THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION
CITY OF BALTIMORE, OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER
INTERNS/FELLOWS - Part-time
Salary: $20.00 - No Benefits
Two (2) Comptroller fellows will support the Department of Telecommunications in enhancing internal systems, developing web-based tools, and implementing an internal AI-powered query solution. Fellows will work on existing platforms and build new solutions to improve operational efficiency and access information across city agencies.
Project 1: Inventory & Ticketing System Enhancement
Objective
Enhance and extend an existing Python-based inventory and ticketing system developed in the prior year.
Tasks
- Analyze the current Python application and database schema
- Design and implement new SQL tables to support data migration and system expansion
- Perform data migration from existing structures to updated schema
- Modify backend logic to support new database structure
- Develop and configure an IIS-hosted web interface
- Integrate IIS with the existing Python dashboard
- Ensure accessibility across the internal city network
- Improve system usability and performance where applicable
Deliverables
- Updated database schema and documentation
- Functional enhancements to Python application
- IIS-hosted interface accessible internally
- Technical documentation (installation, configuration, and usage)
Project 2: Telecommunications Intranet / SharePoint Site
Objective
Design and implement an internal intranet or SharePoint site for the Department of Telecommunications.
Tasks
- Gather requirements for content and structure
- Design site architecture and navigation
- Develop pages for:
- Department information
- Policies and procedures
- Contact directories
- Service descriptions
- Ensure site is accessible within the internal network
- Structure content so it can be adapted for future public website use
Deliverables
- Fully functional intranet/SharePoint site
- Content management structure
- Documentation for future updates and scalability
Project 3: Internal AI Query System
Objective
Develop an internal only AI-powered query system to provide real-time access to telecommunications data.
Tasks
- Design a secure, internal AI query interface (not public facing)
- Integrate with Tiger paw ticketing system to retrieve:
- Work order status (open/closed)
- Ticket details for wireless and mobile services
- Enable query capabilities for:
- Internal directory lookup (city-published numbers)
- Department service information
- Develop backend logic to:
- Query databases and APIs
- Format and return user-friendly responses
- Ensure appropriate access control and data security
Deliverables
- Functional AI query interface (internal tool)
- Integration with ticketing and internal data sources
- Query response logic and documentation
- Security and access control implementation
Work Structure & Expectations
- Duration: Summer term (6-8 weeks)
- Team Structure:
- Fellows may collaborate but will have defined ownership areas
- Supervision:
- Weekly meetings with project supervisor
- Weekly review with telecom team
Final Deliverables (End of Fellowship)
- Completed and tested systems for all three projects
- Technical documentation for each project
- End of fellowship presentation/demo
- Recommendations for future improvements
Suggested Task Breakdown Between Fellows
Fellow #1 (Systems & Backend Focus):
- Python system enhancements
- SQL database design and migration
- AI query backend integration
Fellow #2 (Web & User Interface Focus):
- IIS web interface development
- SharePoint/intranet site design
- AI query frontend interface
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Fellows:
1. Knowledge (What the Fellows should understand)
- Fundamental knowledge of programming concepts, especially in Python
- Understanding of relational databases and SQL (tables, queries, joins, normalization)
- Basic knowledge of web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Familiarity with client-server architecture and web applications
- Understanding of IT systems and networking basics (internal vs external access, intranet concepts)
- Awareness of software development lifecycle (SDLC) principles
- Basic understanding of:
- APIs and data integration
- AI/automation concepts (e.g., query systems, chat interfaces)
- General knowledge of information security practices (user access, internal systems)
2. Skills
Technical Skills
- Write and modify Python code in an existing application
- Design, create, and modify SQL databases and tables
- Perform data migration and validation
- Develop basic web interfaces and dashboards
- Configure or work within web hosting environments (IIS preferred)
- Build and structure intranet or SharePoint sites
- Integrate multiple systems (e.g., database, ticketing system, web interface)
- Develop simple AI-driven query interfaces (rule-based or API-assisted)
Analytical Skills
- Analyze existing systems and identify improvements
- Troubleshoot technical issues and debug code
- Interpret user requirements and translate them into technical solutions
Communication Skills
- Clearly document technical work
- Communicate progress, issues, and solutions to supervisors
- Collaborate effectively with team members
3. Abilities (How the intern applies knowledge and skills)
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to existing systems and tools
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to manage time and meet deadlines in a short (6-week) timeframe
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to follow technical instructions and security protocols
- Ability to think critically and solve problems creatively
- Ability to translate technical concepts into user-friendly solutions
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity of internal systems
Minimum Qualifications
- Junior or Senior-level college student
- Major in:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems (or related field)
- Experience with:
- Python
- SQL / relational databases
- Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Preferred:
- Familiarity with IIS (Internet Information Services)
- SharePoint or intranet platforms
- Basic understanding of APIs and AI/ML concepts
The City of Baltimore is an Equal Opportunity Employer
