a major in a similar area (planning, geography, environmental science, sustainability, etc.)
Land Use Intern
Website
https://www.oki.org/careers/current-openings/)
Job Ssummary
Position requires a background and understanding of community planning principles and self-motivation. Experience in statistical analysis and using GIS is preferred. Individual will work on regional planning and land use issues. Specifically, the individual will assist with two primary initiatives that include:
Regional Climate Action Plan
OKI, as the lead agency on a team of regional stakeholders, received a grant from the US EPA to produce a region-wide climate action plan. This regional climate action plan organizes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the plan recently completed, the project enters a new phase focused on beginning implementation and establishing metrics that will identify progress. This work will form the basis of a Summary Report to US EPA in 2027.
The Land Use Internship will also participate in OKI staff with activities related to the implementation of the OKI How Do We Grow from Here, Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP) www.howdowegrow.orgLinks to an external site., the ongoing FIAM, and Regional Planning Forum The Land Use Planning Intern will be involved in assisting with many aspects of plan implementations. The Intern will also provide assistance in activities related to the maintenace, improvement and operation of the OKI Fiscal Impact Analysis Model.
Regional Water Study
OKI is providing support for the Ohio EPA and DNR development of a water study for southwest Ohio. Part of this support will include population and land use projection analysis to best predict future water demands across the Ohio portion of the region.
Examples of duties
- Research, collect, organize and evaluate information of importance to OKI planning efforts, for example, topics related to comprehensive planning, land use planning, sustainability principles, green infrastructure, fiscal impacts.
- Assist with field work
- Assist in writing reports and grants
- Assist staff in preparing materials for OKI meetings
- Create and update EXCEL and/or GIS databases
- Write technical and non-technical reports, summaries and presentations
- Participate in meetings by setting up and tearing down displays and equipment, and by assisting in presentations
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Job Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
- Graduate or Undergraduate student or recent graduate of Community Planning, Urban and Regional Planning or related degree program
- Creativity, self-motivation, and ability to organize tasks
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Effective oral and written communications skills
- GIS, Word, Excel and PowerPoint Skills
Additional Information
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Part-Time and Flexible $15/hour
Available January 2026 through June 20,2026 (can be extended)
Pay: $15/hour
Parking: Free parking or free bus pass provided.
To Apply:
Open until filled. Email resume and cover letter to JOndrovic@oki.org.
Columbus Power & Water Summer GIS Internship
Student Intern II
Website:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/columbusoh/jobs/5187004/student-intern-ii-vacancy?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
This summer internship will be based in the GIS Mapping Section. The intern will be responsible for mapping utility assets using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This opportunity is intended for higher education students pursuing a degree in GIS or a related field.
Under immediate supervision, is responsible on a part-time basis for learning, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information used by technicians, professional workers, and administrators; performs related duties as required.
Examples of Work:
- (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)
- Researches information needed by technicians, professional workers, and administrators by reviewing periodicals, obtaining research materials from libraries, or reviewing technical documents;
- Obtains information from citizens, applicants, or public officials; prepares and mails out questionnaires; interviews citizens, applicants, or public officials; summarizes information obtained and draws conclusions for review by supervisors;
- Files periodicals, maps, reports, studies, contracts, and other data; collects printed materials;
- Assists technicians and professionals in conducting various types of inspections and investigations and in the performance of other technical duties;
- Assists in improving current operating procedures, conducting program evaluations, coordinating various programs and short-term projects, and maintaining inventory control systems;
- Operates office machines such as calculators, duplicating equipment, and scanners; learns to operate technical equipment such as audio and video equipment;
- Learns to generate, verify, and/or code data such as computer based test data;
- Learns to provide requested technical information and assistance to organizations and individuals;
- Maintains records and prepares narrative and statistical reports and other written documents;
- May deliver documents to City and other officials.
Minimum Qualifications:
Actively enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program in a college, university, or technical school, OR actively enrolled in a cadet program in the Department of Public Safety.
Test/Job Contact Information
- Recruitment #: 26-0782-V1
- Employment Type: Part-Time Limited
Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:
- Elizabeth Hopkins
- P: (614) 645-8515
- E: elahopkins@columbus.gov
BCRTA Internship
Interested in public transportation? Are you curious about planning and seeing behind the scenes?
Planning Intern
Website
Job Summary
Time commitment: May 11, 2026 – August 21, 2026
This paid intern position supports asset management of bus stop signs and fleet ITS equipment. This position will help collect location data of all bus stop signs using geospatial technologies and perform route sign installation and removal. This position will also support the creation of GIS dashboards, surveys, apps, and perform complex geospatial analyses to understand ridership patterns. This internship opportunity provides insight into the public transit industry, with various foundational assignments for professional development.
Essential Job Functions:
- Maintain tracking logs of work scheduled and completed tasks.
- Maintain, secure, and document custody control of ITS and IT assets according to PCI and organizational compliance requirements.
- Install, troubleshoot, and repair fleet ITS as directed by the Transit Planner.
- Learn new fleet ITS hardware and software.
- Adapt to changing environment and technology.
- Collect field data using GIS.
- Install and remove signage throughout the service area at the direction of the Transit Planner.
- Weekend work may be required to work on fleet ITS projects.
- Provide basic helpdesk assistance to users when third-party assistance is inappropriate or unavailable.
- Analyze data in Excel and ArcGIS Pro.
- Conduct field surveys to collect ridership data.
- Assist management with special projects.
- Maintain composure and act thoughtfully under pressure.
- Promote a positive public image of BCRTA and exceed customer expectations.
- Attends training events and meetings as assigned.
- Acts as a BCRTA ambassador, projects a positive attitude, and promotes superior customer service.
- Follows all BCRTA procedures and policies.
- Other duties as assigned.
This description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an employee in this job. Employees are required to perform other related functions as assigned.
Job Qualification Requirements:
Skills and Abilities:
- Versatile self-starter, willing to learn new processes and applications.
- Ability to read and interpret documents and instruments.
- Ability to analyze problems and research solutions.
- Ability to multitask in a quick-paced environment without forgetting details.
- Well-developed oral and written communication ability.
- Ability to work independently in the field and office.
- Performs as an effective team player.
- Effective organizational skills in research and record keeping.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Applications.
- Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS products.
- Familiarity with basic hand tools like impact drills, hammers, pliers, and wrenches.
Experience:
Entry level experience with Microsoft Suite with proven ability to learn new software and hardware platforms. Must enjoy technical processes and technologies. BCRTA will train qualified candidates to use industry specific applications.
Education:
Presently enrolled in an accredited degree program related to geography, urban planning, environmental science, or engineering. GIS coursework preferred but not required.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Valid Ohio driver’s license
- Clean motor vehicle record
OCEA Internship Scholarships
Internship Scholarships for Summer 25, Fall 25, and Spring 26 Interns!
Scholarship Information
Overview
OCEA awards $1,000 Scholarships to students pursuing both 2-year and 4-year college degrees in Ohio that have participated in an internship, co-op, apprenticeship or work-based learning experience over the last year!
The deadline for applying for all 2026 Student Scholarships is April 1st, 2026.
Four-Year University/College Scholarship:
- Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0/4.0
- Must be enrolled in a college or university in the State of Ohio
- Applicants must have completed an internship, work-based learning experience, or co-op during Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or are in the process of completing an internship or co-op by Spring 2026
- Internship or co-op must be located in Ohio or the employer’s headquarters must be located in Ohio
Must have a minimum of one semester/term of school remaining after May 2026 - Must submit a reference from a university staff member or internship or co-op supervisor
Available to all undergraduate college majors
Past scholarship winners are not eligible for future awards
Please fill out this application:
Thank you for your application!
For any questions, please contact Lauren Grace at Lauren.Grace@NM.com
Additional Opportunities
- City of Upper Arlington - GIS Intern
- Columbus, OH
- ESRI Summer Internships
- Redlands, CA
- MORPC Summer Internship Program
- Columbus, OH
- BCRTA Planning Intern, May 11 - Aug. 21, 2026
- Hamilton, OH