Field Research Photographer - Cologne at CoStar Group

Overview

COSTAR GROUP – RESEARCH PHOTOGRAPHER, COLOGNE (M/W/D)

CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real‑estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces. Included in the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100, the company is on a mission to digitize the real‑estate market, empowering people to discover properties and insights that improve their businesses and lives. For over 35 years we have shaped the world of real‑estate information and online marketplaces, continually refining our approach, innovating, and setting industry standards.

Role Description

We are looking for Research Photographers to support us in building an in‑depth understanding of the commercial‑real‑estate market in Cologne and surrounding areas. The Research Photographer ensures that CoStar products present the most current and accurate information and photographs of commercial properties and listings through on‑site inspections within the assigned geography.

Responsibilities

• Drive or walk assigned submarkets within core territories to collect imagery, information and updates, including new listings, missing inventory, construction status, and high‑resolution images.


• Cross‑reference new leads with current information on the CoStar database by researching sales and lease comparable data.


• Photograph and collect building attribute data and contact information on all commercial properties with for‑lease and for‑sale signs in the entire assigned territory.


• Document all visible property data fields: address, building type, number of stories, gross building area, height, industrial loading information, retail specifics.


• Use Adobe software (Lightroom, Photoshop, PremierePro) to post‑process digital images.


• Create building footprints and rooftop geocodes for each property using polygon tools in field‑mapping software.


• Associate assigned tenant locations with properties and photograph tenant spaces.


• Follow daily research procedures: communicate with the Photography Manager, log working time, provide production updates, and adhere to predefined timelines.


• Upload data and images collected on the day the properties are canvassed.


• Photograph and collect data on multiple properties each day as defined by the Manager.


• Visually scan commercial properties in the assigned submarket to achieve the target number of potential listings per day.


• Utilize a provided drone to capture high‑quality aerial imagery, enhancing accuracy and visual insight.


• Communicate professionally with property managers and customers via phone, e‑mail, and in person.


• Abide by CoStar safety standards; maintain company vehicle and equipment.


• Represent CoStar in a professional manner at all times.


• Participate in monthly conference calls with sales and research teams.


• Represent the Research team at occasional trade functions.

Physical Requirements

Repetitive standing, seeing, sitting and walking up to 8hours per day; holding 2kg in one hand for 5minutes; carrying camera gear for up to 8hours; repetitive hand movements for typing and writing; exposure to various weather conditions, vehicle noise, and exhaust fumes.

Qualifications

• Full local driving licence (clean record preferred).


• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English and German.


• Technical proficiency in digital photography and post‑processing with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, PremierePro.


• Degree‑level education, preferably with a significant component in photography.


• Willingness to travel across the country for special field projects.


• Knowledge of MacOS, Microsoft Office and internet applications.


• Existing portfolio of property exterior and interior imagery.


• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.


• Flexibility and positive adoption of new processes.


• Hands‑on drone experience and a valid European A2 drone licence.


• Ability to quickly learn and apply commercial real‑estate terminology and mapping software.


• Ability to work independently and follow CoStar protocols remotely without supervision.


• Comfortable working alone with daily support via phone and e‑mail.

Benefits

• 29 days annual leave.


• Pension and life assurance.


• Competitive remuneration package.


• Culture of collaboration and innovation.


• Opportunity for professional development within the company.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CoStar Group is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance‑abuse testing where required.