Student Job Opportunities

(Last Updated: August 31, 2026)

Student workers play a vital role in supporting the mission of YCGS by providing essential assistance to our staff. YCGS positions are open to current Yale University students, both undergraduate and graduate. We offer a range of student roles to support our diverse program needs. A list of available positions is provided below, and current openings can be found on Yale Student Employment. 

If you’d like to hear about other on-campus geospatial jobs, we encourage you to join our LinkedIn Group, where we share both on- and off-campus geospatial opportunities.

1. Digital Media Coordinator (Job ID: 36485)

2. Geospatial Designer (Job ID: 38920)

We’re looking for a student geospatial designer to help create compelling maps and spatial visualizations that turn complex geographic data into clear, useful stories.

What you’ll work on

• Design polished static and interactive maps
• Work with vector and raster spatial datasets
• Analyze geographic patterns and translate findings into effective visualizations
• Help develop web maps and other geospatial products
• Combine GIS, cartography, graphic design, and spatial analysis to solve real-world problems

What we’re looking for

• Experience with ArcGIS and/or QGIS
• Strong interest in cartography, visual hierarchy, color, and graphic design
• Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, Mapbox, Leaflet, or similar tools is a plus
• Experience working with spatial databases, SQL, or large geospatial datasets is a plus
• Ability to communicate complex spatial information clearly
• Curiosity, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills

You do not need to be an expert in every tool listed above. We’re especially interested in students who combine strong visual instincts with technical curiosity and are excited to build their geospatial skills through applied projects.

To apply: Send a short statement of interest, résumé, and 2–3 examples of maps, visualizations, or other relevant work.

In our group, we look for people who are curious, rigorous, and adaptable. We value:

• Curiosity and Initiative – asking bold questions, exploring new ideas, and connecting across disciplines.
• Scientific Rigor – grounding insights in data, methods, and evidence.
• Technical Competence – strong skills in statistics, coding, geospatial analysis, and the ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Efficiency and Pragmatism – getting things done within real-world constraints while knowing when to refine and polish.
• Interdisciplinary Thinking – bridging natural sciences, social sciences, the humanities, and applied systems to generate useful insights.
• Communication – making complex results accessible through clear writing, data visualization, mapping, and storytelling.
• Resilience – staying forward-looking and problem-solving even when projects get messy.

We work on projects that connect data science with pressing challenges at the intersection of environment and society. If you’re motivated to learn, collaborate, and create impact, you’ll thrive here.