Office of the Comptroller – Interns/Fellows

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