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

Overview

CoStar Group is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces. Included in the S&P 500 Index, CoStar is on a mission to digitise the world’s real estate, empowering all people to discover properties, insights and connections that improve their businesses and lives.

Role Description

Associate Research Photographer (2‑year fixed term contract). This role involves on‑site inspections in Cologne and surrounding areas to capture high‑quality property images and collect data for the CoStar database. You will use state‑of‑the‑art equipment – Canon R6, tilt‑shift lens, 17‑35mm lens, drone (where applicable), iPad, laptop, smartphone and mobile wi‑fi – and travel by foot, public transport or company vehicle. Remote management is provided by a Photography Manager.

Please include a link to your portfolio of real‑estate or architectural photography, or upload your portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Support the collection of imagery, property information and market updates across assigned sub‑markets and core territories by driving or walking designated areas.
• Identify 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: address, building type, number of stories, general building size, visible occupier information and other key observable details.
• Cross‑check new leads against existing CoStar database information and flag potential new or updated information.
• Gather building data and contact information where available and submit findings into the Field Research App.
• Support creation and updating of building footprints and geocodes using CoStar field mapping tools.
• Use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for basic post‑processing of digital images in line with CoStar quality standards.
• Associate assigned tenant locations to properties and photograph tenant spaces, where required.
• Follow daily Research procedures, keep accurate logs, update the Photography Manager and deliver clear production updates.
• Upload collected data and images on the same day where possible, ensuring timely submission.
• Conduct visual scans of commercial properties while driving or walking to identify potential lease and sale signs, supporting lead generation projects.
• Perform drone‑based imagery capture where trained, licensed and approved, following all local regulations and safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally with property managers, customers and internal teams by phone, email or in person.
• Follow CoStar safety standards, escalating any field safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain company vehicle, camera and drone equipment in good working order.
• Represent CoStar professionally while working in the field.
• Participate in regular team calls, training sessions and updates with Photography and 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 up to 8 hours per day.
• Carry camera equipment and field gear throughout the day.
• Hold equipment weighing approximately 2 kg in one hand for short periods.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements for typing, writing, image capture and equipment handling.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around normal traffic.
• Travel safely between assigned locations by car, public transport, walking or approved methods.

Qualifications

• Valid local driving licence (clean record preferred).
• Good written and spoken communication skills in German and English.
• Developing technical knowledge of digital photography, capable of capturing clear and well‑composed images.
• Basic experience with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
• Photography education, training or relevant practical experience preferred.
• 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.
• Photography portfolio preferred, especially property, architecture, street, landscape or urban imagery.
• Good organisational skills, 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 elsewhere.
• Drone experience and a valid European A2 drone licence desirable.
• Ability to learn commercial real‑estate terminology, mapping tools and CoStar data collection processes.
• Comfortable working independently in the field with remote support.
• Able to follow CoStar protocols, safety procedures and quality standards with supervision.

Benefits

Working at CoStar Group offers a collaborative and innovative culture, a fantastic career pathway and benefits including 29 days annual leave, pension, life assurance and competitive remuneration packages.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CoStar Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; we maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. CoStar Group is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.