GIS and Data Analysis Assistantship (DOP)

This is a non-civil service position with the City of Baltimore, Department of Planning.

About the Role

The Baltimore City Department of Planning is seeking a GIS and Data Analysis Assistant for a 24-week paid assistantship spanning the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. This opportunity allows graduate students to contribute to real planning projects across the city while designing and executing an independent research project, culminating in a final presentation to the Department of Planning staff in Spring 2027. The position is ideal for graduate students pursuing careers in urban planning, architecture, geography, data science, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• 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: Take a central role in a project developing and increasing accessibility standards for static and interactive maps.
• Department Support: Provide cross-functional GIS and programmatic data support for various planning projects across the department.
• Independent Research Project: Initiate and complete a research project tailored to your interests and expertise, with a final presentation to the Department of Planning staff in Spring 2027.

Requirements

• Must be a graduate student enrolled during the 2026–2027 academic year.
• Must be available to come to the office in Downtown Baltimore in person as requested.

Qualifications

• Technical Proficiency: Basic to advanced competency in spatial analysis, GIS technologies (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), programmatic data workflows, and cartography.
• Independent Research: Strong preference for candidates with an academic background or demonstrable interest in pursuing a research project on city planning, land use, and data.
• Communication: Ability to translate complex spatial data into clear, accessible visuals and maps for planning staff and public stakeholders.

Skills

• High degree of autonomy and strong technical skills.
• Keen interest in the intersection of data, the built environment, and community development.

Pay

Starting pay range: $25/hour.

Schedule

• 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).

Eligible candidates under final consideration will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check and/or fingerprinting.