Pathways Intern: Geospatial Data Technician

Position Title:

Pathways Intern:
Geospatial Data Technician

Student Hourly

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Position Title: Geospatial Data Technician Intern
Department: Geography and Geology
Supervisor: Lisa Siewert, Instructional Supervisor
Location: UW-Stevens Point
Type: Pathways Internship, 2026-27 Academic Year
Compensation: $18.00/hour, approximately 8-10 hours per week

Are you interested in GIS and looking for an opportunity to build professional experience while working on a real-world mapping project?

The Geospatial Data Technician Intern will help transform the official Geologic Map of Wisconsin into a modern GIS dataset for public and educational use. Working primarily in ArcGIS Pro, the intern will digitize geologic formations, create and edit spatial data, check the dataset for errors, and help prepare it for eventual publication through Geo Data@Wisconsin.

This internship provides an opportunity to take GIS skills learned in the classroom and apply them to a large-scale professional project. The completed dataset may also support educational mapping projects, including the Ice Age Trail Educator Geologic Map.

• Digitize geologic formations in ArcGIS Pro using heads-up digitizing techniques.
• Create and edit polygon features representing Wisconsin’s bedrock formations.
• Apply topology rules and identify and correct gaps, overlaps, and other spatial errors.
• Attribute features using standardized geologic unit codes and descriptions.
• Maintain consistent symbology and organized GIS data.
• Assist with creating metadata for the completed dataset.
• Conduct regular quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks.
• Prepare completed GIS data for eventual submission to Geo Data@Wisconsin.
• Maintain organized project files and documentation.
• Meet weekly with the faculty supervisor to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and establish upcoming project goals.
• Communicate questions, challenges, and ideas for improving project workflows.

• Junior or senior standing in Geospatial Sciences or a related field.
• Coursework or demonstrated experience using ArcGIS Pro.
• Strong attention to detail and spatial reasoning skills.
• Ability to work independently and make consistent progress toward project goals.
• Comfort completing detailed digitization and data-editing tasks.
• Interest in GIS, cartography, geography, geology, or related fields.
• Commitment to producing accurate, high-quality geospatial data.

• Be in good academic standing.
• Be enrolled in 12 or more undergraduate credits during each participating term.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

• Professional experience using ArcGIS Pro.
• Geospatial data creation and editing.
• Heads-up digitizing and feature attribution.
• GIS topology and spatial error correction.
• Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).
• Metadata creation and data documentation.
• Geospatial data management and publication workflows.
• Project management and professional communication.
• Experience contributing to a large-scale GIS project that can be discussed with future employers.

LO1 – Geospatial Data Creation and Editing

The intern will apply ArcGIS Pro tools and professional digitizing techniques to create accurate vector data from an existing georeferenced geologic map.

LO2 – Data Quality and Topology

The intern will apply topology and QA/QC procedures to identify, evaluate, and correct spatial and attribute errors within a GIS dataset.

LO3 – Geospatial Data Management

The intern will organize GIS files, attributes, symbology, and metadata using consistent professional data-management practices.

LO4 – Professional Communication and Project Management

The intern will communicate project progress, identify challenges, respond to feedback, and manage weekly project milestones through regular meetings with the faculty supervisor.

LO5 – Professional Development

The intern will develop two individualized professional development goals with the faculty supervisor and reflect on how the knowledge and skills gained through the internship can support future…