Associate Geospatial Planner

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us!

We are looking for an Associate Geospatial Planner to support the development of immersive environments through geospatial analysis and creative collaboration. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional with a passion for spatial planning, and themed entertainment design. You’ll contribute to the planning and design of parks, resorts, and experiences by supporting the integration of spatial data into creative and operational strategies.

As an Associate Geospatial Planner, you’ll work alongside experienced planners, designers, and engineers, gaining exposure to a wide range of disciplines—from creative storytelling to infrastructure planning. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical and planning skills while contributing to the evolution of Disney’s global destinations.

A portfolio is required for consideration. Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes examples of maps, data visualizations, and relevant project work.

You Will:

• Collaborate with senior planners and studio partners to translate technical data into high quality maps, spatial analysis, and data visualizations.

• Support the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) data into planning documents on assigned geospatial studies and tasks: technical reports, presentation materials, data summaries, and GIS to master planning workflows. 

• Assist in the preparation of spatial analyses, visualizations and cartographically rich maps for land-use planning efforts. 

• Participate in research and data collection efforts related to land use, infrastructure, and environmental constraints.

• Provide map and analytical documentation in the form of digital interactive or static graphic visualizations: exhibit boards, presentations, ArcGIS StoryMaps for internal and external communication.

• Working in an Enterprise GIS environment, assist in maintaining and organizing geospatial databases, performing extensive data editing, data creating, error reconciliation, data analysis, and geocoding for planning layers.

• Using geospatial information resources (feature classes, tables, imagery, LiDAR, etc.) assist in expanding and maintaining a GIS data library and inventory of existing Disney Parks and Resorts resources.  

• Aid in coordinating geospatial and master planning activities that will involve the ability to multi-task and communicate effectively between multiple teams: data gathering for base map development and master plans.

You Will Have:

• At least one year of professional experience working with ESRI GIS products, including ArcGIS 10 or above, in a professional environment: Themed Entertainment, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Planning, Architecture & Engineering Firm (Two or more years preferred).

• Creative thinker with the ability to understand data analysis in relationship to master planning strategy.

• Demonstrated experience with GIS concepts and uses, such as map projections, data creation/editing, geoprocessing tools, cartographic design.

• Demonstrated knowledge of ESRI apps and products: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS StoryMaps

• Demonstrated ability to work between various map scales and projections with a basic understanding of land planning fundamentals (base maps, standard engineering map scales, master plans, land use plans)

• Experience in data visualization and infographics.

• Experience in relevant software: ArcGIS Pro, Autodesk CAD, Adobe Creative Cloud (especially Illustrator), 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, CityEngine, Rhino), Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint).

• Experience preparing Autodesk CAD files for GIS integration.

• Ability to create and maintain consistency in process and quality of data editing, data creation and data organization across GIS inventory and resource databases.   

• Familiarity working with imagery.

• Detail-orientated and organized, and able to quality self-check work and documents.  

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to quickly adapt to a fast-paced work environment with shifting priorities, working independently and diligently performing and executing tasks in a timely manner. 

• Exceptional graphic communication and visualization skills.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication 

• Valid Driver’s License required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of site development issues and constraints, identifying on a map: unique environmental features, infrastructure, political and entitlement boundaries, etc.

• Exposure to CAD-to-GIS workflows.

• Knowledge and appreciation for the Disney brand

• Active membership in relevant professional organization(s) such as American Planning Association (APA), American Association of Geographers (AAG), Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)/Geospatial Professional Network (GPN), Society for Conservation GIS, GIS Certification Institute (GISP), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), etc. 

Education:

• A degree (Bachelor’s or Associates’) required from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GeoDesign, Data Science, Geospatial Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Architecture, or equivalent.

• Professional certification desirable (GISP, AICP)

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $71,000 to $95,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.