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 seeking a creative, collaborative, and technically skilled Geospatial Planner to lead studio initiatives and support innovative master planning efforts across our global portfolio. Our Geospatial Planners play a critical role in integrating geographic information systems (GIS) with urban and regional planning to support sustainable, data-driven decision-making— ensuring that every square foot contributes to a compelling and operationally sound guest experience.

To excel in this role, a Geospatial Planner should bring a strong foundation in urban and regional planning, master planning, or landscape architecture, combined with advanced proficiency in geospatial technologies. This includes expertise in spatial analysis, data visualization, geospatial database management, cartography, 3D modeling, and web mapping—particularly as applied to large-scale, narrative-driven environments.

As a key contributor to the master planning process, you will integrate spatial data with creative and operational strategies to support the development of immersive, functional, and sustainable destinations. Working closely with master planners, landscape architects, creative directors, producers, and engineers, you’ll help ensure that every environment we design is informed by data and aligned with both storytelling and operational goals. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow within WDI, gaining exposure to a wide range of disciplines—from creative storytelling to engineering and operations—while developing your expertise at the intersection of geospatial science and experiential design.

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

You Will:

• Lead moderately complex geospatial studies and initiatives in support of innovative master planning efforts across our global portfolio.

• Collaborate with creative, technical, and operational teams to ensure geospatial insights support both narrative intent and operational requirements.

• Expertly leverage GIS tools and spatial data to inform site selection, scenario planning, master planning, guest circulation strategies, and the visualization of complex datasets to support planning initiatives and business development strategies.

• Aid studio team members in synthesizing and visualizing geospatial data analysis for integration into planning and design approaches informing master plan recommendations and site development decision-making.

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

• Provide research and documentation, technical reports, data summaries, maps on geospatial studies for assigned projects. 

• Effectively communicate and coordinate tasks between multiple teams and/or vendors to gather essential spatial data: imagery, LiDAR.

• Analyze data and prepare cartographically rich maps for land-use planning efforts. 

• Work in an Enterprise GIS environment creating, editing, organizing data, and configuring geodatabases. 

• Assist in expanding and maintaining a GIS data library and inventory of existing Disney Parks and Resorts resources.  

• Coordinate activities that involve multi-tasking and effective communication between multiple teams regarding geospatial and master planning projects.  

You Will Have:

• 3-5 years 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. (Five to seven years preferred).

• Strategic, creative thinker with the ability to understand geospatial data analysis in relationship to master planning strategy and apply data analysis to site development approaches.

• Demonstrated experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) concepts and tools: map projections, data creation/ editing, geoprocessing, and cartographic design.

• Proficiency in ESRI apps and products: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS StoryMaps, ArcGIS Dashboards, ArcGIS Experience Builder.

• Advanced understanding of working between various map projections and scales, with a foundation in urban and regional land planning fundamentals.

• Experience in data visualization and infographics.

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

• Ability to process Autodesk CAD data for GIS integration.

• Familiarity working with Lidar and imagery.

• Detail-orientated and organized, with the ability to quality-check your own and interns’ work.  

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to a fast-paced work environment with shifting priorities.

• Work independently and diligently to complete tasks on time, while proactively seeking guidance from a supervisor or project lead when navigating conflicting deadlines or priorities.

• Exceptional graphic communication and visualization skills, with the ability to translate technical data into creative planning insights

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills 

• Valid Driver’s License required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of master planning and site development issues, including planning documents, development agreements, permitting, zoning, and environmental reviews.

• Understanding of land use planning principles, master planning strategy, guest experience design, and the unique spatial challenges of themed entertainment development.

• Familiarity with Python scripting in an ESRI GIS environment

• Knowledge and appreciation for the Disney brand

• Active membership in professional organizations 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:

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited university in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GeoDesign, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.

• Advanced graduate degree preferred.

• Professional certification or licensure preferred (e.g., GISP, AICP, PLA).

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 $94,200 to $126,200 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.