Land Information - INTERN

The Land Information Internship is designed to offer a student direct exposure to their current coursework in fields related to Geographic Information Systems, Surveying, Planning, and Land Information; in coordination of their college coursework, professor and/or academic counselor. 

Duration of internship: 40 hours per week for 12-week period (480 hours total)  Work schedule:  Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Preferred Start Date:  June 1, 2026 

Housing/Lodging: Polk County does not offer internship housing. It is the responsibility of the selected candidates to secure housing within a reasonable distance during the internship period.   This internship is preferred to be a "for credit" summer internship position.  Students can expect to gain real-world work experience in a land records department, that may include the following: 

• Collect, capture, input, update, geospatial data within the county GIS ensuring data quality. 
• Gather surrounding county geospatial records to develop new and/or update existing 911 dispatch mapping records. 
• Update recreation trail and street centerline features using current orthoimagery and/or GPS field data collection techniques. 
• Accurately map Polk County Historical Society landmarks to complete the development of this GIS layer.  Mapping techniques may include referencing Google Maps street view, orthoimagery, and/or GPS field collection. 
• Modernize historic hard-copy land records by using various scanning techniques and file naming conventions. To create a digital record for longevity, searchability, and viewing. 
• Map sub-address site GIS records by using gathered site plans, orthoimagery, and other sources of location information. May need to contact and/or work with public and private sources to obtain records. 
• Creates thematic and comprehensive maps for analysis, quality control, presentations and distribution. 
• Translate legal land descriptions and Public Land Survey System (PLSS) data to cartographic representations. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Competency Requirements 

1. Customer Service and Community Relations - Meets the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. Delivers high-quality services; is committed to continuous improvement.  Communicates/interacts with members of the public and other key stakeholders in a way that elicits positive response, which on occasion, may include interaction either one-on-one or with several stakeholders at one time to present information and/or represent the organization's interests. 
2. Honesty & Integrity - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy. 
3. Accountability - Assumes responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives and delivering results; sets high standards of performance for self and others. 

Preferred Student Qualifications 

• Positive attitude 
• Strong work ethic and able to work with minimal supervision 
• Good driving record 
• ArcGIS Pro and GPS technology experience 
• Experience with map and layout production 
• Knowledge of common file types and use of Microsoft Office products 
• Understanding of the Public Land Survey System and property legal descriptions 
• Familiarity with Polk County or ability to read a map for navigation  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Requirements 
Students applying for this internship should be working towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Hydrology/Water Resources, Natural Resource Management, Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or related field. Physical Requirements 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, walk, stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, bend, kneel, talk, hear and smell. May require working outdoors, extensive walking, and carrying equipment. 
• The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to focus. 

Work Environment 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the duties/responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position will be performed almost exclusively in a sedentary office setting, involving sitting and standing.  

EEO Statement: 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations): 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.

Salary : $14