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

• Co Star Group – Associate Field Research Photographer, Cologne (M/W/D)
• Overview

Co Star Group is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces.

Included in the S&P 500 Index, Co Star Group 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.

We’ve been in the real estate information and online marketplaces space for over 35 years, continually refining and improving our approach to deliver for our customers, employees, and investors.

Role Description

We are looking for Associate Research Photographers to build an in-depth understanding of the commercial real estate of Cologne and surrounding areas.

This role is offered on a 2-year fixed term contract.

The Field Research Photographer ensures that Co Star products reflect current and accurate information and photographs on commercial properties and listings through on-site inspections in the assigned geography.

Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment (Canon R6, tilt-shift lens and 17-35mm lens, drone where applicable, i Pad, laptop, smartphone, mobile wi-fi) and traveling by 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 Co Star database.

They are remotely managed by a Photography Manager.

Please ensure that your application includes either a link to your portfolio of real estate/architectural photography, or an upload of your real estate/architectural photography portfolio.

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 Co Star 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 Co Star 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 Co Star 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 Co Star safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally with property managers, customers, and internal teams by phone, email, and in person when required.
• Follow Co Star 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 Co Star in a professional manner 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 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 valid local driving licence in Germany; a clean driving record is preferred.
• Good written and spoken German and English.
• Developing technical knowledge of digital photography with ability to capture clear, well-composed images.
• Basic experience with Adobe 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 portfolio with property, architecture, street, landscape, or urban imagery is preferred.
• 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 Co Star data collection processes.
• Independent working style and ability to receive remote support from a manager or team lead.
• Willingness to work independently while staying connected with the team via phone, email, and internal tools.
• Co Star Group is US-headquartered; corporate language is English.

You may be asked to provide an English version of your CV/resume and some parts of the interview may be conducted in English.

What’s In It For You

Co Star Group offers a collaborative and innovative culture with strong development opportunities.

Benefits include 29 days of annual leave, pension, life assurance, and competitive remuneration.

Co Star values diversity and promotes equality, welcoming applications from all backgrounds including but not limited to gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, religion or beliefs.

Locations/Language

Cologne, Germany. Corporate language is English.

Equal Opportunity

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

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