GIS Intern - 1099 Contractor (Falls Church; St. Louis)

GIS Intern - 1099 Contractor

Position: GIS Intern

Employment Type: Part Time 

Location: Falls Church, VA. (Remote within the Continental US but strong preference will be given to applicants located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.)

About Us: Tesla Government Inc. (no affiliation with the automotive company) is a rapidly growing small business, located in Falls Church, Virginia. Founded in 2009, Tesla Government seeks to improve how government agencies manage and share information internally and with government and external partners. Our proven agile, outcome-oriented approach delivers results quickly, reducing risk and driving client success.

Position Summary:
The GIS Intern supports the development, management, and delivery of geospatial data, content, and mapping products for Tesla Government’s contractual programs and broader GIS platform. The role assists with organizing and maintaining geographic data, updating mapping products, acquiring geospatial information, and supporting web-based GIS applications and workflows. Working alongside GIS analysts, the GIS Intern gains practical experience with enterprise geospatial technologies while contributing to the delivery of accurate, well-organized, and reliable GIS products. The position requires strong attention to detail, data management and communication skills, and an interest in applying GIS technology to real-world projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (others may be assigned)

• Organize, structure, maintain, and update geographic data and associated documentation.

• Locate, acquire, evaluate, store, analyze, and display geospatial information from a variety of sources.

• Develop and update maps, data products, and other geospatial content using ArcGIS Pro and related GIS technologies.

• Leverage existing tools, templates, and workflows to maintain and update established mapping products.

• Support web-based GIS workflows using ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and related Esri applications.

• Assist with reviewing and maintaining geospatial data and content for use in web mapping applications and services.

• Review GIS data and products for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and adherence to established standards.

• Create and maintain metadata, documentation, notes, and other supporting information associated with GIS datasets and products.

• Assist GIS analysts with data management and application-support activities.

• Troubleshoot data, software, and workflow issues using structured problem-solving techniques and escalate issues when appropriate.

• Use spreadsheets and other data-management tools to organize, review, transform, and validate information used in GIS workflows.

• Where appropriate, use Python, scripting, markup languages, or other technical tools to support data processing, automation, and workflow improvements.

• Communicate effectively with team members regarding project requirements, data issues, progress, and deliverables.

• Complete assigned work within established deadlines while maintaining appropriate standards for accuracy and quality.

• Assist with other GIS and program-support activities as needed.

What Success Looks Like:

• Geospatial data is accurately organized, maintained, documented, and prepared for use in mapping, analysis, and web-based GIS applications.

• Mapping products and GIS content are updated reliably and in accordance with established requirements, standards, and workflows.

• GIS data and products are carefully reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and consistency before delivery.

• Metadata, documentation, and project notes are maintained clearly enough to support collaboration and continued use by other team members.

• Technical and data-related problems are approached methodically, with questions and issues communicated effectively to the appropriate team members.

• Assigned tasks and deliverables are completed on schedule without compromising quality.

• The intern demonstrates continued growth in GIS, data management, web GIS, troubleshooting, and related technical skills while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree, completed or in progress, in GIS, Geography, Geospatial Science, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.

• Technical Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of geographic information systems and geospatial data concepts.

• Experience with desktop GIS software, preferably ArcGIS Pro.

• Familiarity with web-based GIS technologies, such as ArcGIS Enterprise and/or ArcGIS Online.

• Experience organizing, managing, and working with geographic, tabular, and other structured data.

• Proficiency with spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Excel.

• Ability to organize and synthesize written, tabular, geographic, and visual information into coherent products.

Professional Skills:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain accurate metadata, documentation, and project notes.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Willingness and ability to learn new GIS technologies, tools, and workflows.

• U.S. citizenship.

Desired Experience:

• Experience using Python for geospatial data processing, analysis, or workflow automation.

• Familiarity with scripting, markup languages, or other programming concepts.

• Experience creating or maintaining web maps, web applications, dashboards, or other web-based GIS content.

• Familiarity with geospatial data acquisition, conversion, quality control, and metadata practices.

• Experience working with ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online beyond introductory coursework.

• Familiarity with common geospatial data formats, coordinate systems, projections, and spatial data-management concepts.

• Experience applying GIS to academic, professional, volunteer, or independent projects.

• Demonstrated interest in expanding technical skills and effectively leveraging software to solve geospatial problems.

Job Type: 1099 Independent Contractor. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and insurance. No benefits, no equipment provided, no tax withholding, or unemployment insurance is provided.

Compensation: This is a 1099 contract position with an hourly rate range of $30 - $40 hourly.

Tesla Government Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This is a part time position

Salary : $30 - $40