Our Wayfinding Team, within the Planning & Design department, oversees all signage throughout the airport, including along Peña Boulevard. We manage signage at every stage of its lifecycle—designing new signs, updating existing ones, programming construction signage, and ensuring compliance with design guidelines and ADA standards. Through stakeholder coordination and collaboration, we work across departments to address signage challenges and develop effective solutions.

PAY - $20.92-23.64/hour, based on education. Application deadline: 2/22 at midnight. Apply today!

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive pay rate to commensurate with education. The salary range for this position is $20.92-23.64/hour, based on education. Denver International Airport emerging talent positions are required to attend all sessions of professional development within the cohort model. You will be onboarded with a cohort of peers to begin to help you develop your network across the aviation industry.

Possible Projects & Job Duties

As a Wayfinding Graphic Design Intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that impact DEN’s signage, wayfinding systems, and overall passenger experience. Your work may include, but is not limited to:

• Check-in Experience Improvements

  • Observe and analyze DEN’s current check-in process to identify opportunities for design or passenger experience improvements.

  • Provide feedback and recommendations based on wayfinding best practices.

• Pictogram Review, Research & Enhancement

  • Evaluate DEN’s existing pictogram set and research industry best practices.

  • Recommend updates to improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility.

• Internal Signage Program Support

  • Learn and assist with DEN’s wayfinding processes and workflows.

  • Support the upkeep of DEN’s digital signage inventory.

• Temporary Signage Observations & Improvements

  • Walk the airport to assess temporary signage such as vinyl graphics and construction-related signs.

  • Identify areas for improvement and suggest enhancements.

• Signage Optimization & Conflict Resolution

  • Evaluate areas where signage may be overused, conflicting, or unclear.

  • Study passenger behavior to recommend ways to streamline signage efforts and improve clarity.

• Design Signage Layouts

  • Help progress signage designs and updates

  • Help create work orders and other needs at DEN to keep up with the pace of on-going projects

Ideal Candidate Summary

Our ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, and eager to grow their skills in wayfinding and environmental graphic design. You might be a great fit if you have some or all of the following:

• Passion for Wayfinding & Design: Interest in the aviation industry, wayfinding, signage, and environmental graphic design.

• Desire to Grow in Graphic Design: Looking to develop and apply design skills in a real-world environment.

• Relevant Academic Background: Currently pursuing a degree in Aviation, Architecture, Art, Graphic Design, Project Management, Interior Design, or a related field.

• Problem-Solving Mindset: Excited to tackle challenges and bring new ideas to the team

Desired Skill Set:

• Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with design tools, especially Adobe Illustrator or similar platforms.

• Adaptability & Initiative: Able to adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced airport environment.

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in design execution and signage placement.

• Collaboration & Communication: Comfortable working with various stakeholders—from project teams to contractors—to bring design concepts to life.

• Understanding of Design in Built Environments: Familiarity with basic design standards and guidelines.

• Problem-Solving Ability: Skilled in spatial problem-solving to create effective, user-friendly navigation solutions.

• Time Management: Capable of meeting deadlines while balancing multiple tasks or projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Education Requirement:

College: This position is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associates, bachelors, higher degree in, or up to one year post college graduation.

• Experience: None 

• Education and Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted. 

Mandatory documentation required to be considered for this position:

• 1 page resume

• Transcripts – either official or unofficial; dated within your current academic term. This is only used to verify amounts of credits; grades will not influence hiring decision.

Optional Documents

• Cover letter detailing why you are interested in this position and 3-5 new skills, experiences, or tools you are hoping to take away from this experience.

Location Flexibility

The City and County of Denver supports a hybrid workplace model with a required 3 days in office. This can be worked out depending on school schedule. Employees work where needed to support business, at the Denver International Airport. We do not offer housing or relocation assistance for this position.

Internship Duration and Hours:

Duration: 1 year

Start Date: June 2nd, 2025

End Date: June 2nd, 2026

Typical hours: 8:00AM – 4:30PM (exact times can be flexible, not to exceed 39 hours/week).

Application Deadline:

This posting will accept applications from February 10th to February 22nd, 2025, at midnight.

Position Type

Oncall

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

FBI Background Check: FBI criminal background check is required for all positions at Denver International Airport (DEN). Employees are also required to report any felony convictions and/or moving violations to maintain this clearance and be eligible for continued employment. By position, a pre-employment physical/drug test may be required.

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