Spatial Analysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

GIS & Data Analysis Assistantship

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027

STARTING PAY RANGE: $25/hourly

JOB SUMMARY

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Baltimore City Department of Planning is seeking aGIS and Data Analysis Assistantto join our team for the Fall 2026 semester. Assistantships in our department are longterm (24week), paid opportunities that allow graduate students to work part-time and contribute directly to real planning projects across the city and designtheir own independent research project. This position is ideal for graduate students pursuing careers in urban planning, architecture, geography, data science, or related fields.

CORE PROJECTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The GIS& DataAssistantwill support key data infrastructure and mapping initiatives within the agency. Additionally, the assistant willinitiatean independent research project tailored to their interests andexpertise,with a final presentationtoentire Department of Planning staffthe Spring of 2027.

Anticipated projects and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Tree Canopy Analysis:Assist with spatial modeling and data evaluation to assess and track the city's urban forest and green infrastructure.

• Custom Base Map Creation:Design and refine specialized base maps tailored to specific department initiatives and public engagement efforts.

• Religious Buildings & Places of Worship Dataset:Develop, audit, and maintain a comprehensive spatial dataset of religious and faith-based institutions across the city to support community planning efforts.

• Map Accessibility: Takea central rolein a project developing and increasing the accessibility and accessibility standards for static and interactive maps.

• Department Support:Provide cross-functional GIS and programmatic data support for various planning projects across the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Eligibility:

• Must be a graduate student enrolled during the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Must be available to come to the officein Downtown Baltimorein person as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ideal candidates can operate with a high degree of autonomy, possess strong technical skills, and demonstrate a keen interest in the intersection of data, the built environment, and community development.

• Technical Proficiency:Basic to advanced competency in spatial analysis, GIS technologies (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), programmatic data workflows, and cartography.

• Independent Research:Strong preference will be given to candidates with an academic background or a demonstrable interest inpursuing aresearch projecton city planning, land useand data.

• Communication:Ability to translate complex spatial data into clear, accessible visuals and maps for planning staff and public stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Classification:Graduate Assistantship

• Time Commitment:Up to 15 hours per week; hybrid (in-person meeting schedules will be coordinated by the supervisor)

• Duration:24 weeks (proposed start date: October 5, 2026, ending in late March or early April, with a scheduled winter break)

• Eligibility:

• Must be a graduate student enrolled during the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Must be available to come to the officein Downtown Baltimorein person as requested.

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed.

How to Apply

Pleaseapply on the City of Baltimore portal and upload your resume.All application materials must besubmittedby 11:59 pm on Sunday,September6th, 2026, to be considered.

If you are selected for an interview,you will be requested to provide aletter of recommendation and aworksampledemonstratingexperience in any or a combination of the following:

• A data or GIS project led or supported by the candidate showing interest, experience, or competency in spatial analysis, cartography, programmatic data analysis, or data visualization, with a preference for projects relevant to urban planning principles. And/or:

• A project led or supported by the candidate focused on a topic relevant to city planning principles and concepts that includes a GIS or datacomponent. Review our "Divisions and Staff" sectionherefor relevant bodies of work.

Applicants under consideration will be contacted. All applicants will be notified bythe end ofSeptember2026.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER