Internship Spatial Data Analyst Jobs in Tennessee

The GIS Analyst supports geospatial initiatives for the University of Tennessee's Center for Local Planning (CLP) and its mission to assist Tennessee's Cities, Counties, and Development Districts with community planning, growth management, and rural preservation. Reporting to the GIS Project Manager, this position provides technical support for the design, development, testing, maintenance, and analysis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data and applications related to zoning, land use, growth plans, infrastructure, and other spatial data needs. The GIS Analyst contributes to project deliverables from concept to completion, producing high-quality, accurate, and timely GIS products and analysis that support university stakeholders, including coworkers, local governments, and regional partners. The position will be hybrid in accordance with the University of Tennessee's Hybrid and Remote Work Policy.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geospatial Science, Urban/Regional Planning, Environmental Science, or related field

• Experience: Minimum two (2) years of GIS experience. Demonstrated experience with the Esri ArcGIS platform (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online). Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community stakeholders.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles, practices, and applications, including spatial analysis, geodatabase design, and cartography.

  • Familiarity with urban and regional planning concepts, including zoning, land use, and growth management processes within local government contexts.

  • Knowledge of Esri software products, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, as well as related geospatial and data management tools.

  • Familiarity with web-based GIS applications, dashboards, and interactive mapping tools used for public engagement and decision support.

  • Basic knowledge of database management systems (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL/PostGIS) and scripting tools (e.g., Python, ModelBuilder) for GIS automation and analysis.

  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to support multiple concurrent GIS and planning projects.

  • Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting spatial data and supporting data-driven planning decisions.

  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and stakeholder needs in a dynamic planning environment.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, regional agencies, and university staff.

  • Ability to travel and present outside normal business hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Geography, Geospatial Science, Urban/Regional Planning, Environmental Science, or related field

• Experience: Previous experience working in a planning and/or local government context preferred.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of and experience working within Tennessee's local government planning framework, including relevant statutes, growth plan requirements, and City, County, and Development District planning activities.

Work Location: 

Nashville or Knoxville, Tennessee

 
Benefits:

• Find more information on UT Benefits here
  

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 13, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  

About The College/Department/Division 

The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training, and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.

GIS Analysis and Project Support

• Support GIS project planning, scheduling, and execution under the direction of the GIS Project Manager and in alignment with CLP goals.

• Perform spatial analysis, data processing, and geoprocessing tasks to support planning projects and deliverables.

• Assist in developing project scopes, deliverables, and timelines for assigned tasks, often balancing multiple concurrent assignments.

• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and timely completion of assigned GIS deliverables.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to support project success and quality outcomes.

• Prepare maps, reports, and documentation for the GIS Project Manager, Executive Director, and partner organizations.

• Assist in evaluating new GIS technologies and tools that enhance planning and decision-making capacity.

• Coordinate with the GIS Project Manager and OIT staff as needed to support licensing and configuration of GIS-related products and services.

• Attend internal and external meetings, assisting in the assessment of project needs and supporting the development of technical solutions.

• Assist in the development and delivery of training to supporting staff, students, and local government personnel in the use of GIS technologies and applications.

Collaboration with Local, Regional and State Partners

• Work collaboratively with Tennessee Development Districts, city and county governments, and regional planning organizations.

• Provide GIS support for zoning maps, growth plans, future land use plans, and comprehensive planning projects.

• Support data sharing and collaboration among local governments, helping ensure consistent and standardized mapping practices.

• Serve as a technical resource for local planning agencies, assisting them in the use and maintenance of GIS systems.

• Provide training and technical support to local government users on GIS software and best practices.

Technical Support and Data Management

• Support the collection, organization, analysis, and visualization of geospatial data.

• Assist in maintaining and enhancing GIS databases, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility.

• Help develop and deploy GIS applications and tools (e.g., ArcGIS Online, Story Maps, dashboards) to support local planning efforts.

• Ensure adherence to GIS standards, metadata protocols, and Tennessee state mapping guidelines.

• Assist in configuring and maintaining web mapping applications and visualizations.

• Support the design and delivery of web-based applications and decision support tools, including data visualizations, web-based mapping tools, remote sensing and modeling tools, and citizen data platforms.

Administration

• Assists the GIS Project Manager in coordinating with IPS agencies and staff.

• Assists in grant-related documentation and administration as assigned.

• Ensures that all forms established and required by the Agency, Institute, or University are completely and correctly completed, and that all applicable policies are followed.

Other Duties

• Attend professional development meetings, conferences, seminars, training classes, and administrative committees and task forces as assigned (may be internal to IPS or the University).

• Travel as required.