Associate Field Research Photographer CoStar - Cologne (M/W/D)

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for Associate Research Photographers who will support us as we build out an in-depth understanding of the commercial real estate of Cologne and surrounding areas. This role will be offered on a 2-year fixed term contract basis.

The Field Research Photographer is responsible for ensuring that the CoStar products are representing the most current and accurate information and photographs on commercial properties and listings through on-site inspections within the assigned geography. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment (Canon R6, tilt-shift lens and 17-35mm lens, drone where applicable, iPad, laptop, smartphone, mobile wi-fi and traveling via foot/public transport or hybrid research vehicle when necessary) our Associate Research Photographers canvass the market to identify and capture commercial listings, properties, building attributes, tenants and photographs not represented in the CoStar database. Associate Research Photographers are remotely managed by a Photography Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the collection of imagery, property information, and market updates across assigned submarkets and core territories by driving or walking designated areas.
• Assist with identifying new availabilities, missing inventory, construction updates, and required image updates within assigned territories.
• Capture high-quality exterior property images and collect visible building information for commercial properties, including properties with for lease and for sale signage.
• Collect basic property attribute data while in front of targeted buildings, including address, building type, number of stories, general building size, visible occupier information, and other key observable details.
• Support the Research team by cross-checking new leads against existing CoStar database information and escalating potential new or updated information where required.
• Gather building data and contact information where available and submit findings into our own Field Research App.
• Support the creation and update of building footprints and geocodes using CoStar field mapping tools, following training and internal guidance.
• Use Adobe software, primarily Lightroom and Photoshop, to complete basic post-processing of digital images in line with CoStar quality standards.
• Assist with associating assigned tenant locations to properties and photographing tenant spaces where required.
• Follow daily Research procedures, including regular communication with the Photography Manager, accurate logging of working time, and providing clear production updates.
• Upload collected data and images on the same day where possible, ensuring work is submitted accurately and within agreed timeframes.
• Photograph and collect imagery on assigned properties each day, based on targets and priorities set by the manager.
• Visually scan commercial properties in assigned submarkets while driving or walking to identify potential leasing and sale signs, supporting lead generation projects.
• Support drone-based imagery capture where trained, licensed, and approved to do so, following all local regulations and CoStar safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally with property managers, customers, and internal teams by phone, email, and in person when required.
• Follow CoStar safety standards and escalate any field safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain company vehicle, camera equipment, drone equipment where applicable, and other assigned tools in good working order.
• Represent CoStar in a professional manner while working in the field.
• Participate in regular team calls, training sessions, and updates with Photography, Research teams.
• Support Research participation at occasional trade functions or market-related events where required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, and work in the field for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to carry camera equipment and field gear during the working day.
• Ability to hold equipment weighing approximately 2kg in one hand for short periods when required.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements needed for typing, writing, image capture, and equipment handling.
• Comfortable working outdoors and being exposed to different weather conditions throughout the year.
• Comfortable working around normal traffic, vehicle noise, and possible vehicle exhaust fumes.
• Ability to travel safely between assigned locations by car, public transport, walking, or other approved methods.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A full local driving licence is essential; a clean driving record is preferred.
• Good written and spoken communication skills in German and English.
• Developing technical knowledge of digital photography, with the ability to capture clear, well-composed images.
• Basic experience with Adobe software such as Lightroom and Photoshop.
• Photography education, training, or relevant practical experience is preferred.
• An interest in commercial real estate, urban environments, architecture, property research, or field-based work.
• Basic knowledge of Mac OS, Microsoft Office, and internet-based applications.
• A photography portfolio is preferred, particularly including property, architecture, street, landscape, or urban imagery.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to follow daily instructions, complete assigned work, and provide timely updates.
• Flexible and open to learning new systems, processes, and field research methods.
• Willingness to travel within assigned territories and occasionally support field projects in other locations.
• Drone experience and a valid European A2 drone licence are desirable.
• Ability to learn commercial real estate terminology, mapping tools, and CoStar data collection processes.
• Comfortable working independently in the field while receiving regular remote support from a manager or team lead.
• Able to follow CoStar protocols, safety procedures, and quality standards with guidance and supervision.
• Comfortable working alone during the day while staying connected with the team via phone, email, and internal communication tools.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Working at CoStar Group means you'll enjoy a culture of collaboration and innovation that attracts the best and brightest across a broad range of disciplines. As well as having a fantastic pathway to develop professionally within CoStar, other perks include 29 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, and competitive remuneration packages!

At CoStar, we recognise the positive value of diversity and promote equality. We aim at all times to recruit the person who is most suited to the job and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including but not limited to; people of all genders, of all ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, nationalities, religions and beliefs.

WAS WIR BIETEN

Bei der CoStar Group arbeiten Sie in einer kollaborativen und innovationsorientierten Unternehmenskultur, die herausragende Talente aus unterschiedlichen Fachbereichen anzieht. Neben sehr guten Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten innerhalb des Unternehmens bieten wir unter anderem 29 Tage Urlaub, betriebliche Altersvorsorge, Lebensversicherung sowie ein attraktives Vergütungspaket.

Bei CoStar schätzen wir Vielfalt und fördern Chancengleichheit. Unser Ziel ist es, stets die am besten geeignete Person für die jeweilige Position zu gewinnen. Wir begrüßen Bewerbungen von Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Hintergründen – unabhängig von Geschlecht, Alter, sexueller Orientierung, ethnischer Zugehörigkeit, Nationalität, Religion oder Weltanschauung.

CoStar Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; we maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing