Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship

PROJECT SUMMARY

The National Trust is seeking candidates for a Summer 2026 Internship to support the work of the Research & Development Department (RAD). RAD serves a broad mandate for producing innovative research and development of data-informed deliverables in service of the activities and strategic priorities of the National Trust.

Over the past year, the work of the department has focused on creating and curating geospatial data and StoryMaps to support the Trust’s Preserve Route 66 Initiative and America’s Chinatowns program. The department is also undertaking a large geospatial data and research effort to map where the National Trust has worked over its 75-year history, and the impact the organization has had across the country. Additionally, the department is also focused on developing an open-ended mapping project to commemorate America 250, by identifying places that speak to the nation’s founding democratic ideals.

National Trust internships are temporary experiential learning opportunities with no expectation of employment at the conclusion of the internship.

For this internship, the National Trust is offering a stipend of $4,000 to help offset expenses. The period of the internship is from June 1 to July 24, 2026, for approximately 28 hours per week. The internship for 2026 will be performed remotely.

DUTIES

The GIS intern will be a valued contributor to the work of the RAD team and will work closely with the Senior GIS Manager and GIS Analyst. RAD will provide the intern with opportunities to engage in multiple facets of GIS including data research, collection, editing, analysis, and mapping. Specific tasks may include the following:

• Conduct geospatial research and analysis to support the RAD team’s work on priority projects
• Compile and create metadata for geospatial resources for inclusion in an open data repository
• Create customized web maps and map-based tools to present findings of GIS data collection and analysis efforts
• Research and collect GIS data on places where the National Trust has worked, historic districts, and other preservation related information at the local and state scale
• Maintain and update feature services, map services and other GIS content within the National Trust’s ArcGIS Online and Enterprise environments
• Contribute to the creation of ArcGIS StoryMaps and/or web maps

EDUCATIONAL VALUE TO THE INTERN

The intern will gain experience under the mentorship of respected preservation & GIS professionals, in an educational setting at one of the nation’s leading arts & cultural and non-profit advocacy organizations.

The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in educational programming offered via the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s organization-wide internship program. Students may also be eligible for college or graduate school academic credit at the discretion of their institution.

The RAD GIS intern will be exposed to many areas of the department's activities and be provided with a variety of opportunities to participate in applied GIS. Specifically, the intern will gain knowledge in the following areas:

• Practical application of GIS technology and methods in the historic preservation profession
• Thought leadership in the realm of creating creative GIS solutions to promote positive and data-informed actions
• GIS career development in a non-profit context from a leading national organization

At the end of the project, the intern will have contributed to at least one GIS effort which can be added to their professional portfolio in support of their future career pursuits. GIS projects at the time of internship may vary depending on emergent priorities of RAD and alignment with the interests and background of the selected candidate. Additional project details will be discussed with candidates during the interview phase.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s level studies (or equivalent years of experience) required; current or rising juniors, seniors or graduate students preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in historic preservation, cultural heritage, qualitative GIS or another related field. Students may be from a GIS/Geography program, or a program in preservation, history, planning, urban studies, public policy, or related field.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online are required.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization. Basic project-organization skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with key internal and external stakeholders as needed. Public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required.
• Strong organizational skills required, with ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required. Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Friendly and professional demeanor on the phone and in writing, with ability to speak and write clearly in English.
• Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse colleagues; connections to or experience helping to engage culturally diverse audiences and partners a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.
• Applicants must provide their own computer that can run ArcGIS Pro 3.x. All GIS software/licenses will be provided for the duration of the internship.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and a sample of past GIS work (e.g. original GIS research, project with a GIS component, link to a web map, link to a StoryMap, etc.).