Geospatial Data Intern

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is seeking two Geospatial Data Interns in our Chapel Hill, NC office. The Geospatial Data Interns will work closely with the Geospatial Science and Program Communications teams on research projects to fill much-needed data gaps in complex and evolving strategic campaigns. Project topics may change semester-to-semester and could include pollution in drinking water supplies, the threat of sea level rise to industrial facilities, siting green energy infrastructure, the disproportionate burden of road expansion projects in communities of color, protecting wildlife habitat for endangered species, or other topics. Examples of recent past projects include compiling regional PFAS monitoring results into an online data viewer and synthesizing data on energy burden to deploy at geographically specific scales. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

Interns will work primarily in-office. These openings are part-time, paid internships that will start at the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester and continue until the end of the Spring 2027 semester (interns will work for both semesters, with a winter break between semesters).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research sources of geospatial data on project themes in six Southern states (AL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA).
• Prepare publicly acquired data for analysis. Preparation may include digitizing, georeferencing, standardizing formats, cleaning results, and testing for completeness.
• Document data sources, standardization methods, and analysis. Write comprehensive metadata for datasets developed during the internship.
• Prepare management/maintenance plans and best practices for continuing to keep information up-to-date and accurate.
• Work with SELC staff to integrate data into existing online geospatial tools and workflows.
• Prepare maps and/or data visualizations on project themes, including graphics for print, digital images, and interactive web-based tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience collecting and using geospatial and aspatial geographic data from public sources, especially state and local governments.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. Basic data manipulation in R or Python a plus.
• Geospatial data collection, management, and analysis, including best practices in writing metadata and project documentation.
• Research skills including interpreting data, writing summaries, and preparing annotated bibliographies.
• Basic understanding/interest in environmental law and environmental justice.
• Ability to explain research findings to a broad audience, including those without any technical or topic expertise.
• Ability to receive and integrate constructive feedback.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Desired Qualifications:

• Connection to the people and places of the South.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

About SELC:

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 250, including more than 160 legal and policy experts and advocates. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, SELC has offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and values diverse perspectives. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.selc.org/.

Internship Information:

• Semesters: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, exact dates to be determined
• Hours: 15-20 hours/week
• Compensation: $16.00/hour
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt (hourly and temporary)
• Location: SELC Chapel Hill Office – 136 E Rosemary St., Suite 500 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
• Application Deadline: Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET

To Apply:

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and a work sample or portfolio link (such as a mapping project, work sample from a related job, internship, or research project, or a personal project demonstrating skills relevant to the position), and three references. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

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SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.