GIS and Data Analysis Assistantship (DOP

The Baltimore City Department of Planning is seeking a GIS and Data Analysis Assistant to join our team for the Fall 2026 semester. Assistantships in our department are long-term (24-week), paid opportunities that allow graduate students to work part-time and contribute directly to real planning projects across the city and design their 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 & Data Assistant will support key data infrastructure and mapping initiatives within the agency. Additionally, the assistant will initiate an independent research project tailored to their interests and expertise, with a final presentation to entire Department of Planning staff the 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: Take a central role in 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., * 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 office in Downtown Baltimore in 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.

• Eligibility:
• 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.

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 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., If you are selected for an interview, you will be requested to provide a letter of recommendation and a work sample demonstrating experience 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 data component. Review our “Divisions and Staff” section here for relevant bodies of work., Academic Background, Analysis Skills, ArcGIS, Background Investigation, Cartography, Community Development, Community Support, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Mapping, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Sets, Data Visualization, Dilution Of Precision (DOP), Geospatial Analysis, Land Use, Project Planning, Spatial Data, Time Management, Urban Planning