Portsmouth Public Works’ Intern Program Continues to Improve Data Planning

The City of Portsmouth’s Department of Public Works have again employed the services of two University of New Hampshire graduates who interned in their Geographic Information System (GIS) department this year. Working under the guidance of the City’s GIS Coordinator, Jamie McCarty, Evan Silva and Thomas Nethercott used global positioning equipment, cameras and own observations to inspect the City’s water infrastructure and compile data for other City initiatives.

The focus of this intern team this summer included verifying and updating information for the City’s stormwater system, created an inventory of double utility poles, in addition to collecting information on private water lines through GIS and site plans in order to build a more comprehensive water system map book. They also collected monthly data for monitoring wells in Greenland, Madbury and Portsmouth, and helped manage handling easement information and homeowner outreach for specific construction projects. Their research has helped the City complete these special projects in-house and has been beneficial in supporting and prioritizing future City projects and needs.

Coming into this program, Silva studied Civil Engineering with a focus on water resources and architecture. Nethercrott studied Geography with a focus in geotechniques. Through their work in the GIS department, they have received unique insight in both of their fields of study as they transition into the professional workforce.

The Public Works team has now hosted interns to work on various City initiatives for over five years. According to Jamie McCarty, their work is extremely beneficial in future planning for the City. “While this program offers beneficial experience for these graduates, we are equally fortunate for their dedication and hard work. Their research and reporting results in significant work that contributes to our GIS inventories and ongoing operational and capital project management.”